Zain Al-Abbas

Zain is a love interest in the book The Desert Rose.
Please note that if you are pursuing a relationship with the other love interests, romantic options/scenes with Zain might not be available to you. The better option is to stay single.

About Zain[]

Zain is first described as being a dark horse. Not much is known about him except that he is rich, influential, and single. This makes him a rather eligible bachelor in Sefer. He was born into a wealthy but strict family. He helped his father from the age of 15 and always knew that he had a big responsibility.^[2]

He appears to be a colleague of Yasmin Al-Aziz's father, Kadir, and acts as his consultant, giving Kadir advice and his opinion about the situations going on. Yasmin does not think highly of him and it's quickly apparent that her dislike of him is because of his disapproval of her rebellious behavior. Zain is old fashioned in his beliefs and that extends to his feelings about women.

There are a few instances where Yasmin will overhear Zain speaking with someone about impending issues arising in the city. Depending on your choices you may have her curiosity turn into action and she will seek out Zain in order to find out more information about her friends after they're arrested. Interestingly, Zain appreciates her curiosity and the knowledge she gains will help her friends later.

If you kept the flower from the Rebel in S1, Ep2, The Rebel will tell Yasmin that Zain might be the only one who can vouch for her. Now her fate may depend on Zain.

When Yasmin arrives at Zain's boutique (Beatrice Boutique) at the beginning of Season 2, Saleh is already there looking for her and Zain hides her until they're done talking. He isn't thrilled about the situation they have found themselves in and he does not agree with her rebellious nature that seems to have gotten them into this mess but he still protects her. And now he is on a plane with her, Jack, and his team to Brazil.

As Yasmin is trying to get to the bottom of everything that is going on regarding the virus and the missing girls, it's clear that Zain has his own motives. If you're on his romance path he will confide in Yasmin that he is on his own quest for revenge regarding his father's death. He swore to find those responsible and, instead of killing them, to keep them close and gain their trust. He also moved his mother, Firuza, to Italy along with the jewelry shop that his father owned in order to protect them.

If you're on his romance path Zain also confide to Yasmin that his father always planned everything, he even tried to predict his own death as he sensed something was wrong. His father hid in the ruins the box with the key to interpret the secret message that he had left to his son in a book. Zain’s father was murdered because he had tracked Idris Saleh down, checked all his documents and the financing; he realized that Idris had been encouraging corruption all along, enjoying the support of Augusto Palmeira while also promising the oasis to some mysterious benefactor. Zain only managed to open his eyes thanks to Yasmin's influence, but he feels guilty and stupid for not taken his father hint earlier.

Relationships[]

Yasmin Al-Aziz (MC): Kadir's daughter and a possible love interest.
Kadir Al-Aziz: Friends. They have know each other for a long time, as their families were friends. They respect each other a lot.
Leila: Al-Aziz's maid. She managed to fall in love with Zain.
Francesca: Friend. She is Italian and they have known each other for a long time.
Ayub Al-Abbas: Father (deceased). To Zain, Ayub was a perfect example of a good husband and father.
Firuza: Mother. Zain moved her to Rome after the death of his father.
Nara: Childhood friend. They would make mischief and then ask for food.

Quotes[]

"Having a big mouth is much easier than being wise." (S1, Ep3)
"(MC's name), your spontaneity really amazes me at times. I can't say that it always suits you." (S1, Ep4)
"You surprise me more and more with each passing day, (MC's name). I discover new sides to your fickle nature." (S1, Ep4)
"I have no idea what brought this sudden change about, but I'm certainly flattered. As a guest, of course." (S1, Ep4)
"Thank you for your care, (MC's name)." (S1, Ep4)
"I'm all for justice, you know." (S1, Ep8)
"I shouldn't be telling scary stories to a gentle, romantic lady like you." (Diamond scene - S1, Ep8)
"I don't mean to sound snobbish. I'm not here to offer you life lessons." (Diamond scene - S1, Ep8)
"Your naïve stubbornness is charming." (Diamond scene - S1, Ep8)
"Even if his ways aren't the most humane. But isn't the criminal the first to disregard humanity?" (Diamond scene - S1, Ep8)
"Life is cynical." (Diamond scene - S1, Ep8)
"It's stupid to throw yourself in front of a car and blame the driver for it." (S1, Ep11)
"And I see a new side of you every day." (S1, Ep12)
"Sometimes conversation like ours decide more fates than any sentence." (S1, Ep12)
"I can filter information and think for myself. Sometimes it's good to keep to yourself. Observe, reflect. Much becomes clear that way." (S1, Ep12)
"Maybe someday you'll understand. Adult life entails playing adult games." (Diamond scene - S1, Ep12)
"Believe me, it's not just women that I lecture about keeping quiet. I'm no less strict with men. And even so with myself." (S2, Ep5)
"I'm past the age where I'd be scared of my own words. Especially those that are said in jest." (S2, Ep5)
"I won't praise you lest I spoil you, but still, your change makes me happy." (S2, Ep6)
"You're walking on a knife's edge if you think that you can provoke me. How wrong you are, you wild, restless creature." (S2, Ep7)
"I see she really gets to you. Should I be worried about this and suspect you may be in love with someone you shouldn’t?" (Diamond scene – S2, Ep8)
"You’re beautiful just the way you are. Why are you constantly comparing yourself to others?" (Diamond scene – S2, Ep8)
"It’s about time I became a dreamer." (Diamond scene – S2, Ep8)
"This girl makes me turn back on my principles. She haunts my dreams, driving me crazy." (Diamond scene – S2, Ep9)
"Is it possible to find justice when you are fighting against those who do not play fair? Perhaps, but I couldn’t afford to take such risks. I couldn’t hurt my mother again by dying, too." (S3, Ep5)
"You reminded me of who I was before my father’s death. Young and open-minded, with a strong sense of justice. But it became a trap. (...) Because I fell in love." (S3, Ep5)
"Do you know what it’s like to love you? Do you know what it’s like to fight with yourself? I do. And I’m so tired of it..." (S3, Ep5)
"I’m here with you... Always have been and always will be. Marry me. I promise I will always protect you. Every part of you..." (Diamond scene – S3, Ep5)
“I wanted to teach you so much, but I ended up learning from you instead… I learned to feel and not be afraid to show it.” (S3, Ep6)
“I don’t care what’s going on in the city because I won’t let them take you away. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” (S3, Ep6)
“I love you. Will you marry me?” (S3, Ep6)
“My beautiful wild flame!” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep7)
“You’re a work of art...” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep7)
“Ti adoro... I love you madly.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep7)
“Don’t you dare involve my wife in your revolution. We’ll handle this ourselves.” (S3, Ep8)
“For a long time, I followed my father’s bad example, I was afraid to talk about my feelings. I ran away from them. I denied my attraction to you for so long… but I needed you, I needed to stop my journey to nowhere. My confessions and my proposal... They were so messy and award, but I was so afraid of losing you.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep8)
“It’s nice that I inspired you to come up with such a great-sounding nickname.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep9)
“My father was a strong-willed, cold man, and my mother, instead, was the dreamy and cheerful type. (...) A curse that has befallen me.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep9)
“But you, your energy, your innate ability for getting into trouble… It all suddenly opened my eyes...” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep9)
“It’s all a big, dirty game. I want to protect you.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep9)
“Just don’t get into trouble, my naughty wife. Don’t go anywhere without me.” (S3, Ep9)
“I wish I could hide you away, too. I wish I could make sure they never find you. I’m the coward. I’m terrified of losing you.” (S3, Ep10)
“Whatever mess you get yourself into, I’ll get you out of it... My unbearable wild creature.” (S3, Ep10)
“You’re a hero who decided to take this step. It’s not just a blood sample. You’re helping people. You can’t do otherwise. That’s why I love you.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep12)
“I have experience, darling. Nothing more. You love me very well and teach me how to love. You are sincere and tender, even though you have flaws, as we all do.” (Diamond scene - S3, Ep12)
“I love you. […] I’ve always believed that love is when you want to have dinner together every day. To share every special moment of my life with my beloved.” (City Kid Ending - S3, Ep12)
“It’s unusual to have a person you can tell everything to, exactly as it is. I admit it’s rare for me. I’m not a sentimental person. But you’re my favorite exception. […] Thank you. You are my light. You are my storm. So wild, so special. […] You’re... a ray of storm.” (Desert Flower Ending - S3, Ep12)

Trivia[]

Zodiac sign: Capricorn ♑^[1]
Height: 6'1", 186 cm^[1]
Do's: antiques, exclusively reading paperbacks, opera^[1]
Don'ts: waking up too late, the smell of gasoline, lack of integrity in certain matters^[1]
Interesting fact: Zain studied well at university but would often argue with his teachers. One day during the holidays, Zain went on a tour of Florence, where he got into a heated argument with one of the “tourists.” While the disagreement didn’t end in a fight, neither side was very happy. Later, Zain would find another opponent within the walls of his university: a new teacher. Fortunately, the dispute did not affect his academic performance, but among the faculty, Zain firmly retained the title of their most stubborn student.^[1]
Zain claims to be a beauty expert
Yasmin thinks he looks like a bat sometimes; a bat-like person who is so difficult to understand
He has a luxurious house and plenty of maids
They say that he appreciates impeccable cleanliness above all
Zain likes silence in general
He loves coffee, travel, swimming, and is interested in the world in all its manifestations^[3]
He loves art, but not portraits. Mostly landscapes; marine painters and battle painters.^[3]
He does not like romance novels or excessive sentimentalism^[3]
He can sew - it helps him when choosing clothes for his boutique^[3]
He once won a tango competition^[3]
Zain is in the boutique every Monday. His boutique is spacious and bright, the epitome of luxury
He doesn't like to waste time talking on the phone
His perfume is woody, with tart and sweet notes
He is fluent in Italian
When he was younger he used to be stubborn
Zain started working early, he didn't want to depend on anyone
He claims to be always on the side of the reason, he observes and analyzes things
He is used to keeping his thoughts under control, but he fails miserably if you're on his romance path
If you are on his romance path you discover in his diamond choice from Season 2, Episode 10 that for many years Zain has been searching in vain for the perfect woman for him, trying to find someone who had every quality he deemed desirable in a wife. But in fact, only the lively candor of his friend’s daughter sparked something long forgotten within him
Would love to travel to New Zealand^[4]
He is very fond of the ocean; he has a soft spot for it, as the element of water has always fascinated him
He loves marine artists
He values his time
No children, no pets
No bad habits, but he used to drink – in moderation
He is an only child; father passed away and mother is retired and living in Italy - he visits her regularly
He used to be a perfectionist and extremely demanding of others but that led to a lot of mistakes
His car smells of something fresh and spicy at the same time
He is a good driver; careful but knows how-to pick-up speed when the situation calls for it
His second home is very special to him
He has a chiseled nose, seductive lips, and strong, warm hands
He has shares in his father's jewelry store in Italy, and also has a tea shop
He doesn't like sharing what he loves
He swims well
He has a confident and authoritative tone, but he uses his deep and velvety voice to speak with the main character when you are on his romance path
Zain can be cunning and dangerous, his skill lay in his ability to observe people and find their weaknesses
He owns a home in Florence, not far from the Uffizi Gallery
If you are on Zain romance path, this what he says to Kadir in S3, Ep3: "It’s me who’s not fine! I want to marry your daughter. I promise you that I will take care of her and that she will never be sad. I will keep her safe. (...) I’ve grown to love your daughter’s personality. She’s not a child anymore, and I have pure, mature feelings for her. (...) I will do anything to protect her! And if she rejects me, I will not dare to approach her again. I will only watch from a distance."
If you are on his romance path, Zain gives Yasmin a custom-made engagement ring in S3, Ep6. According to him, the ring reflects Yasmin's personality: flighty, fiery, as wild as life itself, and gentle
In the City Kid Ending, Zain’s mother reveals that Zain is always been a romantic, and that he liked to misbehave, but that he is become more callous
Favorite dessert: Honeymoon
Zain and Yasmin's daughter is called Warda. She is very temperamental and even cunning

Romance path[]

Note: Some choices might not be available to you if your relationship is too high with other LIs.

Tips:

Try to take as few relationship improvements with the other LIs as possible
Definitely do not take diamond choices with the other LIs
Wardrobe options for the other LIs also count as improvements so it is recommended you do not take those either
Saeed and Jaffar interfere with Zain's path the most. DO NOT take improvements for them (including wardrobe)

Season 1:

Ep 4 · Meetings and Mysteries

Zain.
(Distract both of them.) [❗Your relationship with Zain has improved!]

Ep 8 · Fate

"Definitely." (💎30) [❗You have learned very useful information!] [❗Zain is happy to teach you about life.]

Ep 11 · Writing on the Wall

"Bought a gift for him." (💎20) [❗Zain will appreciate this gesture!] and later in this episode [❗Zain appreciated your gift.]
Magical (💎20) OR Rebellious princess (💎70)

Ep 12 · Rebellion

I'd appreciate it. (💎48) [❗What's going on between you two?]

Season 2:

Ep 3 · Journey

Something new.
(Ignore it.)
- Moved closer to him. (💎50) [❗You seem to make him lose his composure!]

Ep 4 · Welcome

(Scroll on your phone.) (💎31) (CG unlocked) [❗You've disturbed Zain's peace!]
Don't trust him. (Choose this to unlock a secret scene in the future!)

Ep 5 · Genius

He will give you an outfit and you'll see the prompt: [❗You got a special outfit from Zain!]
Thanked him. (💎22) [❗Zain likes bickering with you!]
If you chose "Don't trust him." in Ep 4 you'll see the prompt: [❗You've unlocked a secret scene in the future!]

Ep 6 · Temptation

Suit (💎33)
(Agree.) (💎33) [❗It seems you've found your way into Zain's heart. Will he admit it?]

Ep 7 · Something More

"Go say hi to Dona Lucretia."
- If you chose "Don't trust him." in Ep 4 you'll see the prompt: [❗ You've experienced a secret scene. You got to know Zain a little better!]
- Fell asleep. (💎74) [❗It seems you've lit a flame!]

Ep 8 · A Twist of Fate

(Go home.)
- There was someone special. (💎55) [❗You can't get Zain out of your head!]

Ep 9 · Oasis

(Speak out.) (💎22) (No prompt but Zain reacts positively if you choose to speak out.)
(Dance.) (💎29) (CG unlocked) [❗You're going to ruin him, aren't you?]

Ep 10 · As the Wheel of Time Turns

(All right.) (💎99) (Kiss scene) (CG Unlocked) (Zain gives Yasmin a necklace) (If you kissed another LI before this scene: [❗He realized he wasn't her first kiss.] and [❗Zain doesn't like having competition!])

Season 3:

Ep 1 · Mirage

Of one person. (💎64) [❗It's getting harder for Zain to fight his feelings for you!]

Ep 2 · The Letter

If you are on Zain's romance path and kept the rebel flower in S1 Ep2 you will see: [❗Zain is beside himself. You're about to have a serious conversation!]
I'll text Zain. (💎77) (CG Unlocked) [❗Zain is really worried about you!]

Ep 4 · The Hunt

(Call Zain.) (💎49) [❗It's too late for that!]

Ep 5 · Feat

Kissed her. (💎52) [❗You're both burning with passion and love!]
Someone's arms wrapping around her. (💎32) [❗Zain is here for you. He always makes you feel warm!]

Ep 6 · Quiet

(Ask Zain for help.) (💎73) [❗Your relationship with Zain has improved significantly!]

Ep 7 · Flame

[❗You've become Zain's wife!]
"Yes." (💎154) (Sex scene) (CGs unlocked) [❗You spent a night of love with Zain!] [🏆 Achievement Unlocked! A tough coffee bean to crack: Your relationship with Zain is very close. (💎+20)]

Ep 8 · Rubedo

Themselves. (💎30) [❗Your relationship with Zain has improved!]

Ep 9 · Nigredo

(Dive into the past.) (💎56) [❗Your relationship with Zain has improved!]

Ep 10 · A Woman's Mark

Zain, I... (💎50) [❗You're not done yet. Don't betray Zain's trust!]
(Spare Saleh.) (💎50) [❗Zain spared Idris Saleh.]

Ep 11 · Warda Al Sahra

[❗Zain is glad that he was able to save Idris!]
I love you! (💎51) [❗Your relationship with Zain has improved significantly!]

Ep 12 · Closure

(Call someone special.) (💎71)
If you've built up your relationship with your LI enough you will see: [❗You have a very close relationship with your love interest. You've unlocked a special scene!]
I want this. (💎103) (Sex scene) (CGs unlocked)
[❗You've unlocked the ending with Zain on the City Kid Path!] OR [❗You've unlocked the ending with Zain on the Desert Flower Path!] (CG unlocked)
I want to peek into the future and see my children. (💎26)

Possible Endings[]

Good Ending (Romance Path)
- The Desert Flower Path - The couple stay in Sefer and Zain becomes leader of the city. They later have a daughter named Warda (Arabic for "The Rose").
- The City Kid Path - Zain becomes the leader of Sefer. MC moves to Rome to study and stays with Zain's mother. Zain visits her often. They later have a daughter named Warda (Arabic for "The Rose").
- Adil/Zain Love Triangle
  - Choose Adil - MC continues seeing Adil behind Zain's back. MC can choose to tell Zain the truth and they will get divorced. MC leaves him for Adil. This unlocks one of the good endings mentioned on Adil's page.
  - Choose Zain - MC stops seeing Adil and stays married to Zain. This unlocks one of the good endings mentioned above.

Good Ending (Friendship Path)
- Zain becomes the temporary leader of Sefer.
- If Caroline is sent to prison, Zain will visit her. It is heavily implied that he has feelings for her and he intends to break her out.

Bad Ending:
- Adil/Zain Love Triangle
  - Choose Adil - MC wants Zain to save Adil but Zain refuses. MC flees to try and save him herself but Adil and MC are executed together. Zain visits her grave.
  - Choose Zain - MC does not go to Adil's execution. She has changed and hates herself for being so weak. She goes to Zain later and they have a very rough sex scene. Afterwards she burns all the archives with the medical information about the virus.
- Friendship Path - Sefer never recovers and Saleh returns to power. Zain is shot near his boutique.