I Need You

The just risen sun shone softly on the city streets, bringing with it a flurry of early morning activity. Ibrahim woke up with his eyes feeling heavy with sleep. The pain in his abdomen is much better than it was yesterday, and the pain in his head has also subsided. He couldn't remember how long he had slept for him to feel so energized. He typically sleeps less than five hours per day, and his body must be exhausted. However, the image of his wife caring for him flashed through his mind. He looked at Anna and saw that she was still sleeping beside him. She must be exhausted from looking after him all night. He couldn't help but smile as he remembered how genuine she was. He gently caressed her cheek, trying not to wake her up.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

He then heard a loud alarm sound echo through the silent room, which turned out to be Anna’s phone. Indicating that it's seven o'clock in the morning. She needed to get up, as much as she wanted to sleep longer. Anna opened her eyes after turning off her alarm, and the first thing she looked for was her husband. Ibrahim had already woken and was staring at her.

“Does your stomach still hurt?” She asked, concerned, as she placed her palm on his forehead to take his temperature. “Thank goodness, the fever has gone.” She breathed a sigh of relief.

“It's seven. We should get ready or we'll be late.” Despite how moved he was by her actions, Ibrahim tried to sound normal.

Anna gave him a murderous stare. “You should take a day off. You still needed to rest.” She ordered him.

Ibrahim turned to her with another piercing stare. “What did you just say?”

Anna crawled up to him and lightly pressed her palm against his abdomen. Ibrahim almost screamed in pain.

“Are you crazy?” He yelled and rubbed his stomach to relieve the slight pain.

Anna looked at her husband's eyes, she felt victorious. “You are so stubborn that it drives me insane. I feel sorry for your body because you made it work so hard.”

He couldn't come up with anything to say to her because she sounded so perfect. She sounded like she was his real wife. A wife who looked after her husband because it was her duty.

“Stop skipping meals and drinking coffee with an empty stomach.” With a worried tone, she reminded him. “Painkillers are also not an option. As it will only aggravate your stomach acid and dehydrate you.” She added once more.

Ibrahim laughed, finding her amusing. “Do you realize how much you sound like a nagging woman now?”

Anna rolled her eyes in irritation. If he isn't her husband, she is going to punch him in the face right now. “You should take a day off. If you dare to leave, I will tell Jessica to kick you out of your office.”

Ibrahim couldn't stop himself from laughing. When did she start hanging out with his secretary? “I am her superior. Jessica, like everyone else in that skyscraper building, is under my command. Do you think she has that much courage to kick me out?” He attempted to provoke her. He finds it amusing to irritate her.

Anna sighed, her teeth clenched in anger. “Would you please stop being so stubborn?” She sounded irritated and angry.

Anna rose from her bed and went to the bathroom, knowing that if she stayed any longer, she would have to argue with Ibrahim all morning. She doesn't have much time as she has to be at school by eight. She had a quick shower and dressed up. When she returned to her room, Ibrahim was still lying on his bed, his gaze fixed on his phone.

“Are you not going to get up?” She inquired.

Ibrahim’s eyes squinted. “Didn't you tell me that I needed take a day off?”

Anna sighed once again. “You should at least eat your breakfast,” She replied and exited her room.

For some reason, Ibrahim felt unable to disobey her. It appears that he wanted to hear everything she said, which is unusual. He despises being controlled, so how could Anna Rae have such power over him? What kind of spell did she cast on him last night?

Ibrahim arrived at the dining table and couldn't find his wife. He could only see the maids as they served breakfast on their big dinner table.

“Where is Anna, Mrs. Taylor?” He inquired and took an apple slice.

“I'm not sure, but I think she is in the kitchen preparing something.” The maid responded gently.

Ibrahim looked a little perplexed. What is she planning now? He has enough maids to prepare the items she needs, so why did she choose to do it herself? She's just as obstinate as he is.

Just as he was about to take another slice of apple, Anna returned with a glass of drink in her hand and placed it in front of Ibrahim. Ibrahim looked at her discreetly, as if he was curious what it was.

“It's aloe vera juice, it reduces inflammation in the esophagus and stomach.” When Anna saw Ibrahim’s discreet look, she explained.

Why does she sound so much like his doctor right now? “Thank you.” He said and started drinking the aloe vera juice she had made.

Is this how it feels to have someone look after you? Happy? He is, of course. It's just that he refuses to acknowledge it.

“I have to leave now. Don't forget to eat your lunch. There will be no coffee or other caffeine. If you experience pain again, the medications can be found in the left cabinet.” Anna stated after finishing her breakfast.

Hearing all of her nagging, Ibrahim couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “I didn’t know that you nag a lot.” He responded without looking her in the eyes.

Anna felt compelled to yank every strand of his hair and make him bald. Is this how he thanked her for nursing him all night? For God's sake, she nearly stayed awake all night to monitor his condition. This guy knows how to get on her nerves. She quickly moves out of his sight before they resume their argument. She's too exhausted for that.

“Pretty Anna!”

A loud squeal startled Anna, who turned to look at the source of the beautiful melodious voice. Her lips curled up as the little boy ran towards her. No matter how many times she asks him to stop calling her pretty Anna, he refuses. He promised to only call her when they weren't at school.

“Lucas.” She gently stroked the little boy's hair as he sat beside her.

Anna looked at the little boy and wished she could have a son like him one day. Will Ibrahim allow her to have his children?

“Did you just finish your class?” Anna inquired.

Lucas excitedly nodded. “The previous class was painting. It was so dull. I preferred your drawing class.”

Anna couldn't help but chuckle. She finds this boy both amusing and intriguing. She recalled their first meeting. He was impolite and cold. Who knows, she might get along with him after a cup of ice cream? She'd heard from other teachers that this boy is a handful, but he's never been one for her. She began to learn his behavior after several weeks of teaching at the school and discovered that he is a kind and honest boy. He listened to her and behaved well around her, as if she were his mother.

“Is your dad coming to pick you up?” Anna asked once again, recalling the attractive young father of this little boy. She remembered how a simple introduction and greeting with that young man had successfully enraged Ibrahim.

Lucas nodded his head. “I asked my dad to come fetch me instead of my uncle starting now.”

Anna’s eyes narrowed as she looked perplexed at the little boy. “You don't like it when your driver picks you up?” Anna asked.

Just then, Lucas lowered his head, and his smile faded. “Chad said nobody loves me. I'll show him that my Dad loves me by asking him to come instead of uncle.”

Anna’s heart was broken by his sad expression. This little boy is looking too frail. Anna gently drew him into her embrace and stroked his hair. “Your dad will always love you, no matter what.” She said it softly, hoping he'd understand.

When Lucas looked at his teacher, he felt the warmth in Anna's tight embrace. “Really?”

Anna nodded and smiled as she looked him in the eyes. Every parent on the planet   adores their children. “Your Dad and Mom, both love you so much that they would do anything for you.”

Lucas’s face darkened when she mentioned his mom. “I don't have a mom.” He scowled.

Anna’s eyes widened in surprise, she realized she had said something incorrectly. Anna should not have brought it up. Anna you dumb, she cursed herself. She tried to change the subject but before she could ask anything else. Lucas spoke up.

“Mom abandoned me and Dad. She doesn't care about us.” Lucas said coldly. Anna looked at him seeing his little brows furrowed in fury.

Anna cupped Lucas' little face and gently stroked his chubby red cheeks. “Perhaps she has her own reason. As I previously stated, every parent, including yours, adores their children. You must not claim that she doesn't love you.” Anna said gently.

Anna’s thoughtful gaze was returned by Lucas. “You looked after me. You listen to my story, console me when I'm down, and even buy me ice cream. Do you care about me?” He inquired, as if he were serious.

Anna is aware that he is a sensitive child who understands how much she cares for him. “You are my student. And of course, I love you.” She responded with sincerity.

The little boy took Anna’s hand in his and gripped it tightly. “My Dad is single. You should marry him and then you can be my mom.” He stated it clearly, his face serious.

Anna was taken aback by what this little boy just said. How will she answer him? She couldn't be his mom. His Dad might appear to be single, but she is not. How will she explain it to him? She knew he was just an ordinary boy who craved the love of a mother, and she didn't mind playing the role of his mother at school. This is completely beyond her imagination. Where did he pick up such knowledge? How should she explain to her that marriage is not easy?

“She can't be your mom.”

When Anna was still lost in her thoughts, she was interrupted by a deep voice. She noticed the owner of the voice standing two meters away from her and Lucas, she widened her eyes in surprise.

Ibrahim walked towards Anna and the little boy, looking at them in disbelief. He must have heard it. “As much as you want her to be your mother, she is not available.” He bent his knees to match Lucas’s height.

Anna glared at Ibrahim. “What are you trying to do?” She sounded annoyed.

Ibrahim stood up and returned her the same cold stare. “Because you're my wife.”

Lucas slowly let go of Anna's hand. He crossed his hands across his chest and glared angrily at the man standing in front of him. “So you're the one who made my pretty Anna sad.” The little boy sounded furious. He remembered seeing Anna wipe away her tears, and when he asked her why, she replied briefly that someone close to her had hurt her.

Ibrahim looked at the little boy in disbelief. Is this tiny boy trying to challenge him? “What did you say?”

Lucas locked his small eyes on Ibrahim. “Please apologize to my Pretty Anna!” He yelled at the man.

Anna exhaled softly to calm herself there, not one but two kids here. She knelt and took Lucas’s little hand in hers. “Lucas it is rude and impolite to speak to an adult in that manner.” She explained.

Lucas refuses to surrender and keeps staring at Ibrahim. “But he hurt you, and you cried because of him. You said we should apologize if we did something wrong.” Little boy said.

Anna bit her lower lip, he's correct. When he got into a fight with another student, she was the one who told him. Anna smiled as he looked at Lucas. “Yes. He had already apologized to me. Thank you for being concerned about me.” She stroked his hair gently.

When Lucas felt Anna's soft touch, his gaze softened. “Really?”

Anna gave a light nod. “You should not have spoken to an adult in that tone. It's considered impolite. You owe him an apology.”

Lucas gave Anna a quick glance before turning to face Ibrahim. He made a light bow to Ibrahim. “I am sorry for yelling at you.” He spoke. He may be a defiant student, but not with Anna. Everything she said seems to be correct.

Something goes through Ibrahim’s heart, and it breaks a little when he hears the little boy say Anna had cried because of him. He trusted the little boy because children never lie. What has he done? Did she tell this little boy about their story?

Lucas tilted his head and looked at Ibrahim from head to toe. “You're quite Handsome, but not more than my dad. I don't want you to make my pretty Anna cry. You must protect her or I will take her away from you.” Lucas said as a warning.

Anna was completely taken aback. Is he really seven years old? He speaks like an adult.

“Lucas” Anna gave the little boy a harsh look as she begged him to stop.

For a brief moment, Ibrahim had the impression that this little boy might be right. He should have guarded and loved her before someone else did. He's a little embarrassed that a Seven-year-old has to remind him. Another young man arrived on the scene at the same time.

“Dad” Lucas jumped joyfully into his father's embrace.

Leo held his son in one arm while clutching his backpack in the other.

"Hello Anna.” He greeted Anna with a warm smile.

Anna smiled at Leo politely and greeted him back. “Hello Leo”

Leo shifted his gaze to the man standing next to Anna. Leo recognized him, he assumed that he'd seen him before. “And you are?” He asked, looking at him.

Ibrahim smirked at the man, whom he had mistaken for flirting with his wife the previous time. He extended his hand in greeting. “I’m Ibrahim Saunders, husband of Anna Saunders.” He stated it clearly and purposefully said "husband" a little louder.

Leo accepted Ibrahim’s greeting with a friendly smile. This young billionaire is all over the media now that is why he looks so familiar. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Ibrahim.”

Leo turned to Anna with a friendly smile. “We'll have to return first. Thank you for looking after him.”

Lucas waved his hand at Anna. “See you tomorrow.”  He said, then glared at Ibrahim again, as if to say, I'm watching you.

After they both walked away, Ibrahim cast a harsh look at Anna. “Is this the man with whom you're flirting? How far did you go before his son asked you to be his mother?” He inquired, sounding irritated.

When Anna heard another accusation towards herself, she sighed sharply. It hurts, and she's exhausted. Definitely tired. She locked her gaze on the arrogant looking man. She doesn't want to start a fight because they're still in the schoolyard. “I'm not sure what you've been thinking, but all I can say is that I have nothing to do with that man. I'm exhausted. Can we leave now?”

Is this how he'll thank her for everything she's done for him? How much longer he going to torture her?

Ibrahim thinks the ride back from school to their house took an eternity because Anna didn't say anything. She doesn't want to look at him. She's been agitated for a while. The atmosphere was tense, and she didn't say anything when they got home. Anna stepped out of his car without bothering him. When they arrived at their room, she continued to give him the cold shoulder. What makes her so angry?

“Hey” He called her.

Anna looked unconcerned and went to the dressing room to change her clothes. She desperately needs a cold shower to calm her racing heart and mind.

Ibrahim tried to approach her by grabbing her hand, but she shoved him back.

“Anna.” He called again, this time in a gentler tone.

Anna gave him a cold stare. “What?”

Ibrahim took a deep breath. It's the first time she's ever been this cold. “Are you angry?” He inquired cautiously.

Anna let out a sigh. “Didn't I tell you to take a day off? Why did you decide to go out? Luke will lose his job if you drive me everywhere.” She replied.

Hearing her worried tone, Ibrahim felt a little relieved. “I'm feeling much better now. I have nothing to do at home so I thought to pick you up from work.”

“Do whatever you want.” She replied without looking at him as she walked to the restroom.

“Anna” He called her again, gently. Anna, yes. Please continue to call me this gently, Anna thought.

Anna turned to face him, as if waiting for him to say something.

Ibrahim scratches his not-itchy neck, unsure whether to say this or not. “I have urgent things to rush to the office as I have to go to Italy tomorrow. I may come back a little late.” At the very least, he informed her.

Anna looked at him, speechless. He just recovered this morning, and now he's going on a business trip? “Italy?”

Ibrahim simply nodded. “It's a big project, and I couldn't abandon it like that. Just sleep first, and don't bother waiting for me.”

Anna responded with a simple nod. He made it clear, this is a large project. She's not going to be able to stop him. At the very least, he didn't disappear without a trace like he used to. Ibrahim then left, and Anna went to the bathroom to take a shower.

She went downstairs to get her dinner after she finished her shower. She returned to her room after finishing her dinner and jotted down some materials and notes on her agenda about what she needed to teach the next day. She's been so busy that she didn’t even know when the clock struck ten. She looked outside her window, clouds gathering in the sky as they covered the bright moon and stars. Ibrahim still hasn’t returned home.

“How late is he going to be?” She murmured as she began to long for his presence. They only met a few hours ago.

She decided to go to bed as she placed her book on the bedside table. She turned off the lamp and drew the comforter up to her chest. It appears that Ibrahim will not return any time soon, and it would be a waste for her to wait for him. She was about to close her eyes when she heard the sound of pouring rain. The rain was heavy and was quickly followed by a thunderstorm.

She began to start getting worried. She went to the window and opened the curtain a little to see how heavy the rain was. “Where is he?” She mumbled to herself. The rain doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon, and she considers calling Ibrahim, but she's afraid of disturbing his work.

Anna was still looking out the large window at the rain when the sound of lightning strikes echoed loudly and caused Anna to fall to the floor. As she heard another flash of lightning, she pressed her palm against her ears. She's just terrified of thunder, and she's hoping for Ibrahim to return soon.

The thunder doesn't seem to stop, but rather intensifies. She's tightened her palms to cover her ears as tears stream down her cheeks. She couldn't take it any longer and shrieked when she saw lightning flashes through the window.

Please Ibrahim come home, Anna prayed. She bit her lower lip and tightly closed her eyes because she couldn't take it any longer.

“Mom.” In the midst of her sobs, she called her mother. She despises lightning and thunderstorms, and her mother is always there to comfort her on stormy nights like this.

She wishes she could stop the storm, but it appears that the storm is teasing her. The rain continued to fall, and the thunder continued to rumble. Her nails have begun to sink into her flesh, causing her to tremble and cry. She felt the pain, and she hoped that it would distract her from the impending thunderstorm.

When she finally hears the loud bang of the door, it feels like heaven has answered her prayer. Ibrahim's eyes widened when he saw his wife on the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. Every tear that fell from her eyes pierced his heart like a sharp knife. What happened to her? She cried and sobbed so badly. She shrieked loudly as the lightning struck again, and tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes.

He doesn't say anything but pulls her into his arms and leans her against his chest. How could he abandon her in this state? He cursed himself inside his heart so many times that he should not have gone out earlier. If he had been here, she wouldn't have had to go through this nightmare.

Ibrahim stroked her back gently as he could feel her trembling in his arms. He gently kissed her hair and pressed her body more toward himself. “It's all right, I'm here, and you're safe. I'm not going to abandon you.” He attempted to calm her down.

Anna hasn't stopped crying yet. Her skin is pale, and her knuckles have turned white. She couldn't help but circle Ibrahim’s waist and bury her face in his chest. The night was cold, but his presence made her feel cozy. Don't go, Anna whispered.

Ibrahim was taken aback when he noticed scratches on her arms. Did she harm herself? He looked at her pale face and noticed that her lips were bleeding from biting them.

“Stop biting your lips. It's bleeding.” Ibrahim said, concerned.

The sound of the pouring rain was so loud that she couldn't even hear him. Her eyes are closed, but she continues to bite her lips, which drives him insane.

“Stop pressing your lips together.” She is so obstinate, he said in frustration.

Ibrahim couldn't help but brush his lips against hers. If she refuses to follow what he says, he'll have to find another way. For a moment, he could feel her stunned, her lips stopped moving and she stopped biting them. He took advantage of the fact that her lips were slightly parted. He started nibbling at the flesh, thinking that this might be a better way to distract her from her fear. He could smell the blood but didn't mind. All he wants is her, she's driving him insane. Her lips are so sweet, tender, and alluring that he can't bear the thought of losing her. Her sweet scent is similar to the morphine that makes him feel high.

Anna wishes she could push him away, but she can't. Anna realized she, too, desired him. His lips were sucking into every inch of hers, and his tongue was dancing inside hers. She could feel the warmth of his kiss on her. He grabbed her nape and pressed his body against her to deepen the kiss. Anna let out a soft moan because this man was driving her insane.

It was successful. He was successful in diverting her attention away from her fear of the thunderstorm, and all she wants now is him.

“How can I leave you alone tomorrow when you’re looking like this?” Ibrahim asked after they let go of each other's lips. When he saw her crying so hard, he was worried sick.

Anna cast a thoughtful glance at Ibrahim. How many kisses have they shared? One? No. At least three times. Their wedding took place three months ago. It could be an accident one time, but not three times. Is he starting to like her?

Anna wrapped her hand around Ibrahim’s neck, drowning herself in his crook. She found his manly scent soothing, she doesn't want to let go. “Stay. And I'll be fine tomorrow, but please stay for now.” She said this weakly, still hugging Ibrahim tightly.