Episode 9

When I entered the bathroom, I was absolutely delighted with every detail...

On a countertop, there was an array of products, lotions, salts, and oils for the body and hair.

Mrs. Zaira showed me each one of them and how to use them.

I looked closely at the bathtub and, at first, I was afraid to immerse my body in the warm scented waters, as I had never been in a bathtub before. I always took my showers in a simple shower with cold water. I also don't know how to swim, so I was afraid it would be too deep. However, Mrs. Zaira reassured me and guaranteed that if I stayed seated, I wouldn't drown. As a guarantee, she herself lowered the water level in the bathtub, which made me feel more at ease.

I thanked her profusely for all the care and attention, and when she left the bathroom, I undressed and smiled like a child when I felt the bubbles in the bathtub massaging my body while foam formed.

I smelled the scent of each product, cream, and aromatic oil... everything was so delicious and delicate.

I let my long hair down, and just as I was about to start washing it, a young woman knocked on the door and then entered, catching me by surprise. But the foam from the bathtub covered my nudity... thankfully!

After the initial shock, she explained that she would take care of my hair, at the request of my future mother-in-law, and she would also help me get dressed. Despite my polite refusal, as I don't want to be seen undressed, she assured me that I could put on underwear and some shorts to cover myself before leaving the bathroom to put on my wedding attire.

I nodded, knowing that there was no point in refusing, and even though I am shy, I am happy to be treated well.

《••••》

Now dressed and adorned, I observe my reflection in the enormous mirror, as if seeing another person in my place.

*Reference to Yasmin's outfit*.

I feel my eyes burning as they fill with tears of deep emotion and fear.

Yes, I am moved to be fulfilling what has always been one of my mother's dreams, to see me married with all the honors, and not just sold as my father desired. But I also fear what awaits me in married life, as my future husband has a bad reputation; many say he is a rude, ignorant, rough man accustomed to having many women and even assaulting some of his lovers.

I fear going through humiliations and even abuse when I officially become his wife, and I know that not even the kindness of Mrs. Zaira can protect me if my husband is aggressive, because according to our culture, husbands can correct their wives using a rod if necessary... my heart aches with these thoughts, as I have seen my mother with marks on her body, and now I understand that they were made by my father when Ursula caused some misunderstanding and made him angry at my mother.

My tears now flow heavily down my face, just imagining all the suffering my mother endured for years, trapped in a destructive, sad, and loveless marriage. But she remained faithful and loyal to my father, a man who should have taken care of her but only brought sadness and disappointment to his wife's heart and mine as well.

I dry my tears and take a deep breath... the time has come to accept my fate, the fate that has been imposed upon me and from which I cannot escape!

I encounter Mrs. Zaira in the hallway, and she observes me attentively.

"Don't worry, my dear. Lift your head and show the sovereignty you have in front of those who have trampled upon you for so many years. From now on, you will be part of the Harmud family, carrying the name of a Sheikh, so do not bow your head in front of those who have hurt you!"

I nod, and she covers my face, and we walk to the room where we will sign the marriage contract.

As soon as I enter the grand room, I see some serious-looking men accompanied by women, and I imagine them to be Samir's brothers and sisters-in-law, as only one of them is unaccompanied.

I walk to where Mrs. Zaira is pointing, and I sit on my knees in front of a large table, where a serious, well-dressed man is observing me. But I don't dare look into his eyes, as my mother taught me well.

At a glance, I can see my father, my stepmother, and my half sister, whispering constantly, which makes me uncomfortable, but I remember the words of my future mother-in-law and remain as strong as I can.

However, all my strength is shaken when I avert my gaze to the large side door, and my eyes meet a pair of intense brown eyes that seem to pull me in... The same gaze from the man at the airport, but it can't be?!

"Apologies to everyone for the delay\," the voice resonates through the room\, causing every part of my body to respond strangely\, raising my hairs and holding my breath. "I was ensuring that my future *zawja* has a wedding fitting for her."

The grandeur, the athletic stature, the firm strides, and the aura of power emanating from him make my chest rise and fall more heavily, and my breath, previously suspended, now becomes an unknown and inexplicable panting.

I quickly lower my gaze when I feel the imposing presence standing next to me, and I shudder as I feel the slight touch of his shoulder against my body, causing my heartbeats to accelerate uncontrollably.

"Shall we commence the ceremony?" the man in front of us asks, and I soon hear my sister Najla's voice in the background.

"But father... you didn't tell me he was a rough and uncouth man?... how can he be so handsome?... I should be the one getting married..."

"Hush... be quiet!" my father says, trying to sound low.

"Any problem, Omar?" the Sheikh observes them, displeased.

"No... well... it's just that we may have made a mistake with the exchange of brides, so..."

"There's no mistake!" I hear my future husband's powerful voice again, sounding truly displeased with the idea of swapping brides. "My future wife is right here, by my side...."

And to my surprise and to everyone else's, my future husband takes my hand and plants a gentle kiss on it, looking deeply into my eyes, defying the customs that dictate the groom can only touch the bride's hand in the final celebration ceremony of the wedding.

Our connected gazes seemed to make everything around us blur into one giant haze...

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