The soft hum of the helicopter blades filled the air as the sleek aircraft made its descent. Maya sat still, her gaze fixed on the horizon, though her mind was far from the view. The past few weeks had been a blur—a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, family gatherings, and endless reminders from Zayed that she was under his watchful eye at all times. Every decision she made was scrutinized, every movement observed. There was no escaping his control.

The moment the helicopter touched down on the private landing pad of Zayed’s secluded villa, Maya felt her heart rate quicken. The villa was one of the many properties Zayed kept hidden away, a place where they could retreat from the world. And it was here, away from the prying eyes of others, that Zayed’s control became even more suffocating.

She stepped out of the helicopter, Zayed’s hand already reaching for her, guiding her with a firm grip as they made their way inside. The air here was different—thick with expectation, laced with the tension of their relationship.

“Maya,” Zayed’s voice called to her, low and steady, as he guided her into the house. “You’ll stay here with me. Away from distractions.”

She nodded silently, the weight of his words sinking in. Away from distractions. Away from the world. Just her, Zayed, and their child. The idea of complete isolation didn’t sit well with her, but she knew there was no room for protest. Zayed had already made up his mind.

“I don’t want anyone near you,” Zayed continued, his grip tightening around her waist as they entered the living room. His eyes scanned the room, the sharpness of his gaze never leaving her. “Not even my family. They won’t see you, Maya. You’re mine.”

Maya stiffened, the words sinking deep into her bones. She wasn’t sure if she should be disturbed by his possessiveness or comforted by it. Part of her wanted to rebel, to assert her independence, but another part of her—the part that had grown used to the sheltering presence of Zayed—found solace in his control.

“I understand,” she said softly, though her voice trembled. The truth was, she didn’t entirely understand. Not yet. But Zayed’s actions always spoke louder than his words, and at this point, she wasn’t sure if she could escape from the grasp he had on her heart and mind.

Zayed seemed satisfied with her response, his lips curling into a rare smile that held no warmth. It was a smile that reminded her of just how much he was in control.

“You will be taken care of,” he said, his voice commanding. “I’ll make sure of that.”

The words echoed in her ears long after they had entered their private quarters. As the evening wore on, Maya found herself growing more restless. The villa was beautiful, serene even, but it felt suffocating. Zayed’s presence was a constant, never allowing her to feel completely alone. There was no escape, not even in her thoughts.

Maya sat by the window, her gaze focused on the setting sun as it dipped below the horizon. She wondered, briefly, about the life she had left behind—about the woman she used to be, before Zayed had claimed her.

“Why do you look so distant?” Zayed’s voice cut through her thoughts, and she turned to find him standing in the doorway, his gaze penetrating. His eyes softened for a fraction of a second before the coldness returned.

“I’m not distant,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just thinking.”

Zayed’s gaze narrowed, his footsteps bringing him closer to her. “Thinking about what?”

Maya hesitated, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “Just… everything.”

Zayed’s hand came up to rest on her cheek, his fingers gentle but firm. “You’re thinking too much,” he murmured. “You’re overthinking everything. Don’t. I will take care of you. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

The tenderness in his touch was fleeting, quickly replaced by the firmness she had come to expect. He was reminding her again—she was his. And in this world, she had no room for anything but his control.