---
Days passed in cold silence. Zainab kept to herself, exploring the mansion, reading, avoiding Yusuf. But one evening, curiosity got the best of her.
She noticed Yusuf leaving the house unusually dressed—no driver, no security. Quiet. Suspicious.
Zainab followed discreetly in one of the maids' cars.
He stopped at a private villa in town. She stayed hidden behind a tree as he entered the house. Minutes passed.
Then a woman opened the door. Tall. Beautiful. Confident. She hugged Yusuf tightly—and kissed him.
Zainab's heart dropped.
---
That night, Yusuf returned home late. Zainab waited.
"Who is she?" she asked calmly, standing by the staircase.
He paused. "You're spying now?"
"No. Just wanted to see what kind of man I'm really married to."
Yusuf stepped closer. "Don't test me, Zainab. That woman has nothing to do with you."
She smirked. "You're right. Neither do you." She turned and walked away, leaving him silent in the hallway.
---
Later, in her room, she looked at herself in the mirror.
"I won't cry," she whispered.
"I will not be broken."
The next day, Zainab requested a driver.
"Take me to a salon," she said.
She got a new haircut, did her nails, and wore a dress that made her feel bold.
That night at dinner, she didn't wait for Yusuf to speak.
She spoke first.
"You said we're strangers. Good. Let's keep it that way. But from now on, I'll live my life the way I want."
Yusuf looked at her again—this time, surprised... and maybe a little impressed.
---