CHAPTER 7.

Adnan's P.O.V

" If you won't stop crying I'll fill up this sweet mouth of yours with my hard dick. Cupcake. " I threatened, and like always she got scared. My lungs expanded with pride and a smirk droned to my face.

She was crying silently but after my threat, those eyes- full of innocence- were only wet but had stopped pouring the salty water.

A deep and irritating sigh skips through my nose. I really wanted to hold her and caress her head, telling her to stop getting anxious.

It's over now.

She can rely on me.

The hard part of her life is gone now, I'm her future and her family. She can toss those unworthy people out of her life. I'm all she needs and wants.

But another part of me was annoyed with her, how dare she call that name? Eden. It was in the past. She needs to understand. He's gone. I'm here for her and she doesn't need a weak pathetic and emotional jerk.

It was a twenty minute ride to my house- which was dark and empty. I drove at medium speed, it was a valley so I can't risk her life. Because of her stupidity, she already got a small hit on her forehead.

I peek and stare at her and my heart skips a beat. She was indeed a rare beauty. She falls asleep. Maybe it was an illusion but I felt myself smiling. Adnan and smiling just staring at her. I chuckled staring forth but a few minutes later my eyes made their way in her direction.

My soft expression turns into finely chiseled lines on my face. I let out a huff first staring at the checking sessions. I stopped my car at the side first and wrapped my beautiful angel. Her hijab was already covering her modesty but still, I wanted to make sure. It's not like I eyed her chest the first time but it always feels like the first time.

She was like a drug to me.

A drug, I can't resist.

I started my car again and drove forth until I reached the crossing line and warning banners. I glared at the cop who was on duty, he gestured for me to slide my window down. I narrowed my eyes but slid it down, anyway.

" Extremely sorry for being a thorn in your way, Sir. " He bent forward to take a look into the car. I counted, to three. If he stares at her for more than three seconds. He was going to be dead. But he backed off on the two counts.

GOOD!

" Can I see your driving license? " He asked, standing straight. Rays of the sun fell on his face as he had taken off his cap, his features were highlighted with the glinting aura. I read the tag of his name, Kristofer James.

I swift my driving license between my two fingers, he seems irritated but not my matter. I was more nice than necessary anyway. If I wasn't in a good mood I would have driven over his dead body a long time ago.

He checked it twice and handed me back, again his eyes went toward my Cupcake. At the time the crossing opened and the banner had been moved aside for my way.

" Mind if I ask? Who's she? " I smirked, staring at my car but whispered before driving. " My wife. "

Sun rays were peeking behind the clouds, damnit. Just in front of my fucking face. I couldn't even close my eyes shut, cursing the sun rising above my head my eyes turned to her side. She was still very much in deep sleep. Maybe the past trauma had made her mind freeze. She was under stress already but now that fucking b**tard landlord.

I'll kill him.

I again looked at her small face, looking even smaller as the layer of hijab covered her face cutely. I raised my hand and caressed her head, a small hum left her mouth. How long has it been since she received any comfort?

I almost forget what she was for me. Almost.

But I pulled my hand back when an old line touched my ear. I wasn't worthy to touch her nor was she worthy to receive any kindness.

It was our fate.

Allah must cross our path but I'll keep her with me. If she tries to run away then I'll punish her.

She will remain mine.

By hook or crook.

Dianna's P.O.V

I squeezed my eyes when my headache. I didn't even get the time to hiss when a voice occupied my mind and ears.

" You're up. " It was a cold but surprisingly amusing tone. I fixed myself but luckily I was in good shape, my hijab didn't even budge.

What a relief.

" Come out. " I heard him say.... nope. I heard him ordering. Anyway, I searched for the knob but it was automatically opened and I got out of the car but my breath flew back into my throat. He was standing close, too close.

I visibly gulped, turning my face away. A part of me wanted to sit back into the car but he was already alert to turn my all tries and thoughts into vain.

" Be a good girl and behave from now on..." He was cut off by me.

" Or else? Let me guess. You'll destroy anyone's life who is precious to me? " I could imagine him smirking. A hand was placed beside me, in the car, and the breaths started to burn me even more rapidly. As he hovered.

" Wise girl. " I shut my eyes, clenching my fists and fighting an urge to slap him once again.

" Obviously, that's all you can do. Like a coward, you're using others' lives. What do you think about how long you can keep blackmailing me? " I was shivering but still I managed to speak loudly.

" Coward? " He chuckled, " Here you're wrong, Cupcake. I can play with anyone's life and it doesn't seem like a cowardly act but a glimpse of my power. " I hissed when a finger flickered on my forehead. " Use your brain and tell yourself? Who's the coward here? You're a coward to even kneel down because you're scared of my power and wrath. "

With that, I felt my chest feeling at ease and light when he backed off. Finally, I breathed in and out. His scent was something I always felt uncomfortable with.

An ounce of my heart wanted to throw acid over his face and heart but I don't like violence. Fortunately, he had given me space, not extremely far but at least I could breathe generally. I could feel him ogle at me.

" Come. " He said generally but I chose to mortify the order. I glued it in my place, leaning on the car's door. I didn't budge and we paused, longer than necessary.

I won't follow him like a puppy. Who knows where he's taking me...

My thoughts had tarnished like iron with rust and a scream left my mouth when I found myself lifting up from the ground. I held the first thing I caught and I guess. It was his shoulder meanwhile I was thrown over his shoulder. Apparently, Generally, Technically, it wasn't what I expected.

" Let me go. " I shouted, hitting his bold back squeal vigorously but he had made up his mind. " Fine. I'll walk. Just put me down. " I was nearly crossing the stage to beg him but panic crept into my heart when he tightened his grip on my legs and started walking somewhere.

" Too late. Cupcake. " He said it was too normal to just throw a girl over his shoulder and walk wherever he wanted.

" Put me down. Please. " My legs struggled into his firm grip and knuckles were recklessly beating him.

I sensed the warmth of the sun, it was bright and unbearably warm. I was dying in shame cursing myself for not obeying him in the first place. The heat of the sun started to burn me but he didn't stop. I heard an odd cracking sound. It was the door. With the sound, I could guess how huge it was.

" Don't worry. No one is here, you're safe to be carried by me. " I squeezed my eyes in agony. Was I too easy to read? He didn't even look at my face.

" Please, put me down." My voice cracked, I was this close to crying again. My mind was chanting Allah's name for help. I just wanted to run away from this man and hide somewhere. Somewhere I can feel safe.

" Once we reach our destination. " He whispered, I flinched when his hand crawled up to my legs and stopped above my hip as I felt him climbing up.

" Stop, please. Don't touch me. " I wobbled, my chin and cheeks were soaking with my sudden burst. I heard another odd sound of the door as he entered.

A mix of fruity and rich smells hit my nostrils and my heart squeezed. I wasn't dumb to not understand where he took me. It was his room.

My legs and hands were to struggle more but only to end up on the bed as he threw me like I was just a doll. A fragment of this moment I felt stiff. Touching the mattress as it dips with my weight. It was soft but I was more panicked than excited to find a soft mattress.

My tears were still soaking my cheek and a sense of his intense gaze struck a knife into my heart limp to limp tearing me apart.

" Why are you being so cruel to me? Don't you have fear of Allah? I'll never forgive you for touching me this way. " I was cut off by a hiccup and coaxed cries left my mouth again and again.

" Cry all you want but make sure to get yourself before my arrival. " A relief rushed over my heart and it broke onto my face. " Don't be so happy. Be ready to be mine when I return. " The mattress dropped with his weight and I crawled back but he caught my chin. " No one likes to be greeted by his wife's crying face. "

" I'm not your wife. " I barked ready to hop off from the bed but he pulled me back.

" Don't worry. Soon you'll be. " He touched my head like a parent of a kid. " You can get fresh and prepare yourself for me tonight. " I flinched back from his touch and he let out a peal of evil laughter.

" I won't stay here. I will run away. " A gasp skipped from my mouth when he grabbed my throat, I could feel the dark aura. I was astonished at the fact that how fast his mood swung. I panic trying to free myself when he squeezes my throat harder. My eyes started to gather a new set of tears when it was getting unbearable. I guessed, his face was red in rage as well as mine, with lack of oxygen.

" Don't even think about running away, Cupcake. I kill your remaining soul. " He growled, making my eyes shut. A sob was about to leave my mouth but it turned out to be a gasp when he hovered over me. My back met the softness of the mattress as he pressured as much as he could.

" My hands can create a piece of art but they are capable of killing someone too. I hope you won't like to be that someone. Don't provoke me. " He bites my cheek but my struggle was going in vain. My lungs are ready to burst if I don't get the oxygen any longer soon.

My hands which were on his chest to push him fell beside me. My face indeed turned blue as I was going into dark slumber. I just need it. It would be good if I just sleep.

I want to sleep.

Just once.

A peaceful sleep.

" I won't even let you die. " I heard a faint whisper as the grip was no longer blocking my oxygen pipe but I just wanted to sleep. My eyes were getting shut and just like open eyes, darkness engulfed me and I blanked out.

" Mr. Altaf. " A loud banging made them all pissed but upstairs she flinched at the voice. She wasn't allowed to take one step out of her room.

" Mr. Altaf. Please hear me out. Just once. Sir. " Eden bids on the door but no one opens it. He sighed, feeling helpless and angry. He turned on his heels but was stiff.

His shouting and begging make the neighbors curious. The chiseled face lost all the remaining softness and he glared at the single person. When Zain had told him, this town was full of itself. He doesn't understand until now.

" What are you staring at? Huh? Is it fun to watch others' miseries? " He approached the small crowd with dangerous intentions. He was full of rage and worried sick for her but these people!

A hand grabs him to prevent him from hitting anyone or jumping over them. " Eden, enough my boy. " He stared at his father. An emotion rolled onto his face and his eyes moisture with water.

" Dad. " He let out a hoarse whisper and his index finger pointed to Dianna's house. " They'll hurt her." He cried, with tears rolling down his cheeks. " She is innocent. I was the one who was wrong. She did nothing wrong. She did nothing wrong..." He burst into tears and his father hugged him with a worried face.

" It's okay. My son. It's okay to feel low. Your father will handle it. Come, your Mom is worried about you. " Mr. Vil just patted his back and walked forward to their house. People were making chatting sounds, as they both walked past them and got inside the house.

" Oh! my son. " As he entered his mother hugged him tightly and he cried silently into his mother's warmth.

" Mom. Help me. I'm feeling too helpless. " He broke the hug and held her hands. " They'll hurt her. I swear we did nothing wrong. I tried to kiss her but she pushed me away. " He tried to explain even though it was a mere thing for him to kiss someone. His parents knew him, he had plenty of girlfriends before but it was the first time he was swearing over a kiss and crying over the thought of her being hurt.

" It's okay. Dad and I are going to talk with the Altaf family. We'll settle everything, just don't cry. " She again hugged him, who nodded eagerly.

" Please, do something. I don't want her to be hurt. " He whispered almost like begging. Mrs. Vil stared at her husband who sighed with an understanding nod.

The whole day went like a tornado for him. His eyes were looking at her window. It was shut close and it was scaring him. He just prayed, his parents handled everything as they promised. But he just couldn't sit back with hands-on his lap.

His heart was saying something was going to happen, something bad. Too bad. He went to her house with a pale face. He didn't want to eavesdrop but his heart clenched in curiosity. Why not? They were talking about his and her future.

Meantime. Inside Altaf's house, there was a serious conversation going on. Elders were sitting in the living room. Zain was standing in the corner with an unreadable face but his eyes seemed to hurt.

He kept his mouth shut, staring at his parents and Dianna's parents who were yelling disrespectfully towards Mr. and Mrs. Vil.

" I know, it's a delicate situation for us but we need to think wisely. Mr. Altaf. " Mrs. Vil whispered with a light tone even a small forced smile drew to her face, forced because Mr. Altaf was glaring at her husband.

" So what you want to say, we're not open-minded? Is it not you who is drawing in shame? It's me because my own daughter was roaming with a boy who has no dignity, even a fragment of shame. " Zain furrowed at the words his uncle chose. It was wrong to object to Eden's frankness. Mr. Vil nearly burst into a rage but his wife held his hand in soothing manners.

" Brother. We just want our children's happiness. God blesses us with such elegant children and Dianna is like my own daughter. I swear. " She looked at Mrs. Altaf who smiled at Mrs. Vil's words but Mr. Altaf was still glaring at those uninvited guests. " She's fragile and my son really likes your daughter. " A sigh from Mr. Altaf's mouth as he turned his face.

" He told me everything. There is nothing you need to worry about. Our Dianna is such a beautiful and pure girl, God blessed her with intelligence. " Mrs. Vil paused, grabbing Mr. Vil's hand before she added. " I'd like to take her for my son. "

Mrs. Altaf and Zain's mother gasped with wide eyes while males were quiet like the ocean. Zain's heart clenched and he bit his bottom lip until a metallic taste touched his buds.

There was a long pause.

The silence was numbing in everyone's ears.

Then suddenly, a loud crashing sound echoed. Mr. Altaf slammed the vase on the floor from the nearby table.

" Imran. " Mrs. Altaf called his husband's name in horror, meanwhile Mr. and Mrs. Vil were shocked at his sudden act. The vase's pieces were scattered everywhere.

" What do you think of yourself? Huh? I'd rather die than let my daughter marry a Christian. Do you even know what you're talking about? " Mr. Altaf yelled at the top of his lungs and inside the room, she flinched brutally. Her heart was saying everything was going the opposite of her wish.

" Imran. Calm down. They're here with intentions. " Zain's father, Saad patted his brother's shoulder but he was out of control now.

"Their intentions I know clearly. They just want to ruin my reputation. " Mr. Vil stood up with a done face.

" Enough. You're overactive. Your daughter and my son like each other then what's the matter to let them be together? " Mr. Vil yelled but still it was far softer than Imran's words.

" I won't let this happen. Over my dead body. I'll choose whom she'll marry. " The gasp from Mrs. Altaf didn't take anyone's attention. She was worried sick for her daughter. Her husband was taking his ego up more than his daughter's happiness.

" They're not kids anymore. They're at the legal age to choose what's best for them. If you keep your ego up then you'll lose your daughter. " Mr. Vil said, and they all looked at Imran because it was the truth.

" I don't care. " Imran yelled, clenching her heart , curling herself into a ball. Covering herself with a duvet. Tears rolled down from her cheeks and fell on the duvet. " I already fixed her engagement with my brother's son, Zain. " A thunder fell on two people.

" What? When did this happen? " Zain couldn't help but say surprisingly.

" Last summer, your uncle and I had a conversation and we thought it'd be a good idea until now..." Saad said in a low tone regretting his decision because if Dianna wasn't happy with it then there was no point to building a hollow relationship.

Zain was confused about if he should be happy or sad. He clenched his fist in helplessness and not wanting to interrupt the elders' talk.

" Zain and Dianna are going to marry and it's final. Keep your proposal to yourself. " Imran said it was farewell.

" But Dianna likes my son. It's so cruel of you. Mrs. Altaf says something, your husband can't force Dianna to marry someone else when she is clearly not going to be happy. " Mrs. Vil looked at Mrs. Altaf but she lowered her head in helplessness.

Eden backed off from the window, he couldn't take more. He was dying. Bit by bit. How could they do this to him, to her? He was an outsider but she was his own daughter. What type of father's love was it that couldn't melt a stone heart?

He swallowed with tearful eyes, it can't happen. I won't let it happen. He wiped his tears and looked out the window.

His heart squeezed in pain, he just can't leave her like this. He just can't.

Without thinking twice he roamed his eyes around and managed the ladder. He knew one thing, he can't leave her. She was his. Only his. He won't let Zain marry her when she likes him too.

He climbed on the ladder and knocked on the window twice. He peeks inside and finds a figure covered with the duvet but it is so hot right now. A tug raised into his heart when sobs touched his ears. " Dianna." He called her name and knocked a third time. Finally, she unwrapped herself from the duvet and sat up. He was stiff.

It was the first time when he glimpsed her beauty without a hijab but he quickly turned his face away. If she doesn't want him to see her without a hijab then he won't.

She must guess his presence at the window as her hand searched for the hijab. She didn't even sigh in relief and wrapped herself first. She was shivering badly and tear stains were visible on her face. A reddish shade gleamed on her cheeks. She gingerly came closer to the window and slid it up.

" Dianna. " He stared up at her face and his heart squeezed seeing those beautiful eyes swollen and red. " Did they...Did they hit you again? " He asked but his eyes could see those blue bruises on her right cheek. She was hit by someone after the encounter. Even a small red bruise was visible on her forehead.

She didn't say anything and lowered her head. A series of sobs left her mouth and a new set of tears fell. His hand stops at mid to touch her cheek and wipe down those tears.

" I can't...I can't let them decide our future. Dianna. Come with me. " She snaps her head at him as blind eyes widen in astonishment. " I can't leave you, and see you marry someone else. You're eighteen and I'm almost nineteen. We have the right to choose what's good for us. Come with me. " He was about to hold her hand but she already shook her head no.

" I can't, they're my parents. " She hides her face in her palms, crying silently.

" They're parents then they should give priority to your happiness over their ego and reputation. You're coming with me. " He hissed. Everyone was still talking downstairs.

He climbed into the room with an angry face because she was crying over them. " Dianna. It's nothing wrong to think about us. One day they'll realize what they had done but it'll be too late. I don't want us to regret it too. No one will be happy if you marry someone else except your father. " She sat on the bed, shaking her head. Meanwhile he started to search for her bag. He open the zip of the bag and opened the cupboard here. His hands were shivering badly but he only wanted her. The mere thought of losing her was eating him.

" Eden. I'm not going..." She was cut off by someone.

" Yes! You're. " They both turned at Zain who was crossing his hands, his eyes held anger. Like he was ready to rip someone apart. " You both are going far from here and don't worry about them. I'll handle everything. " She was stiff, hearing him only if she could see his wet eyes.

" Eden. Can you drive?” Eden nodded eagerly, packing her bags. Zain took out his car's keys and threw them in his direction. " Your parents are still downstairs. They're keeping everyone's attention. Do you know my friend, Ishan? " Eden nodded, zipping up her bag. " He owns a farmhouse in another town. I'll make a call to him, he'll let you crash there. " Dianna was still sitting on the bed like they weren't just deciding her future.

" Zain. Brother. I can't, they're my parents. " She whispered, in a hoarse tone. Eden tried to drench his dry throat with saliva but it didn't help much. She was sobbing hard, cupping her face.

" Dianna. It's not only about you now. It's about three lives. Me, you, Eden. You'll never be happy with me if your heart is beating for him. " He patted her head with a smile. " Just do what makes you happy and Eden is your happiness. I can see it. " He stared at Eden who was chewing his bottom lip. " Take care of her. " With that, he gestured towards the window.

" Let's go, Dianna. " Eden held the hem of her baggy shirt. She didn't want to leave her family in misery but it's true she will never be happy with someone else and now Zain's life was on the line too.

It was clear Mr. Imran won't back off from his words then no one had any other options left. She stood up from her place.

" This way. " Eden threw the bag's strap on his shoulder and led her away. She was crying recklessly but silently. First Eden climbed on the ladder and then she followed. Zain made sure she was safe until Eden helped her climb down and they reached the ground.

" Come. " Eden was holding her cloth but stopped when she paused. She was facing the house with emotion with blind eyes like she could see the glowing house. An ounce of heart said to not leave but she had no option left.

Zain was staring down at them when Eden tightened his grip on the hem of her shirt. Scared that she changed her mind at this moment but she turned to him with spreading arms in his search and a small smile drew to his lips. He held her sleeve even tightly and started walking towards Zain's car. Almost like running but making sure she didn't trip.

Meanwhile, Zain's eyes started to get watery but he held them back and watched the car driving far from his sight. He backed off from the window and sighed in contentment.

He turned on his heels but was stiff. Mrs. Altaf was standing at the door with tearful eyes but her face was worried sick for him.

" I did what was right. I know, it's the wrong way but they deserve each other. He loves her and Dianna loves him too. " He gulped in urgency to stop his cries. His eyes were red, staring at Mrs. Altaf who stood in front of him.

" Are you okay? My boy. " It was all he could take, and burst into tears. " Oh! Son. Allah gives you patience. " She hugged him, who was crying like a kid.

He was broken but didn't regret his decision. It was good for everyone.