I lay there awake, my mind full of what ifs and what nots. At max, I must have had only five hours of sleep. And even then, it was full of nightmares.

My parents finding out about this marriage. Oh, the day that that would arrive would be like hell itself. They would be gravely disappointed. Especially my dad. He'd told me to come back to England after my remaining months were over, and that he would see how much of a great guy Rafael was for me.

How would I keep such news like this so private? And that too from my family! Rafael found it a spectacular job to constantly remind me I'm his wife, even before we were married. If he ever met my parents, I'm scared he'd end up telling them.

No. That cannot happen under any circumstances. Before he has the unfortunate pleasure of meeting my parents, I'd instruct him to not tell my family we were courted. All that could be revealed in the future. One where my parents wholeheartedly accept this preposterous outcome.

But, but what if they don't. I would he stuck in a ditch.

I would not be able to move forward nor backwards. Eventually they'd find out, despite how much I'd try to conceal this news from them. And then, they would be heavily disappointed. But moreso, I would be ashamed. For the first time in my life, my eyes will be held down in humiliation.

But it wasn't my fault! I tried and tried to oppose the demons actions as much as I could. I resisted his words. Yet still, here I am, stuck in this dungeon of a mansion.

Rafael made it clear last night that I was to stay here and not leave. What did he expect me to do? Just sit around and wait for him like how a lovely wife would do? I internally rolled my eyes and just about addressed him in all the negative connotations one could towards a man.

I felt better after the mental list. The last time I'd had something to eat was the breakfast which one of the maids left outside my door. Hell! Why was I even in this room to begin with. I'm sure I could roam around the mansion!

So without another thought, I located the kitchen. I was hungry for a dessert, and I remember asking one of the maids whether they had any desserts in the kitchen. Much to my happiness, she'd replied that the head cook could make one if I wished, since I was now a Lady of the house.

Albeit, I wasn't excited about that declaration, but nonetheless, I didn't fuss much over the matter since I'd be getting my favourite dessert made.

A delightful fragrance danced about in the atmosphere, rendering me still. I stood as straight as a rod, trying to distinguish what it was. It was heavenly so I quickly made an advancement towards the kitchen, knowing full well I'd be delighted with whatever it was that was made.

And indeed I was.

It was the most spectacular trifle, decorating the table like a prize. My mouth watered at the sight and if it hadn't been for the booming voice of someone behind me, I would have surely pounced on it quicker than anybody could say mine!

"Good Afternoon Mrs Rey. I hope you didn't wait too long for your dessert" Said one of the cooks in a heavy spanish accent, looking at me with warmth in her eyes. It was quite an old lady, whom, surprisingly, was also shorter than me.

I was taken aback, not expecting her to be the cook. Well whatever it was, she was a wonderful cook. I could tell that from my breakfast and now this yummy smelling dessert.

Not wanting to prolong anymore time from eating the trifle, I replied back instantly.

"Ah no worries. Thank you for making this in such a short time, it smells wonderful" I smiled back. She nodded her head, turning around only to retrieve a spoon.

"Here you go dear, enjoy your trifle. Now, I need to get back to some cooking. Oh Clarissa left me for some groceries and now... Ah, ignore me dear" she exclaimed, realising I was stood there listening to her ramble on.

"I cannot make anything when someone is stood over my shoulder, now hurry along. You can sit down if you want in the dining room" I nodded gratefully, grabbing the trifle and walking towards one of the many living rooms here.

The dining table was entirely too large, which would make me feel even lonelier, so I opted to go somewhere else.

Hmm. Which one to choose from? He had three living rooms. Each one giving off it's own personality. I decided to go with the dark themed living room, from the light blocking curtains, to the dark furniture, to the pitch black tiles.

It wasn't helping that they were spotlessly clean that even glancing down made me seem as if I was in the air, dangling around the chandelier. Oh well, at least my loneliness would be rightly served.

I sat down on the most comfortable sofa to ever exist, my body literally melting into the material. Gosh, could this house get any more comfortable?! Disregarding the fact that it is owned by a Mafia Lord, who built this on bloody grounds with bloody hands.

Astaghfirullah.

"You're here, mama" exclaimed a cute voice from somewhere. I was startled at first, but as soon as I saw the little girl hugging her toy unicorn, looking at me with wide eyes, I practically forgot about the trifle.

I immediately got up and walked towards her, whilst she stood there with teary eyes. Why was Jimena crying? Did I do something wrong?!

"Jimena why are you crying dear?" I kneeled down to her level, my hands around her shoulders. She answered me back with a hug, the unicorn snuggled in-between us. I was too surprised to react in time, as I held her in my arms, trying to comfort her.

"Mama, why did you leave?" She cried, clasping onto me with her little hands. I could feel her tears on my shoulder. "You said you would come-" she hiccuped "come back and and I waited long time" my heart fell to my stomach. I didn't know my disappearance affected the poor girl so much.

Well wasn't it obvious Laila, she considered you her mother, so of course she would be affected. And thinking about it now, I kind of was her mother, since I was married to her dad. Oh god, that feels so weird to say. I'm already a mother, at nineteen? But I'm barely an adult myself. I haven't even got a degree yet.

"I'm so sorry Jimena" I consoled, stroking her hair affectionately. She somewhat calmed down as I picked her up, her little legs clasped around my waist. "I promise it won't happen again okay?! But if I'm not here then promise me you'll be a big girl and not get upset" I held out my pinky, smiling as she clasped her own small one around it. With the other hand, she held the toy unicorn to her stomach.

Just then, a clearing of a throat was heard from behind me. I turned around, with Jimena now attached to my hip, only to see her father, eyeing me with a look in his eyes. My cheeks reddened, realising what Jimena in my arms meant. He must be elite, me getting along with his child so easily.

His stance intimidated me, as he stood there, his hands in his suit pockets. I diverted my attention to Jimena, hoping my cheeks weren't tomato red or that he didn't have any weird thoughts in his mind.

Jimena shuffled about in my arms, seemingly calling for her papa.

"Papa! Papa!" She giggled, and despite the tension, a smile broke out onto my face. She looked so adorable, I wanted to kiss her on her chubby cheeks, but I held myself back from prying eyes.

Rafael walked over to us, much to my bad luck, and took Jimena from my arms, but of course, that was not quite easy when she latched onto me, pulling me along with her.

Rafael raised his eyebrows down at his daughter, whilst she shook her head no. Tears started erupting from her eyes once again, as she fisted my hijab.

"No! Quiero estar con mama!" She cried, whilst my heart beat crazily. Why was this little thing crying so much. All I understood was mama. Ahh, perhaps she wanted to stay with me and not go to Rafael.

I wasn't complaining though, I loved kids.

"Bien quierida" he smiled fondly, before looking at me. "Stay here with your mother, mi querida hija" for some god forsaken reason, my cheeks decided to burn with heat upon his statement. His eyes not once left mine, and I couldn't look away either. I didn't want to show him his words held any meaning to me, but I'm sure he thought otherwise.

I returned my attention back to Jimena, smiling as I did so. "Jimena dear, have you had anything to eat yet" I asked to which she shook her head cutely. Poor girl must have been hungry. How could you forget there was a child in this house, Laila. I felt guilty, as I left my trifle on the table and walked to the kitchen, with Rafael in tow.

The cook, whose name I came to know thanks to Jimena screaming it out, already had the little princesses breakfast ready on the island. I sat her down on one of the stools, which she gladly accepted, as I nodded for the cook to follow me out.

Thankfully she understood what I meant and without a word, nodded in agreement. We left Rafael in there with Jimena, because I did not want him here for this.

"What is it dear" she smiled expectantly. I smiled back, wiping the sweat off of my hands onto my pants. "Sorry Georgina" I began. "I just wanted to let you know that, if I ever come back to the mansion again, I will be responsible for Jimena's food" I said lowly, not wanting anyone to hear.

Rafael looked back at us briefly, before returning his attention to his daughter.

"Oh Mrs Rey, you don't have to do that. I enjoy cooking for my dear Jimena, please, it is no bother" she replied back as her hands clasped around my own in an affectionate manner.

"Please, don't overwork yourself, now that I'm here, I promise to help you out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to Jimena" I tried to reason, hoping she understood where I was coming from. There was a moment of silence as she stared at me expressionless, before a grin broke out onto her face.

"I see it now. Why Mr Rey married such a wonderful person as yourself. You're both truly very lucky to have each other, my dear. I pray to Lord to bless your marriage" she caressed my cheeks affectionately, and in that moment I was reminded of my mama. It's been so long since I saw her, that I couldn't help but tear up.

She cooed just like a mother would, and in that moment, I don't know what came over me as I pulled her shoulders towards me in an embrace. She gladly retaliated by hugging me back, occasionally patting my hijab clad head. I guess this is how Jimena must feel, without a mother figure, except mine was alive and I knew about her, whereas, for Jimena, she concluded the first person to show her motherly affection was indeed her mother.

At this notion, more tears escaped from my eyes. I couldn't stop myself. I tried so hard to keep my feelings in control and to not let anyone see my weak side, but what was the point of it all. My life was played like a game, and in the end, the demon won. He gained me whilst I gained nothing. Nothing but unbearable emotions, wanting to pour from my heart and strangle the sole cause. Of course metaphorically, but just if...

It seemed like I causing too much of a commotion, as Rafael sauntered over to us, commanding for Georgina to leave without a word. She let go of me, her face revealing something between a grimace and pity. Yes, that's how I feel too. For myself.

Rafael turned me around as soon as she was out of earshot, eyeing my tears with a hard face. What did he expect? For me to be all rainbows and sunshines. It wasn't that long ago that I was forcefully married to him. And now, he had me trapped inside this facade of a home. There was nothing lively about this. I would much rather prefer the Mukhtars small, cosy home than this grand, cold mansion. Proves money doesn't buy happiness, but rather it comes from whom your surrounded by.

"What's the matter, my dear wife" he exclaimed, wiping away at the tears, but the action itself was pointless as more trailed down my cheeks.

"Get off of me Rafael" I retorted back, not in the mood for his mind games. Without another second to waste, I walked away from him, but of course, who the bloody hell was I kidding. He wouldn't just let me be!

"You don't get to walk from me like that, darling, especially since we're now married. You know" he began, leaning me against the wall, whilst he used his arms as a barrier. "I'm sure in Islam, a wife should obey her husband" he smirked, finally revealing his demonic side after all those 'caring' words. Oh, to be foolish here, was like digging your own grave.

"That only stands true if your my actual husband. You see, if the female is threatened or seemingly says I agree three times under forced circumstances, it doesn't count until she accepts the marriage wholeheartedly" I retorted back smoothly, knowing this statement would eventually come from someone as arrogant as him. Which is pretty hypocritical since God taught us how the Pharos arrogance led him to be held alive till this day, proof to all mankind that no one was better than God himself.

Looks like he'll need educating on his own religion, now it seems.

He leaned forward, one of his hands on my cheek and the other next to my head. As much as I tried getting away from him, it seemed useless, but I don't care! After some time I finally freed myself from his hold on me and ran towards the room.

I turned around to witness his hands in his pockets, looking up at me stood as still as a statue. Just before I turned the corner, a smirk lit up his face, filling me with dread.

I locked the door as quickly as possible not making the mistake of taking the key out of the lock. I kept it in there in case he tried breaking in. It was then I'd realised that my poor trifle was sat on the sofa, untouched. And poor Jimena, I promised her I'll wait for her to finish eating.

If it wasn't for my hijab, I would have definitely ripped some of my strands from stress. Heaving a sigh of frustration, I unlocked the door as quietly as possible, peeking my head out to make sure there was no demon on my tail.

Thankfully the coast was clear.

By the time I reached the kitchen, Jimena was done with her food. Georgina aided her in getting off the stool and as soon as she saw me stood in the doorway, she practically ran in my direction.

I picked her up, smiling down at her gleaming face. She was so cute, that it just reminded me how much I loved kids. Talking about kids, it reminded of my work in the hospital. Oh no! I've become so negligent towards my duties.

With Jimena in my arms, I managed to locate the home phone, and called the hospital instantly. After the third ring, someone answered.

"Hello. This is Madrid Hospital reception, how may I help you"

"Hi" I began, shaking my head no at Jimena as she tried peeking under my scarf. Her fingers were tickling me, despite how much I tried to keep away from her. She was stubborn, just like her dad. "I wanted to inform you of my absence for the last one week, my name is Laila Bakhash, I work at the hospital as part of my University course" I stated, thankful that I didn't end up laughing.

Jimena giggled at my expression, her chubby hands now coming to pull my cheeks.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat your name again please" came the apology of the receptionist.

"It's Laila Bakhash. Do you want me to spell it out? Jimena, stop it baby" I whispered to the little girl in my arms, making sure to keep the phone away from me whilst doing so. She looked at me with those puppy dog eyes, her bottom lip jutted out into a pout. Gosh, she was going to cry now, yet I couldn't help but think how adorable she looked in that moment.

"No thank you, let me just find you, one second Misses Bakhash" she trailed off, most likely searching for my name. That's odd, normally it was pretty easy for me to sign in at the reception.

Whilst waiting for a reply, I went back into the living room I was previously in, picking up the trifle and placing it on the table. I sat down with Jimena in my lap, whom sat with her legs around me, hugging me.

Could my heart grow any bigger? This little human kept my mind away from the unfortunate events which occured these past few days. I looked down at her, only to hear sniffles. Oh dear, oh no, I thought worriedly. I didn't know she was this sensitive despite me telling her in a gentle tone.

"I'm sorry Miss" the lady on the call stated. I momentarily shifted my attention to the call, occasionally looking down at Jimena, as tears freely flowed from her eyes whilst she lay her head against my chest.

In an attempt at calming her down, I wrapped one of my arms around her, pushing her against myself. What was this feeling ya Allah? Why was I becoming so emotional and protective over this child in my arms?

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting Miss, but it seems there's no Laila Bakhash on the system" my eyebrows furrowed in perplexity. What? "Emm there is a Laila Rey, though, not Laila Bakhash, my dear" Laila Rey?!

The demon had the audacity to change my maiden name in my job! He could not do this Islamically without my permission, the...the... Calm down Laila, there's an emotional child In your arms.

"Oh yes" I gritted "Silly me, please can you update my absence in that name for the past week please. I'm sorry for causing any misunderstanding" I apologised as distant sounds of typing ringed through the call.

"All done, Mrs Rey, hope you have a nice day" she exclaimed and I could practically hear her smile.

"Thank you, bye" and with that, I ended the call and returned my attention back to Jimena. She wiped her hand across her nose, picking apart on the string from my hijab with her other hand.

"Jimena, dear, why are you upset?" I asked gently, not wanting to scare her again. She just looked up at me with her doe eyes, before everting her gaze back to prodding at the string. The second she looked down, her chin wobbled in apparent misery and her face transformed into that of the darkest shades of red.

She was upset, for reasons unknown to me. I changed her position on my lap and faced her towards me, my hands under her chin. Tears fell freely from her eyes, as she sat there silently.

With shaking hands, since I'd never tried reconcilling a child before, I wiped her tears away. Thankfully there were no more, but she still held the desolate expression.

"Is it because I told you to stop?" I pried. She shook her head.

"Baby, tell me what's wrong"

"I-i I don't want you to leave me again" her chin wobbled, and i'm sure so did mine. This cute little girl was asking for something which even I wasn't sure I could grant her. I was to return back to England in less than two months.

Now that I was married to her father, she was technically my daughter, and I her mother. This was all too soon. Despite the internal need to cry, I took a deep breath, soothing the clog in my throat and reassured her. Even though I wasn't so sure what the future held.

"Didn't I promise I'll be with you always?" I reassured her, wiping away the tears and giving her a kiss on the cheeks. She nodded her head slowly, not believing that that could be the case. For a child like her, I'd noticed how much of an overthinker she was, with the way her eyes would gloss over in childlike concentration.