---
Episode 8: Forbidden Heat
For days after that kiss, Zainab and Yusuf barely spoke.
But the air between them? Heavy with tension. Unspoken desire.
Every glance, every accidental touch during breakfast or hallway run-ins—it all burned.
---
One stormy night, lightning cracked across the sky. Zainab couldn't sleep. The thunder reminded her of the chaos inside her—confusion, longing… and curiosity.
She wandered down to the lounge.
Yusuf was already there, shirt loose, collar open, nursing a glass of wine. He looked up as she entered.
"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Too many thoughts."
They sat in silence. The fire crackled. Rain poured outside.
Then he spoke, his voice lower than usual.
"You confuse me, Zainab. I didn't want this marriage… but now I want you—and I don't know what to do with that."
She looked at him, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then stop thinking."
He stood slowly, walking to her. His fingers gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, lingering on her cheek.
"Say stop," he said, brushing his thumb across her lips.
But she didn't.
Their mouths met again—hotter this time, desperate. His hands moved down her waist, hers sliding into his open shirt, feeling his warm skin.
They kissed like they'd been waiting for it forever.
He picked her up effortlessly, carrying her to the velvet couch near the fireplace. The heat of the room was nothing compared to what burned between them.
Clothes loosened. Skin met skin. They explored each other slowly—like a language they were learning for the first time.
It wasn't just lust—it was a silent war of passion and power, where both surrendered.
And when it was over, Zainab lay wrapped in his arms, her head on his chest.
For the first time since her wedding, she felt… safe.
---
But peace never lasts long.
Outside the mansion, secrets were stirring.
And one of them was about to knock on their door.
---