Then… she obeyed.
Because that’s what she had been taught.
Not to live.
Not to choose.
But to obey.
A hand reached for hers.
Warm.
Careful.
Unlike anything she had ever felt before.
The contrast startled her.
But before she could think—
The ceremony was over.
Just like that.
No celebration.
No blessing.
No love.
Her father shoved a small bag into her hands.
A few clothes.
Nothing more.
“She’s your problem now.”
And then…
He walked away.
No goodbye.
No regret.
Not even a glance back.
Zainab stood frozen.
Between a life she never had…
And a future she never chose.
Beside her—
The man she had just married.
A beggar.
A stranger.
And as his fingers gently tightened around hers…
He whispered for the first time:
“Come.”
His voice was… soft.
Too soft.
Too kind.
