Raha's escape was foiled. Hussein's presence meant her parents knew.
"Come, Raha. Let's go home," Hussein said, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity.
Raha hesitated, sensing an ulterior motive.
In the car, Hussein asked, "Raha, what's going on? Why did you run?"
Raha's voice barely above a whisper. "I need truth, Hussein. About Nabil."
Hussein's smile sent shivers down Raha's spine. "You're getting too close to the truth, Raha. I can protect you...if you marry me."
Raha's heart recoiled. She had felt uneasy around Hussein ever since she reunited him, despite their childhood friendship.
"No, Hussein. I won't marry you," Raha said firmly.
Hussein's eyes narrowed. "Why not? I can give you everything."
Raha's voice trembled. "Because...I don't trust you. You're hiding something ,am sorry am not sayings this to hurt your feelings in anyway, ."
Hussein's mask slipped, revealing a glimpse of calculation.
At home, Raha's parents awaited, anxiety etched on their faces.
"Raha, why did you sneak out?" Amal asked.
Raha stood firm. "I want answers. About Nabil."
Hassan's expression turned stern. "We've told you, Raha. Forget Nabil."
Raha's resolve hardened. "I won't forget."
Amal interjected, "Raha, Hussein's proposal is still on the table. Consider it."
Raha's heart sank. "Mother, I've already rejected him. I won't change my mind."
Hussein's gaze lingered on Raha, his eyes burning with an unsettling desire.
That night, Raha's room became a prison.
Her parents took her phone, confined her to her room.
But Raha's determination didn't waver.
She would find Nabil.
And uncover the truth.
As she lay in bed, a faint memory stirred.
A hidden key.
A secret location.
Raha's heart skipped a beat.
Could this be her ticket to freedom?
---