Bound To You ✔

Chapter 37 ~ A Sorrowful Phone Call

She gave a gentle caress on the side of the bed and alas it was cold and empty. Isabella opened her eyes, looking at the clock. He could have woken her up, he usually does but this time he hadn't. She exerted her rights too harsh last night but she was helpless. No wife would be content on learning that there are other girls crushing on her husband. She took matters into her own hands instead of complaining or living miserably, crying in the corner like a pathetic woman.

Communication is important in no matter what relationship.

"You did nothing wrong Isa." She assured herself, repeating the phrase three times and stepped down on the cold tiles.

Even in the shower, her thought kept drifting to Hiba. She was the deadly thorn in the way but Isabella had no courage to threaten her like Zeenat. She didn't even know how to deal with her. Turning off the shower, she wore her bathrobe and scanned her wardrobe for something comfy and casual as she had no idea what to do today aside from making a plan to get rid of Hiba.

"You can eat ma'am, Zaid sir gave us a chart on what to prepare for you during his absence. I'll make you your coffee so you could drink it hot," said the maid.

Isabella chuckled slightly, taking her usual place at the table and dug in. Her stomach was grumbling as she rarely had brunch. She normally eats on time because of the medication she has to take.

"What else did Zaid tell you?" She asked when her dark and bitter coffee was placed in front of her in an Irish coffee glass.

"To make sure you're eating, walking in the yard, take your pills on time and be happy. That's all he ordered."

"Thank you and it's really good."

The woman gave her a small smile and returned in the kitchen. At least, he's not totally mad at her and still cared about her. Now time to make a plan.

Isabella walked outside the mansion and asked for Saeed. They told her that he was in the weapon room and that's the first time she heard of it.

"Take me there right now," she ordered and the tall man nodded. They all knew who she is and they were right to fear her more than Zaid.

She walked inside the garage where the polished cars were shining and on the tap of a quick password a door opened behind the shelves of mechanical tools. The man immediately closed the door and light was lit as they climbed down the floating stairs. The place was rather clean with barely any dust and white walls until they arrived in a room full of weapons stacked on shelves or hanging on the wall. Isabella stared at the display in awe not realizing the man had already left until Saeed spoke.

"You shouldn't be here. He'll get fired for telling you when Zaid comes back."

"This is my home. I deserve to know what's going under the roof so this is the place where Zaid comes in the middle of the night when I'm in deep sleep."

"Yes. We usually discuss strategies, talks about our allies and enemies, make plans etc."

"Great then take a seat because I need a plan and you're the only one who understands me."

They both walked towards the long mahogany table and Saeed gestured for her to take Zaid's place. Then it clicked her. In his absence, she is the boss and can command with the same vigor. Taking a deep breath, she said.

"I want Zeenat and Hiba to get married."

"I don't run a marriage bureau Isabella," he said, his stern face not moving at all.

"Yes but you are aware who is in the circle of the rich, the social gatherings and all, you accompanied Zaid so surely you know who are the perfect candidates. I want to give them someone so they can get my husband out of their minds since Zaid didn't exactly accept to keep a distance from them."

"I don't gossip but I saw Zeenat and Toni together the other day," he said, feeling both weird and somehow shy at the same time. It's funny to look at him.

"See, your brain worked fast. Hiba told me she won't accept Toni so you can play Cupid for Toni and get him and Zeenat together."

"You know I work for Zaid, right?"

"I'll pay you double in fact triple, deal?"

"Okay but what about Hiba? She's middle class. The bachelors in the circle of the rich will never choose her."

"In that case, wherever she's working, get her fired and give her a job at Jazzay Hotel. I've seen plenty of the high class there and she loves that place. Someone might notice her or you can play a hand in making someone notice her and vice versa."

"Should Zaid know?" The level of stupidity

"Should you lose an arm Saeed?"

"Got it"

When Isabella returned in the living room, she felt as if a burden has been lifted off her chest but Toni and Zeenat, she didn't see this coming.

The telephone rang and she picked it up.

"Hello"

She waited and heard sniveling on the other side. Isabella didn't know how to react or what else to say until the person revealed himself. A good fifteen seconds passed by until she heard her name.

"Isabella"

The voice of the name who first mistook her as Ishana, the one who change her life for best and worst at the same time

Trying not to cry upon hearing him, she uttered, "Eijaz"

"She's gone. Zaynah is gone," he said, the words barely coming clear, his sobs overshadowing it, making her tensed all over the sudden. Her hand started to tremble so she gripped it with both hands, breathing slightly heavy.

"What- do you mean?"

Tears blurred her vision listening him crying harder. Zaynah was pregnant too for goodness sake.

"When I got home from work, I found a letter. She wrote I'm tired, Eijaz. I don't want to feel trapped or choose between my brother and husband. I love you both and I can't choose whether you are right or wrong so I'm leaving and don't search for me because I want a simple, no dramatic life with my child. Goodbye Eijaz."

Isabella felt relieved and quickly wiped her tears. At least she is alive even gone but she decided to keep this thought for herself.

"Have you searched for her?"

"The Legends have the best technology and allies, we should have found her but she disappeared leaving no trace behind. We checked motels, trains, airport and a lot of places but I didn't find her anywhere," he said, more sobs coming through.

Isabella bit her lower lip thinking of the right word to say to him.

"Eijaz, you need to stay strong and be courageous. You have to be patient, who knows one day she'll come back, she'll realize how much she missed and loved you and your child deserve both a mother and a father. Be brave."

"Thank you and I don't know what to tell Zaid."

"Don't worry, I'll deal with Zaid and if possible, we'll search her with the mafia connections. Who knows it might be better than The Legends?"

He chuckled. "For once, I'll try agreeing with you."

"Take care Eijaz."