Kidnapped by the Arab

Unaware to Ahmed, Mía was slowly giving him back the will to live, something he had lost when everything happened.

The next day, Mía woke up with a terrible headache. She couldn’t remember what happened the night before; her last memory was talking to Ahmed by the pool. She had no idea how she had ended up in her room.

“No, this can’t be! I drank again,” she exclaimed to herself.

She lifted the blanket to make sure nothing had happened like the previous time, and realized that she was completely naked. Next to her was a towel.

“Oh my God, what did I do? Did I take off my clothes while I was at the pool?” she wondered.

She quickly got dressed and decided to investigate what craziness she had committed the night before. She went downstairs to the dining room, where Ahmed was having breakfast. At least this time she managed to find him to get some answers.

“Good morning,” she greeted.

“Good morning, Mía. How did you sleep?” Ahmed replied.

“To be honest, I don’t know. I can’t remember anything. I just want to apologize if I did something foolish.”

“Don’t worry, you didn’t do anything that you should be ashamed of. When I noticed you were feeling dizzy, I accompanied you to your room.”

“Have I caused any mess?”

“Not at all, you can rest assured.”

Ahmed omitted the fact that she came out of the bathroom completely naked and that he had covered her with a towel.

“Thank goodness! It’s a relief to know that. It’s the second time I’ve had alcohol, and the first time didn’t go well. I tend to forget things I do.”

Memories of that night came back to Ahmed. He was now sure that she didn’t remember who he was. He excused himself, saying he couldn’t accompany her because he had an important meeting at the company and had to hurry.

Mía remained seated, trying to remember details from the previous night, but her mind was completely blank.

Meanwhile, Ahmed had finished his meeting with the employees when Sara Garner barged in, looking furious.

“What the hell did you do?!” she exclaimed without any introduction.

“Hello, Sara. It’s nice to see you too,” Ahmed replied coolly.

“Don’t play games with me, Ahmed.”

“For you, from now on, I’m Mr. Assad.”

“You’re making me lose a huge amount of money! It’s millions of dollars I’ll have to reimburse.”

“There’s a solution to avoid that.”

“What is it?”

“You sell me your company right now.”

“Hahaha, not in your wildest dreams! This company has belonged to my family since my grandfather founded it.”

“It’s up to you, Sara. Either you sell it to me, or tomorrow these images will be all over the media, including digital media.”

“This is blackmail!”

“And what do you call what you tried to do?” Ahmed connected his phone to the large screen, and a video appeared, clearly showing Sara pouring something into Ahmed’s drink. Then other images showed her attempting to enter his room.

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“Accept it, or tomorrow these images will be all over the media, including digital media.”

“You’re right. I apologize, Ahmed. You know I’ve liked you since the day we met. I can’t stand your rejection. Together, we could create a great empire.”

“I’ve told you more than once that I’m not interested in a relationship beyond business with you. Don’t humiliate yourself like this. You’re a very beautiful woman, and you won’t lack suitors.”

“That’s true, but I’m not interested in those men. The only one I want is you.” After saying this, she removed her clothes, leaving herself in revealing lace lingerie, trying to approach him.

However, Ahmed rejected her advances. He couldn’t help but recall her behavior when he was with Lyna.

“It’s better if you leave. This association between our companies ends today. Don’t cross my path like this again, or you’ll face the consequences. Tomorrow, I expect the money to be returned without fail.”

“Think about it, Ahmed. You would be very happy by my side.”

“I’m not interested. Now cover yourself and leave, or I’ll be forced to remove you just as you are. Discuss anything related to money with Cambell.”

“Fine, you’re the one missing out,” she said, furiously storming out of the room. How dare he reject a woman like her? She quickly dressed and left.

Ahmed shook his head as he heard the loud slamming of the door when she left. She was such a stubborn woman. Among all his associates, she was known for her intense relationships with her lovers. She was very beautiful, but nothing about her attracted Ahmed. Whenever he faced a woman like her, he couldn’t help but remember how Lyna behaved.

He was lost in his thoughts when his phone started ringing. It was a call from his family. He found it strange since he hadn’t spoken to them in a while.

“Marhaba (hello).”

“Ahmed Khan.”

“Mother.”

“You ungrateful son! You’ve forgotten respect and love for your parents, you’ve forgotten your country and your blood.”

“Paradise lies at your feet, mother.”

“Wretched is he who has one of his parents reach old age and does not enter Paradise by honoring them.”

“Please, don’t say that, mother.”

“You abandoned us, abandoned your responsibilities towards your family and your nation, all for the sake of following a woman. You’ve forgotten the most important duty in our law, showing respect and gratitude to your parents. Your father is dying and wants to see you. Woe to you if you refuse.”

“Since when has father been sick?”

“For a year now. You would know if you communicated with us. The doctor says there’s nothing more to be done, he may pass away at any moment. Perhaps he has a few days left.”

“I’ll come as soon as possible, mother.”

“You know you are the one meant to succeed your father.”

“We’ll talk about it when I get there, mother.”

“I’ll be waiting for you soon, my son. Now that you’re widowed, you can fulfill your commitment to the Amin family. Maasalaamah (goodbye).”

“Maasalaamah.”

Ahmed didn’t think his father would ever fall ill; he was a strong man, but he had never taken the time to consider it.

He called Cambell; he had to go to Dubai to be with his family immediately.

“What’s going on, buddy? Why the rush?” Cambell asked.

“You’ll be in charge of the company and the businesses. My mother called; my father may die any moment now.”

“I’m sorry, buddy.”

“Do you know what that means?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“Yes, that you’ll face more pressure from your family.”

“I still want to abdicate. I have no interest in being the leader of a country that refuses to change its ancient customs, where women are not truly valued.”

“Are you still resentful about what they did to Lyna?”

“It’s something I’ll never forget. To them, Lyna was worth nothing; they didn’t even want to meet my children, their own grandchildren.”

“What will you do about Mía?”

“I’ve thought about it a lot. I’ll take her with me, if she agrees.”

“Brother, you know that’s impossible. Your family will crush her.”

“They’ll protect her at all costs. If she stays here, Carlo Román will find her sooner or later, and I won’t allow that.”

“They’ll make her life a living hell, just like they did with Lyna.”

“I’ll only be away for a while. When father passes away, I’ll return.”

“I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. You’re heading straight into a slaughterhouse; they won’t let you come back. By the way, I’ll see Thara tomorrow; I’ll travel to Los Angeles to meet her.

Your friend and sister have been gradually taking out some of your important belongings, like documents and jewelry that could be useful to you. We’ll be careful not to arouse suspicion from Román.”

“I appreciate that, buddy.”

Later that night, Ahmed returned to the penthouse, feeling exhausted. He found Mía in the living room, reading a book. She was so absorbed that she didn’t notice Ahmed had sat in front of her.

“Hello,” Mía jumped when she heard him. “Sorry, it wasn’t my intention to startle you.”

“Don’t worry. Is something wrong? You look really tired.”

“I am,” Ahmed replied, rubbing his neck with his hands and wincing slightly in pain.

“If you allow me, I could help with that.”

“I would appreciate it.”

Mía began to slide her hands along Ahmed’s neck. He thought her gentle hands were magical, and the relief she provided felt wonderful. After a while, he felt much better.

“Done!”

“Thank you so much. I really needed that. We need to talk,” Ahmed said, and Mía sat back down.

“Tell me, I’m listening.”

“My father is very ill. I have to travel to Dubai, and I’d like you to come with me. That way, I can ensure Carlo won’t find you,” Ahmed would have liked to tell her that this way she would have more freedom, but he knew it wasn’t the case. “Think about it. Cambell will travel to Los Angeles tomorrow, and your friend and sister have been gradually taking out some of your most important belongings, like jewelry and documents. Thara will give them to Cambell, and they will be necessary for you to be able to travel.”

“I’m sorry about your father. I think it’s better if I go with you; the farther away I am from that man, the better.”

Ahmed smiled. He was glad to know she would be by his side, even if it meant exposing her to the rules and traditions of his family. He was sure she had no idea what things were like in his country, but he would try to explain the most important aspects to her. While they were there, they had to follow the rules to avoid any problems.