Kidnapped by the Arab

Cambell listened to what his friend had said, and he couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t like him.

“Friend, if she doesn’t want to be by your side anymore, you can’t force her. That would be practically kidnapping her.”

“I’m sure she loves me. She’s just a spoiled and stubborn girl. I have all the world’s problems on my shoulders, and the least I expect from her is her support. My mother, along with Arkham and the Amin family, are making my life a living hell.”

“I understand that, but you can’t force her to be with you. You yourself told me that when you got married, the agreement was that if she couldn’t adapt to your culture, you would allow her to return to the United States.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“Wise men change their minds.”

Thara gave the news to her friend that she could travel with them to Abu Dhabi, and they would have two days to spend together and enjoy.

“Being away from Ahmed for a few days will do you good.”

“For me, it could be forever.”

“Think carefully about what you’re saying. The universe listens, and it tends to take everything very literally.”

In the evening, they set off for Abu Dhabi, and Ahmed didn’t come out to bid them farewell. He watched their departure through the thick windows of his office and made a phone call.

“Hello.”

“Zafir, watch over my wife. Take some of your men, but make sure she doesn’t notice their presence. I want a detailed report of her every move. I entrust her safety to you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thara and Aisha made plans for the night; they wanted to go out.

“Girls, I don’t think my friend will be pleased to hear that his wife is planning to go out dancing.”

“Come on, love, don’t be a party pooper. You’ll come with us, and the baby can stay with the nanny for a while.”

“Alright, but it’ll be your fault if I end up hanging at the entrance of Dubai.”

“Today, after so long, I’ll go out without the hijab. I don’t think it’s appropriate to go out dancing and have a few drinks with it on.”

Thara lent her a pearl-colored dress, short with an open back and a semicircular skirt that fit her hips perfectly. When Cambell saw how the wife of his friend was dressed, he started to sweat, as he was sure there would be trouble.

When they arrived at the place, catchy music was playing at full volume. The girls, without waiting to reach the table, headed straight to the dance floor and started moving to the beat. Cambell sat down to watch them, thinking that Ahmed wouldn’t like this at all.

At that moment, the Sheikh received a short video sent by Zafir, and his face turned all possible colors. What the hell was that woman thinking?

He ordered his jet to be prepared. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the girls were already tipsy. They returned to the dance floor to keep dancing, and some guys who were watching them approached. Thara rejected them immediately, but Aisha danced with her eyes closed, feeling the rhythm of the music. Suddenly, she felt arms around her waist, opened her eyes in fear, and pushed the guy in front of her.

“What do you think you’re doing, idiot?”

Cambell rushed over as fast as he could, landing a punch on the guy’s face. A brawl broke out, and Ahmed’s men had to intervene, restraining the troublemakers while Zafir escorted Aisha, Thara, and Cambell out of the place.

Back in their rooms, Aisha screamed loudly when she turned on the light.

“I see you had fun,” a displeased Ahmed showed her a photo where she had her eyes closed while a guy embraced her.

“It’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh no? Then what is it? Tell me, did you enjoy dancing for other men to see?”

“It’s not like that. I just wanted to have fun.”

“Do you know how damaging it would be if people found out that my wife has been dancing and drinking in a public place, wearing a dress that leaves almost nothing to the imagination?”

“Ahmed, I tried to be at your level. Changing my religion, my beliefs, which were my parents’, was difficult. Adapting to your culture, changing my behavior – for you, it’s easy because even though you lived abroad for several years, this is where you grew up. You were educated for this.”

“So what? Where does that lead us?”

“It’s better that we get a divorce.”

“For you, it’s so easy to say.” Tears started rolling down his eyes.

Aisha felt something stir within her when she saw him defeated.

“I’ve tried, believe me. Changing my religion, my beliefs – which were my parents’, was difficult. Adapting to your culture, changing my behavior – for you, it’s easy because even though you lived abroad for several years, this is where you grew up. You were educated for this.”

“Are you sure about what you’re asking for? If you leave, I won’t be able to protect you from Carlo. Luckily, he’s busy investigating Vinizzio.”

“I know, I feel like I’m in a dead-end labyrinth. I want to be by your side, but I can’t take it anymore. Do you know how scared I am of getting pregnant? If I do and decide to leave, I would have to leave my child behind. Is that why you don’t want to have a child with me?”

“Yes, I’m afraid. I’m terrified.”

Ahmed got up and hugged her, realizing he was being selfish. He had no idea she was silently suffering. He, too, would like to run away.

They lay down, facing each other, silently observing one another. Ahmed traced her face with the tips of his fingers.

“You’re beautiful.”

“And you’re very handsome.”

Unintentionally, they fell deeply asleep. By morning, Ahmed ordered breakfast to be served in the room since having it at the restaurant would require Aisha to wear a burqa, which he knew made her uncomfortable.

In Italy, Carlo was informed of Vinizzio’s daughter’s presence.

“So he has a daughter.”

“Yes, sir.”

“She was probably hidden away to free her from me. Well, let’s see, dear Vinizzio, how much longer you can protect her.” He smiled sinisterly.

Unaware of Carlo’s plans, Vinizzio spent pleasant days with his daughter, getting to know her and making up for lost time.

“Your company is very pleasant, my daughter. I hope you can soon call me father and leave aside calling me Mr. Vinizzio.”

“It’s still too soon. I need to get used to the idea that you’re my father, although, to be honest, I’m very surprised at how much we have in common.”

“Hahaha, I feel the same way.”

The mansion’s employees and guards noticed how life seemed to have returned with this girl. Now, Vinizzio asked for the curtains to be opened, something he hadn’t allowed for a long time. He asked for vases with beautiful roses in every corner, and he stopped the habit of drinking every day.

“You’re like a breath of fresh air in our lives, miss,” Martina, the housekeeper, said to Caroline. “Life has returned to this mansion, and it’s filled with colors and joy.”

“Thank you, I feel very good here. With my mother, I never felt like I had a family. I just hope my sister won’t reject me; she’s very important to me.”

“Mr. Vinizzio wants to go to Dubai with you to talk to your sister.”

“Really? That would make me very happy.”

In Abu Dhabi, Ahmed said goodbye to Aisha as he had to return to Dubai.

“I have to go back, I’ll see you tomorrow when you return.”

“It’s pointless; I’ve caused enough trouble here. I’ll go back with you.”

“Is it because of that, or have you realized you can’t be away from me?” He asked, laughing.

“I love your modesty, Sheikh.”

“Hahaha.”

“Have I ever told you that I love it when you laugh?”

“No, but now I know.”

Thara and Cambell decided to go back with them; there was no point in staying since the trip was meant to distract Aisha.

On the plane, Aisha held Thara’s baby for the first time.

“He’s so beautiful.”

“I make good-looking babies,” Cambell said.

“Don’t get him started on that topic, dear. He’s too modest,” Thara said, giving Cambell a nudge.

“Ouch! Deny that my son is handsome.”

Thara rolled her eyes and made a face.

Ahmed approached Aisha while she was still holding the baby.

“You look good with a baby; you’d make a beautiful mother.”

He sat down beside her, and they played with the baby for part of the journey until he fell asleep.

When they arrived in Dubai, Aisha put on the burqa while still carrying the baby, and Ahmed hugged her. There were several journalists at the airport who took pictures of what seemed to be a beautiful family.

Later, Ahmed’s mother called him, and she was truly upset; she couldn’t believe what her son was doing.

“How is it possible that you’ve adopted a child instead of having one of your own?”