Staring at the footage Dashtan was watching on Rakia’s tablet in his workspace, Dashtan checked all the footage Rakia had managed to get from the surveillance cameras the woman had installed in Dalilah’s room. It was only a matter of waiting for the woman’s arrest warrant from the police so that the police could freely search all her belongings. Dashtan transferred all the footage to a small flashdrive and tomorrow he would submit the data to the police station as additional evidence. After checking all the data Dashtan went from his office to his bedroom, he met Dalilah crossing the living room.
“Hi, what’s going on? I heard someone came in and Rakia-“
“Enough of the pleasantries, as of this moment I am no longer your husband.”
The words were so quick but clearly heard in Dalilah’s ears that she could only be surprised with widened eyes for a split second. Her lips seemed to move to say something but nothing was said, Dashtan immediately walked away after saying that. Dalilah could only stare at the man’s back as he walked away and disappeared behind the closed door as she collapsed to the floor and sat there limply. Tears gathered quickly in her eyes and just as quickly they broke.
“I love you, Dashtan, I love you, I love you!” Dalilah shouted her last words with all the emotion she was feeling right now. When Dashtan reappeared from behind the door of his room wearing casual clothes, Dalilah stood up and immediately approached the man. Grabbed one of his hands and pleaded.
“Please... Don’t divorce me, I love you. I...”
Dashtan threw Dalilah’s hand away harshly, he looked at the woman with an icy stare.
“You will never know what love is, Dalilah. Because you never wanted it, all you wanted was to use others for yourself.”
After saying that Dashtan walked away leaving Dalilah who could only stare at him with a stunned look. The man’s words were like a knife plunged straight into her heart.
When Dashtan arrived at the hospital, Rakia had just finished dinner and a female nurse was just about to come out with her cutlery.
“Hi, have you eaten?” asked Rakia as Dashtan took his usual seat.
“Not yet, later.” Dashtan’s remark earned a look of protest from Rakia.
“You can’t be sick, I was also worried because you seemed to be neglected. I’m sorry that my situation has to be this miserable.” Rakia looked at the man with an apologetic gaze. Her hand was already in the man’s grasp. Dashtan smiled gently.
“I should be the one apologizing, get well soon I owe you a vacation.”
Dashtan’s words were able to bring out the smile she had been longing for. Dashtan leaned in and gave his wife a peck on the lips.
“I will sleep here tonight and keep you company.” Dashtan announced. Just as he was about to kiss Rakia on the lips again, the door opened and revealed his mother. They both immediately turned towards the door and the person who had just arrived there.
“Moma?” Rakia said first. Dashtan moved his body away and sat back in his chair. The woman who had just arrived approached Rakia with a smile.
“Ash, your father is coming tomorrow and will have something to say.” The mother said and they stared at each other for a moment. Dashtan sighed.
“Dalilah called me when she got here.” The woman sighed then said again, “I didn’t expect her to do all this. I thought she had changed and regretted everything.”
“She would never think like that, she’s a selfish woman.” Dashtan immediately replied. Rakia frowned looking at the mother and son in turn.
“Then, what will happen to her?” Curious, Rakia looked at Dashtan.
“She will be responsible for everything she has done. “
“But... She’s your wife, the media will-“
“She is no longer my wife, I will divorce her soon.” Dashtan said. Rakia could only remain silent.
“I hope... Something like this never happens again. Promise these parents that you will have a happy family, bright and vibrant children, and a happy married life.”
Samira looked at the two in turn with a gentle smile. Dashtan took Rakia’s hand and kissed it and said,
“Yes, I promise to make that happen.”
Rakia smiled with a flowering heart. Samira excused herself to go back to the hotel where she was staying.
“I think I’m the one you’ll have to let go of someday,” Rakia said after they were back alone in the room.
“At first I thought so, our relationship would only work as a couple united by interests, but I didn’t think I would get carried away with you.” Dashtan looked at Rakia intensely, the woman’s hand still in his grasp.
“I thought so too. My heart hurts so much because of what Ben did, that it’s already broken and I’ll never be able to fall in love again. I’m trying not to take our relationship seriously but I can’t ignore myself caring about you.”
“Because I’m too handsome for you to ignore?”
Dashtan responded to Rakia’s question with a roll of her eyes as she smiled scornfully. Dashtan giggled and was amused.
“That’s not it... You’re too annoying and if I ignore you you’ll never leave.” Rakia looked at Dashtan with a gaze trying to understand the man fully.
“Do you love me?”
“I Do,” Dashtan answered loud and clear. Rakia’s smile was as warm as the sun rising on her face.
“Is there anything else you would like to ask, Mrs. Dashtan?”
“Do you love me?”
“No matter how many times you ask it, the answer will be the same.”