Favourite Obsession
Zara staggered as she held onto the shelves for support, books tumbling down around her. Her vision began to blur, and soon the world started to spin in her eyes.
Using her other hand to hold her head, she winced at another pang of pain.
Zayden stood a distance away, feeling pained and unwanted at her reaction to his touch.
The sound of books falling again disrupted his thoughts, and Zara's ragged breathing filled the air.
She felt as if she were going to collapse, her legs trembling beneath her and her head pounding.
"Hey, are you okay?" a deep, concerned voice asked. This time, he didn't dare to touch her.
The voice sounded familiar, and gradually she felt more relaxed. As the headache began to dissipate, her once blurry vision cleared.
Yet, she couldn't shake the thought: why was she acting this way? Perhaps it was just one of the symptoms, she told herself.
"I...I think s...so," she stammered, shaking her head.
Without waiting for another reply, Zayden swept her into his arms in a bridal carry.
Zara was flooded with emotions: surprise and a hint of embarrassment. Feeling too weak to protest, she settled into his arms like a little girl being carried by her father.
Wrapping her arms around Zayden's neck, she noticed the relief in his expression, as if her earlier tantrum were forgotten.
He walked toward their room with ease, his long strides echoing in the distance. Zara couldn't help but notice the concerned look on his face, his eyes scanning hers for any signs of distress.
When he realized she was watching him, he stopped his search and focused on their destination, still worried about Zara's wellbeing.
As they approached the door, Zayden pushed it open and carried her inside.
He gently laid Zara down on the bed, his hands itching to caress her but held back from fear that she might push him away again.
With great effort, he managed to avoid touching her and instead clenched his fists.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked, concern thick in his voice, though he tried to mask it.
Zara took a deep breath before replying, "I'm okay, I guess." She attempted to sit up, but Zayden impulsively stopped her.
He quickly removed his hands from her shoulders, recalling her earlier reaction.
"Don't move," he said firmly, the awkwardness settling between them.
She hesitated for a moment, but Zayden's authoritative tone allowed for no argument. She laid back, a strange sense of comfort washing over her with him by her side.
Zara settled back into the pillow as his gaze lingered on her face, filled with genuine care.
Though he felt guilty about what had happened earlier, he could not help but hope that she was indeed okay. His eyes scanned her body, searching for any signs of discomfort or pain.
Nodding to himself in satisfaction, he stood up, his movements confident and controlled.
"I'll get you some water," he said, his voice low and smooth as he walked to a nearby table.
Zara watched him, tracing the lines of his broad back and shoulders, even though they were covered by his clothing.
A flutter rose in her chest, accompanied by a hint of pride.
He was her husband, and he meant everything to her, even if their marriage was a facade for both of them.
If only she had met him earlier, if she hadn't been diagnosed with glioblastoma, maybe... just maybe, they could have had a happy ending.
She stared at him until he turned to face her, their eyes locking for an instant before she awkwardly diverted her gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat as he approached her with a glass of water in hand.
He smiled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he noticed her awkward position.
"Here, drink this," he said, his voice low and gentle. He handed her the glass and sat next to her.
Zara took the glass, her fingers brushing against Zayden's, sending a spark of electricity through her body. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she looked away, trying to compose herself.
Taking a sip of water, she noticed Zayden's gaze never left hers, his presence making her feel safe and protected.
She gulped down the entire glass, and instantly, her once dry mouth felt normal again.
She wiped her mouth, which had a watery stain.
"Feeling better?" Zayden asked, his eyes scanning her face, brows furrowed in concern.
"Yes, thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zayden's face broke into a warm smile, and he gazed at her comfortingly. He collected the empty glass and was about to stand when Zara abruptly grasped his hand.
Zayden turned around to see Zara gripping his shirt tightly. A puzzled expression crossed his face as Zara's hold grew firmer.
He searched for an explanation on her face, but all he could see was a shy girl trying to muster up the courage to speak.
Raising his brows in a questioning manner, he waited for her to say something.
A moment of silence passed, and still, Zara didn't dare to utter a word.
She bit her lip, her hands still holding onto his shirt as if to convey that he shouldn't go anywhere.
Zayden let out a sigh of relief and smiled at Zara. He bent down and tucked her hair behind her ear affectionately.
"I'm not going anywhere, wifey," he teased, patting her hair gently.
Zara felt embarrassed by her actions, her cheeks turning crimson.
She muttered an "ooh" and finally released his shirt.
His lips curled into a smirk, and his eyes sparkled teasingly.
Zayden's gaze locked onto Zara's, burning with intensity.
Seductively, he placed his hands on the bed, effectively trapping her and preventing any escape.
His fingers brushed against the sheets, lingering near her hips.
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily, wifey," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
Zara's heart raced faster with every movement Zayden took. She inched backwards, but still, he felt very close to her.
What is he trying to do? She questioned in her mind. Her thoughts are in peril and dilemma.
She could have sworn that if Zayden had moved any closer, she would have succumbed to the evil or, rather, a delicious plot he had in mind.
Damn it. She cursed herself for almost falling into his trap.
"I didn't know that I was becoming my wife's favourite obsession," he uttered, standing up with a satisfied smile.