𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 23

Zehra's POV

I woke up to an empty bed and assumed my husband had left for work. After showering and getting dressed to a new simple salwar kameez, I headed to the kitchen for water. But as I approached, I saw a woman standing there, putting something in the refrigerator. I reached out to tap her shoulder, expecting her to jump or scream, but she calmly turned around and introduced herself. She said that Zaidan had sent her to check on me, and had asked her to bring ice cream. I couldn't help but feel grateful that Zaidan did that, because I was really craving ice-cream.

Sitting with the woman in the living room, I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that Zaidan had left for work without saying goodbye. I had been feeling nauseous since earlier that morning when I woke up with cramps and my period. Zaidan had made breakfast for me, but after seeing it was raining outside, I ran out and started coughing and feeling sick. He told me to go back to sleep, but I couldn't shake the feeling of nausea. Despite feeling unwell, I was grateful that he had sent someone to check on me, and I couldn't help but feel curious about the woman who sat before me.

"Hi, I'm Lily," she started, seeing me looking at her curiously. "Your husband sent me to check up on you. I understand that this might seem strange, but he's worried about you," she said. Zaidan?! And worried about me? Maybe. "He asked me to make sure you're okay. I can understand why you might be suspicious, but I'm not lying. Alessandro is my husband and we both work for your husband. If you don't believe me, you can check my phone for more details. I just want to make sure that you're okay and that we can help you if you need it," she continued, pulling out her phone from her back pocket from her black jeans.

"No, it's okay. I believe you," I said quickly before she could hand me her phone.

"But?"

"But it's, um, awkward," I said as she smiled at me. "Should we play a game?" I asked, hoping she would say yes, but to my disappointment she shook her head. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not allowed," she said.

"Why not?"

She gently shrugged. "Boss's rule," she said. Why would he do that? That's so rude of him!

I nodded and motioned towards the TV. "Can you at least watch TV with me?" I asked, grabbing the TV remote.

"Of course," she smiled at me and stood up behind the sofa as I looked at her confused.

"If I watch something while sitting, I will not be able to focus on anything else except the thing I'm watching, and that's dangerous. So I prefer to stand, and it's for your safety as well," she answered at my confusion.

I nodded wondering why do I need safety when I don't have any enemy who wants to kill me.

********

After watching TV, Lily styled my hair beautifully and did light makeup on my face. I'm not a fan of makeup, but I do like it, and I wanted to wear some today. I also wore my jhumka earrings, bangles, nose piercing, and a necklace that my mom gifted to me a year ago.

"You look so pretty," Lily commented. I wore a beautiful dress. It's a beautiful brown color with a flowy skirt that twirls perfectly when I spin. The bodice has intricate lace detailing that adds an elegant touch. I also wore my dupatta on my left shoulder, which has a matching lace trim and a soft, silky texture. Lily was kind enough to take some photos of me and I can't wait to see how they turned out!