Bound To You ✔

Chapter 36 ~ A Candle Light Dinner

Standing in one of the guest bedrooms that gave a view to the back yard, Isabella observed how quickly all the employees including Saeed, the bodyguards and watchmen were setting the table, chairs and decorative props up. The lights were checked, the scent of candles were being questioned in case it will be too strong for her and the food was enough for ten people to eat though it will be just the two of them tonight since Zaid is leaving for one of those mafia meetings on the following day.

He was adjusting the table cloth and the angles of the trays like a professional chef or hotel manager wanting to please his customers. Isabella smiled but it didn't reflect in her eyes.

They needed to have a conversation. Despite what Saeed said, she needs to hear from him that he is not having an affair with Hiba, Zeenat or anyone else. He has stayed faithful to her during the days she couldn't exactly allow him to his husband rights. They kissed a few times but that's just it compared before the pregnancy.

"Please Zaid, I can allow you dream or still love a dead girl but not a living one. You'll kill me," she whispered, carefully removing her hand from the window glass.

She went into her bedroom and stared at the gown lay on the bed, including sandals and jewelry. Zaid bought it for her and it was far from decent since he is the only who is allowed to see the real her.

Running her fingers on the smooth silky material, she folded the dress and put it back in the box. Opening her wardrobe, she observed the red ankle length eastern frock and the matching headscarf she had bought. While taking a stroll in the attic, she had stumbled on a picture of Zaid and Ishana looking straight into the camera with his hand around her shoulder. She was wearing a similar red dress.

Isabella made sure to comb Pakistani shops in malls and wholesalers, and luckily she found a similar one. The lady told her that this design is old, in fact it was one of the cheapest in the shop but Isabella still bought it.

A girl shouldn't change herself because of a boy's preference but at the moment she had pushed this sweet advice at the far end of her mind. There's no harm in trying. If it works, fantastic and if it doesn't the sexy silk gown isn't going anywhere.

She'll just return to old normal Isabella who rebels by dressing vulgar.

It didn't take long for to transform into Ishana. The dress complimented her slender figure and she set the headscarf loose on her head, letting the front of her dark hair on display. She carefully took the back stairs and walked outside.

Zaid had his back turned on her.

"Zaid," she called out to grab his attention.

He spun around, his eyes widening and mouth opened as he took in her look. Isabella could almost confess that tears found its way in his eyes but it disappeared. She placed a tender kiss on his cheek but he didn't react.

"You didn't wear –"

"I didn't want to," she answered as honest she can be to him. He nodded and pulled the chair for her.

"Please sit."

Isabella went at the south end of the table and Zaid took his place at the head. If it wasn't for all the food items he has ordered, they would have sat much closer. She filled about half of her plate and took a piece of garlic bread in hand.

"For how many days will you be gone?" She began the conversation, munching little by little, completely focused on his little change in behavior as he kept his eyes down. Maybe she shouldn't have worn this dress after all

"A week and I'm going alone this time, it's become a little risky now. Cops found one of my drugs hideout."

"Oh"