𝕿here was an art to surviving a man like my grandfather.

The first trick was to approach him in a place where he felt confident, where he thought he was the apex predator in his land because he'd successfully hunted there before. Like his study or the main breakfast table, where he sat, watching all of us from his regal perch what I already knew was his preferred place. It was just far enough from his comfort zone and just close enough to make this entire work.

The second step in the process was to learn what he liked. What didn't upset him. What he loathed. In Daada Jaan's case, he enjoyed cigars, impeccable cooking, and expensive things. As for what he hated? Bad manners. Loose jeans. Shaggy unkept horses and.. being upstaged.

The last step was the tricky part, you had to make him believe you were smart enough to be an interesting investment - that you might be prey, weak and naive, but you were worth the risk to take a chance.

Enough for him to not dismiss you immediately.

"Was that a message last night Zeenia? Should I give credence to the rumours swirling around?"

"I'm not aware of any," lie. I was aware of all of them. "And no, you should not."

He nodded, accepting it for now.

"Then I would like to appreciate you for your efforts. We raised thirty million dollars last night, how are you planning to distribute-"

"That's it? That's all? You're not going to ask about her and that boy?" Seher uttered a shrill, fearful laugh and shook her head.

"Something got your insides in a twist Seher?" a thin thread of breath passed through my pursed lips.

"Just wanted to know if we should be prepared for something," her smile was so forced and pinched that her eyes creased. "It's always better to be-"

"You have nothing to worry about and nothing to prepare for."

"Zeenia," Altamash's voice was loud enough that the servants in the hall checked in to see if we were okay.

"Don't Zeenia me. Tell your wife to mind her words."

"Enough, both of you," the world around us turned silent, a dark galaxy spinning with a gravitational force that drew us closer. Every nerve kindled to life under Daada Jaan's stare and my skin prickled with anxiety.

"Daada Jaan, I've been told that she's been seeing him behind our backs."

"And you would know a thing or two about that wouldn't you Altamash?"

"Both of you, enough," Daada Jaan did not even try to hide how unimpressed he was. "Zeenia, you went to Islamabad?"

"Yes."

"With him?" that him had a name.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"To visit Taimoor. Your grandson? Our brother?" I waited for someone to say something, but was met with stunned silence which was apparently the sum and substance of their guilt, so after a moment, I just went on. "No one's bothered to reach out or even talk to him. Have we even considered the fact that he'd needed us? Do we even know what the doctors have said about his condition? If he's in pain or not?"

"He left us to go live in that place-" Seher pouted.

"You know perfectly well why he left."

"How is he?" my mother's quiet voice cut through our argument like a sharp knife.

"He's refused any further treatments. No more surgeries. The skin tissue... it's too damaged to heal properly."

Mother stared, her mouth working in silent horror. "Does he... He wants to look like that for the rest of his-"

"There's nothing wrong with how he looks mother-"

But she only brushed at her eyes and made a quiet sound of wordless refusal. "We can fly him to the states. Or have a plastic surgeon come here-"

I shook my head, pushing myself a little more forward. "He won't allow it. It's a miracle he didn't kick me out of the house, I can't say the same for all of you."

"It's not our fault!" said Seher, knowing damned well it was a lie. "He chose to leave."

Daada Jaan shot her a blistering look full of censure. "And that's all from that trip?"

Lie.

I couldn't tell him the real reason. If he thought for a second I put anything above him or his cause he would end me here and now. I firmed up my posture, shifted my line of sight to give Altamash only the corner of my eye when I drank from my cup. Walls were good. Boundaries were necessary. He was the kind of person that would bulldoze right through them if I let my guard down. This was always going to be a competition, after all.

I should only be looking for ways that would help me win.

"I went to see my brother," I sounded, to my own ears, a lot like a mad woman, trying to be professional while still getting through something deeply unpleasant as quickly as possible. "And Altamash made a big deal out of it."

"You also danced with him, two sets-" a look, sharp and deadly, caressed Seher's features.

I pressed my lips together and folded my hands. I told myself I wasn't a bully but I just couldn't help it. "What is all of this conjecture eluding to Seher? What are you insinuating?"

I waited, but she couldn't find anything to say.

"I would like to exclude myself from this conversation," said Seher, looking like she wanted to cry. "Excuse me. Altamash?"

"I'll be a minute," supplied Altamash, not without rolling his eyes a little. My brother was simply full of vivacious spirit this morning.

The door clicked shut and the four of us relaxed ever so slightly.

"Look I know what it looked like-"

"You have to stop this. I understand that there's nothing there with Affandi. You've said so. But you cannot ignore the consequences of your choice last night."

"I'm telling you-"

My brother's jaw clenched and he shook his head. "You're far too smart not to have considered the possibilities-"

"I'm aware of what's expected of me," I gave the door a glance, wishing it would be miraculously filled by someone who would know better how to handle this. It remained shut. "And you-"

"I am aware that it's your life and that I shouldn't  interfere-"

"Exactly-"

"But you're my baby sister-"

"I'm not a baby-"

"You're representative of this family and Affandi, while I admit he's a nice boy, he is not someone we'd like to be associated with."

Anger, red hot and blistering flashed through me.

"This is getting tiresome," I picked up my phone and started to go through my emails. "I think we need to move on to more substantial topics."

"Yes we do," said Altamash. "And I'd like to-"

"Anything you want to discuss?"

"It's nice to see you so full of life. Unlike Azaan who's probably dead in his bed right now," Altamash said, his smile taking on that nostalgic quality as his gaze fell to the cup in his hand. "We missed it."

"You look well," my mother interjected, her eyes scanning mine.

Even my grandfather chimed in. "This I must second, you look vibrant."

"This morning has taken quite a turn. Compliments after a badly designed intervention? What's next?" I raised my hand, cutting off whatever else they were about to say. "But to answer your question, it's because I'm happy with my work, with the success I've achieved. I'm feeling fulfilled."

"And that's the end of this subject," Daada Jaan said."Is it true that Sara's getting married to that boy?"

"That boy has a name and he's a self-made millionaire," I said and immediately regretted it. Three pairs of suspicious eyes flicked to me. "Her family has accepted him, I think it's time we did as well."

Resigned nods. It was precisely the sort of answer that Daada Jaan liked to give and which I myself had always found simply infuriating. Oh how the tables had turned.

"I've received a personal invite. I'm assuming you'll want to go," I nodded and he held my gaze for what felt like eons before his eyes went back to their normal intensity. "I have a meeting scheduled the day of the ceremony but I'll attend one of the events before leaving for the UK."

My jaw tightened. "Are you saying we'll be leaving-"

"We'll be travelling together, yes."

"Why?"

He seemed a little taken aback, but then gestured to the room around us. "Will that be a problem?"

"Not at all. Just that in the past you made a point not to attend these events," he hummed to indicate I was right. "Though I'm sure you have your reasons."

"Oh I do," he paused at the door, his hand on the handle, and turned to look at me. "We'll leave on the 18th, that'll give you enough time to prepare."

༻❂༺

It had been four weeks.

Four weeks since I last saw him. Four weeks of daily messages. Four weeks of Asfand telling me about his daily life, his past, his friends. Four weeks of memes and jokes and texts and sometimes calls, just to say hello. And every day, I looked forward to it.

Every day, it warmed me up, lighting places that had always been dark.

And every night when I closed my eyes, I still pictured him in that sliver of moonlight of the ballroom, hand outstretched, like he was about to swear an oath. A knight cloaked in silver and shadow.

A dull ache formed in my chest.

I longed to have even the simplest form of intimacy. I ached for even the hint of normalcy, but I'd given up any chance of that eons ago. The past month had been an exercise in patience and subterfuge. Thank God for my success at Monaco and the Gala so both my brother and grandfather attributed my new found vigour towards work to be genetically engineered and not otherwise externally motivated.

If Daada Jaan got a whiff of what we were planning or what I was feeling... I didn't even want to picture the consequences.

"Couldn't they have chosen a more secretive place?" shadows separated in waves around Daada Jaan and me as we touched down for the wedding. Warm salt air greeted us, the eerie quiet soon following.

"That's what being exclusive means."

"Exclusive or a pain?"

We kept going, our pace slowing as the large structure greeted us. Several steps lined the opening leading up to the twin double doors. Iron styled fences encompassed the front, adding a modern twist to the massive home that had been carved out of the cliff. We pushed the doors open and entered.

Heat greeted us warm and crisp, but not overbearing.

The "Theatre of Dreams" was like a lantern, glowing in the quiet summer night. It was made of rich red lacquer carved into oriental shapes. The lustrous layers of lacquer reflected light off every surface, glimmering on the embroidered silk screens, bouncing off the porcelain chandeliers. Tucked into every corner were the most elaborately carved vases or sculptures.

The clicking of my heels echoed as we made our way down the winding obsidian staircase. Everything in this place screamed elegance, from the tapestries to the extravagant mouldings. Voices filled the hallway as lights flickered against the walls. I picked up my pace, smoothing the edges of the sleek black dress I'd thrown on.

The voices grew louder as we got closer.

The place was packed with people who'd shown the same intense curiosity. In an era of dancers as well toned and springy as gymnasts, the frail Sophia was known to have changed the ballet scene. She danced like a woman possessed, passionate and enchanted by the music and the storytelling.

"Is there a reason you're seated in the back?"

"Oh I asked for a private box. You know how I like to enjoy these performances alone."

"Very well. I'll see you afterwards."

The lights dimmed around us, only the golden lanterns along the walls remaining. Awed by the work of the craftsmen, I slipped in from the back, sitting in my slightly elevated seat.

The curtain rose.

The haunting call of a violin sounded like a swan, and Sophia stepped onstage.

She was dressed all in white feathers, the straps of her costume slipping down off her thin shoulders. Her feet made rapid steps on pointe while her arms fluttered like wings. She looked as if she'd lift off any moment. Her head lolled, the music carrying her along as if she were helpless.

A dark shadow slipped in beside me.

"Hope I haven't missed anything."

"What are you doing here?"

"Wanted to see the view from the back."

"Oh? And how does it look so far?"

Asfand's eyes captured mine. "Gorgeous."

A fiery red blush stained my cheeks. My hairstylist had piled up my hair like a Grecian goddess, pinning them with combs shaped like silver oak leaves. It worked well with the outfit, light and flowing, draped in the front and gathered over one shoulder with a corsage of fresh white flowers.

Half a dozen ballerinas joined Sophia onstage. They danced as a corps, their tutus resembling flowers that opened as they twirled, floating down a river of dark water, swirling in the current.

A male dancer appeared, pulling her away from the others. The corps pirouetted offstage. Only Sophia and the man remained to dance.

He held her hands outstretched on either side, balancing her while her legs made intricate movements beneath the hem of her skirt. I blushed as their legs brushed against each other, as Sophia dipped and extended her foot up by his ear.

My eyes dropped to Asfand's gloved hand gripping his thigh. I snuck a look at his face next and saw a muscle jump in his jaw.

The male dancer's hands encircled Sophia's waist, bare without any gloves and he lifted her overhead with one hand as if she weighed nothing.

Sophia was magnetic, ethereal. So frail, and yet so powerful, her dark eyes brimming with pleasure and pain. She ran across the stage, fleeing him. Then she turned back, hesitating, her eyes filled with pained indecision.

I leaned forward, my fingers gripping the armrests.

He held out his arms to her. She ran and leaped, soaring an impossible distance before he caught her and spun her around, her body posed like a figurehead on the prow of a ship.

Asfand shook his head in wonder.

When it came time for the last act, the whole place fell silent, not a rustle or whisper.

We'd all been waiting for this.

Asfand's hand slipped into mine, concealed by the lowered lights.

Our fingers entwined.

Even with his thick glove and my thin cotton one between us, energy throbbed through our bodies like a circuit finally linked up. Each beat of my heart seemed to send another pulse of power down my arm, with an answering surge in return - Asfand's heart beating in time with mine. We synched up like two clocks, our heartbeats the ticking of the hands.

The soft strains of the famous ballet rose from the orchestra.

Sophia crossed the stage alone. The swooning had become reeling, she was weakening by the moment. Still she danced like she'd burn up the last moments of her life floating on the points of her toes.

She drooped and forced herself to rise, again and again. She gazed at something we couldn't see, face anguished, arms bleached as white as the snowy feathers of her dress by the brilliant lights beating down. Her fingers reached upward, beseeching.

The light faded on the stage. Sophia faded, too. She sank to the ground, neck bent.

Asfand's hand was locked around mine, squeezing tightly.

Only a faint glow illuminated her dress. The stage was so dark that it was impossible to see the wooden boards, the walls behind, or even the curtains on either side.

All we could see was Sophia.

She rose one last time, lighter this time, almost floating. There seemed to be no floor beneath her feet, only a black void all around. She fluttered on her toes, the beating motions of her arms like wings as she soared up, up, into the dark.

Then she was gone.

Tears glistened in my eyes. The solo had spanned the space of four minutes, yet I felt I'd watched an entire life bloom and die on the stage.

Asfand turned. His face was wet, too. We looked at each other, unembarrassed.

Everyone surged to their feet, applauding as hard as they could. Though the theatre was small, the shouts and cheers made made me glad we were on our own private grounds and away from the main house. I could see my family below me, clapping as vigorously as anyone else, their faces bright and excited.

"I've got to get back," Asfand whispered in my ear. "I'm to arrive tomorrow, at the Ritz. "

"I'm glad you came."

Asfand looked at me, the expression on his face like Sophia's: anguished, pained.

"So am I. Zee, you must know-" he grabbed both my hands in his and pressed them hard. His fingers shook with some feeling unexpressed. The electricity inside me grew so strong, static played in my brain. "I should head back to my seat."

As he turned to leave, I plucked one of the white flowers pinned at my shoulder and threw it to him. He caught it in his gloved hand and raised it to his lips without quite touching it. Then he tucked it away inside.

Without speaking, he turned and left.

Daada Jaan clapped, still facing the stage as the dancers reemerged to take their bows.

If he'd turned around, he would have seen Asfand.

But he never turned.

༻❂༺

"How did you convince him to let you stay here?"

"A little pouting, a little bit of a smile," Daada Jaan's departure an hour after sunrise came with a breath of fresh air and a sense of freedom. "He may be strict, but he's not immune to his only granddaughter."

It also helped that he didn't know Asfand was part of the guest list. Courtesy of Sara.

"What's he like in private? I've only ever seen him with a stoic face."

"I never needed to ask for his attention. He was always there," I said a little more quietly. "After Azaan when our parent's marriage got... well worse, he was the one making sure that we didn't fall apart."

"Really? I always gathered he had the three of you in some kind of competition."

"He did. He said it'll help us become stronger. More focused. That we would know and learn about our weaknesses."

I watched his jaw work subtly for only a moment before he looked back toward me. "What were yours?"

I played with my fingers. "Family. Apparently I had the killer instinct, but I couldn't get the job done. At least not against my brothers."

"Let me guess, for Altamash it was his pride and arrogance and for Taimoor?" his brows furrowed as he thought and then he snapped his fingers. "Ah, that he never lets anything go."

My lips tugged up in a reluctant smile.

"Azaan was never a part of that. Daada Jaan never even considered him part of the plan, so he kept him separated."

"Did that affect him?"

"You know... we never thought about that. He is almost a decade younger than Altamash... kind of hard to build a connection there."

He rubbed his fingers across his cheek. "I wouldn't know. Only child here, remember?"

"I bet you grew up spoiled."

"Just a little."

"Ahhh! So arrogant!" I jabbed him playfully in his ribs, I was not expecting the reaction that provoked.

"Stop! Oh my god, stop! I can't breathe!" he gasped.

I stepped back, mouth hanging open.

Asfand could be charming as hell. He could also most definitely knock out a guy's front teeth with one right hook.

He was also ticklish.

He held up a finger, cocking his head to one side, still wearing a shit eating grin. "No. Don't you say a word. We don't talk about this, Zee."

"Oh no, this is definitely coming up again. I had no idea you were so sensitive!"

"We will not talk of this."

"That's what she said," I expected to see amusement in his features, but instead all I saw was a frightening intensity that left me breathless and wanting.

"Tsk tsk, that's a terrible joke."

"The joke was right there," he shook his head fondly.

"We have to work on that."

"You're just stumped you didn't get to make it."

"Maybe."

In my periphery, I saw Asfand's hand sneaking closer to my chair and I turned to pin him with a glare. The cheeky sucker gave me his most innocent mask.

"What?"

"How about we escape for a while?"

"Umm... what?" my lips parted, and I was not stealing glances anymore - in fact, I was almost fully turned in my seat to look at him.

"Let's go out. There's a nice amusement park, it's like a twenty minute drive."

"We have a rehearsal dinner to attend tonight."

"Yeah, tonight. What are you going to do until then?"

"I'm-" what exactly was I going to do? Watch Sara and Danial fawn over each other? Watch their families try to eviscerate each other across the room through comically targeted stares? Or would I hang out with their mismatched group of friends? "You know what? Let's do it."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Great, meet me here in an hour."

"An hour?"

"As perfect as you are, I know you're going to want some time to do your thing," his hands came up to touch a rebellious strand of my hair. "See you in a bit," on those parting words, he strode off with an air of charm and confidence that made my knees weak.

It took us some twenty minutes to reach the newly minted amusement park as we talked and bantered, getting in the mood. He'd been right, it had taken me an hour to get ready. Twenty minutes to find the right outfit, fifteen minutes to do my hair and the rest of the time to figure out if I wanted a simple sporty glam look or a bare face. I'd opted for the glam.

Seemed like he did know me better than I knew myself.

There were stalls of food and other services, almost as if this were a veritable international festival. As soon as we reached the area, music resounded in the air from the people who'd decided to help with the atmosphere. Every step we took in the warm June sun had my heart hammering, not with anxiety, but with excitement.

Asfand at an amusement park turned out to be one of the most adorable things that I'd ever experienced. He looked so out of place in his black shirt and his black shades and his dark jeans - a good head taller than most of the other people and a permanent expression that was equal parts nervous and excitement. Even so, he took everything I threw at him in stride. He even rode every ride that I asked him to even though I was pretty sure he was scared of heights.

His knuckles were the color of chalk when I made him go on the small rollercoaster.

"I'd forgotten how much you liked to go on them."

"You grow up with three brothers, you learn to have a high fear threshold," I laughed. "Where'd you learn to shoot?"

"University. A friend took me to his estate, that's where I was taught how to shoot."

"Never thought it'll help you win a stuff toy did you?" it was a mistake, looking up at him, because how in the world did someone wearing all black at an amusement park and holding a grey elephant manage to look so tempting? I couldn't see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but it didn't matter, I thought, because it was obvious that he was looking right at me.

He cleared his throat subtly and handed the elephant to me. "Worth it."

I tried not to smile, but it happened anyway, and as soon as that grin sneaked into my lips it brightened Asfand's eyes as though he was reflecting my amusement back to me.

Not just that, but amplifying it.

A strange pull tugged at my chest. I couldn't explain it. Even as unfamiliar as it was, I found it utterly captivating. Magnetic.

He covered his stomach with his hand. "I'm starving."

I pointed back toward the food carts. "I saw a couple of food carts back that way."

"All those rollercoaster rides took a lot of energy out of me."

I deadpanned with an eye roll, which only made him grin.

"I can't believe I'm indulging in all of this before the rehearsal dinner tonight. This just might end up altering the measurements of my dress."

He released a deep chuckle as he slowly chewed on the churro, yet his gaze told me everything I needed to know.

I was worrying for nothing. He didn't care. And he wanted me to feel the same way.

When I was done with the food, he took the empty containers to the trash and came back with two cups in his hands.

"I figured you might be thirsty," he reached beside him to grab for two drinks, handing one to me.

I shouldn't have been this happy over a cup of cider, but I couldn't help it. I stared at it, giving him a grateful smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

He was staring at me with such reverence, that I knew I wouldn't deny him anything. Maybe it was the flush in my cheeks or the smile that lingered on my lips, but I'd never felt this good. I gave my attention to the cup just so he didn't see my goofy grin.

If he wished to kiss me, I'd kiss him back.

As long as he continued to look at me like that - like I was the only one in the world for him.

Like I was the only one.

Like I was...his.

I could only hope he was picking up the scattered mess that I was, because I could hardly even hear myself think over the way my pulse was thumping away inside my ears. My chest was alight with flutters and sparks that made it harder to breathe.

"Zeenia, I know we haven't talked about things- and I-"

"Yeah?"

I waited for him to answer my question, but he didn't say anything else for at least a minute. At least sixty seconds of me growing increasingly more panicked for having touched on this subject.

"I've dreamed of this far too long to not have this be the reality," he half whispered.

I might not have been breathing. It was hard to tell. "No one said it can't be."

"Because it will be hard."

"I know."

"Do you?"

"You have to know," I managed. "That's what you said yesterday. You have to know. What do I have to know, Asfand?"

He met my eyes. His hands warmed my cheeks. We were just a breath of space away from one another, and I knew everything would change once his lips touched mine.

"You have to know that I am yours. I always have been," I noticed his fingers were curling into themselves and he still wasn't looking at me. "This is crazy," he whispered.

My soul left my body, like it was yanked toward his.

I let my hands slide down to the firmness of his chest. "It would be crazier if you kissed me."

"Can I?"

"Asfand."

He didn't need any more hints.

And it was true.

Everything transformed with a kiss.

Asfand's lips were soft but the kiss was firm, as though there was no room in his mind for doubt or uncertainty. He knew what he wanted. He'd wanted it all along. Maybe I was the only one who needed the time to come around.

For a moment, I was stunned, not knowing what to do. I was immobilised by the sudden current that fired through my trembling flesh. Every exhalation against my skin made my heart beat faster until it was a hammer against my bones.

I felt his teeth nibble at my lip and then his breath hot against my jaw, the sensations all blending together as his touch sets me on fire. A shiver enveloped me, his hot breath caressing my earlobe, his heated words making me tremble in his arms. His mouth was as soft as it looked, exploring but gentle as his lips curved against mine.

"Get a roooom!" the shout had us instantly parting to stare at one another with wide eyes and ragged breaths.

He folded a hand around my nape and pressed his lips to mine in a final, quick kiss, and then let go.

"We missed the ferris wheel. Let's check that out."

Asfand flashed me a devastating grin. "Always one step ahead."

༻❂༺

Hours later I was ready to go, sitting on the edge of the bed with a bouncing knee, when Asfand texted to say he was downstairs in the lobby.

One last check in the mirror, and then I was walking out the door, my clutch in my hand. The elevator ride was the longest of my life. When that door finally opened, he was the first thing I saw across the hotel lobby, his back facing me and his head bent.

Asfand's head snapped up and he turned to face me. Hair swept back, suit perfectly tailored, shoes polished, his momentary shock eclipsed by a bright smile. He pocketed his phone as he strode across the lobby, his eyes never straying from me.

When he stopped within reach, his eyes flew over every inch of my body, unabashedly drinking me in. I felt his gaze everywhere it touched. My lips, crimson red. My hair, the waves held back on one side by a sparkling, starburst barrette. My neck decorated with a simple necklace.

"You look..." He shook his head. Swallowed. Shifted on his feet. "You look beautiful Zee."

He closed the distance between us and wrapped me in an embrace, and I folded my arms around him in return, my eyes drifting closed as I took in a deep breath of his scent. For the first time in the last few hours, my heart slowed even though it still hit my bones with heavy beats.

Asfand released me from his embrace but held my upper arms in his warm palms. And then his lips were pressed to my neck where my pulse surged. My breath caught as the kiss lingered for a moment just long enough to etch itself into my memory for eternity.

"We'll be late. Come on."

There was an electric charge in the air between us as he pulled away to look down at me with a lopsided smile. How a man could simultaneously look so cocky while blushing I had no fucking clue, but it was intoxicating.

"Would have kissed your cheek," he said as his fingers traced my skin where his lips were pressed. "But I didn't want to ruin your makeup."

"Smart," my lips tightened around a grin that begged to be set free. I knew he could see the way my eyes danced with surprise and amusement. "What's your angle, pretty boy?"

"To make you blush, of course," he gave me a wink and then took my hand, seemingly clueless to the cacophony of thoughts that rioted through my head at the simple touch of his palm to mine.

His hand was on the small of my back as soon as we exited the lobby, and my heart leapt into my throat and stuck there with every step we took.

The hotel ballroom was decorated with bright white linens and monochromatic flower centerpieces, and we found our seats in the center of the second row from the stage framed by lights. Several waiters churned out drinks and groups of people laughed and chatted near their tables as background music played through the speakers around the perimeter of the room.

When dinner and the speeches were finished, the music started up. Sara and Danial migrated to the dance floor, while the rest of us stayed to chat and mingle around. I envied them with an intensity that felt like a thousand pinpricks all over my skin. I couldn't stop looking between the happy couple and the future I wanted to have.

Asfand had headed to the bar to get us another round of drinks and became caught in conversation along the way. Likewise, I found myself swept away with the stories and anecdotes of our table companions who had remained behind.

But my eyes kept straying to the tall, beautiful man who sucked all the air from the room like an inferno.

I remembered every flutter of my stomach, the rasp of his chin on mine, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders. The whole world felt cracked open, beautiful, and full of possibilities. I suddenly had hope, a precious, dangerous thing.

No girl should dare to dream like that.

He knew my darkest secrets. I knew his. He knew my family. A family full of people that could be monsters. Maybe I didn't deserve the same things that other people did. Happiness. Affection. Love.

But I couldn't seem to stop the way I felt when I looked at every facet of Asfand, from his brightest light to his deepest, most dangerous dark. Maybe I didn't deserve it for the things I had done and what I was going to do. But I wanted it. I wanted it more with him than what I'd got.

And the ache buried deep in my chest burned hotter with every moment that passed.

༻❂༺

Sara and Danial were married on the warm sandy beach, wearing a cloth-of-gold gown with a train so long it stretched almost the entire length of the aisle. Her face had been full of joy, her hair so elaborately arranged that when Danial lifted her veil he couldn't resist giving her a brief kiss on the cheek. The bride laughed aloud, shocking the old biddies in the aisles.

I paid zero attention to the long and droning ceremony, occupied by the much more interesting pastime of staring at Asfand.

Since I couldn't wear heels on the beach, I'd chosen to wear a strapless gown made of layers of black gauze. Sara had personally woven baby breath through my hair, adding a flair of French country glam -as she'd dubbed it- to my Kennedy inspired look.

As soon as they were pronounced husband wife, the happy couple shuffled us all to the reception, arranged on a yacht. They sat close together, their heads nearly touching, talking quietly. Ever so often, the groom lifted his new bride's hand to his mouth and kissed each of her fingertips in turn.

Not for the first time, I noticed how the moon light bathed Asfand in silver, giving him a celestial glow, a star fallen to grace mortals with its splendor. As if he needed any heavenly assistance to make him more alluring. My mind got busy sketching out a visual - the broad, angular cut of his jaw, those deep, probing eyes, and the mouth that didn't let me get away with anything. That damn dimple.

The band set up instruments on a lower stage at the opposite where a dance floor gleamed beneath the dimmed overhead lights.

We grabbed drinks and mingled as we made our way through the growing crowd that snaked between the tables. There were introductions to Asfand and Danial's friends and acquaintances. Lawyers, bankers, hedge fund managers. Asfand was in his element, shining, glowing brighter than the splashes of colour that shifted overhead. His smile was easy, his laugh warm. His energy infectious.

And the whole time, his gentle touch was an anchor. My lower back when we stood. My elbow or my hand when we moved. And throughout dinner he continued to check in even though we were sitting right next to one another, with a smile or a glance or a single finger that glided over the inside of my wrist.

When my name was called, I went on stage and collected my champagne glass for the first toast of the night and even then he found me with a wink and a lopsided grin.

I could already see the guests wondering and asking, who was this guy? Why was I with him? Who was he to me?

Whispers travelled around the room, coupled with shy intrusive glances. I could see Sara watching this happen with her hand on Danial's thigh, her face crumpling into a worried smile.

Suddenly, I excused myself and weaved my way toward him before I even knew what I was going to do. His back was to me, my fresh glass of champagne in one hand, a glass of whiskey on ice in the other.

He was speaking to a couple and another man, one he introduced to me as an investment broker. I stopped just behind him, and when there was a break in conversation I lay a hand on Asfand's sleeve, my mind seemingly cleaved in two, like I was watching myself from outside my body.

"Hey... sorry to interrupt-"

"Not at all, we were just finishing up."

"Want to dance?" I said with a smile as I swept my waves away from my shoulder, a motion that Asfand followed with keen interest before he trained his gaze to the people behind me.

"With you? Always," his lips curved upward, and the dark chuckle that followed had my stomach as much aflutter as the butterflies.

Right at that moment, the Blue Danube started playing. Ever the gentleman, Asfand indulged me.

I was in a dress that clung to my figure as much as any custom-tailored clothing. It pooled at my feet, the beads glittering in the flickering flames of the sconces, even with the four-inch heels I'd slipped on.

Though it was a little inconvenient to dance with, I needn't have worried. Asfand moved with fluid grace. Ours was a sweeping slow dance, and even though I barely remembered any of the steps, Asfand easily covered my hesitation. The look he gave me was intent, as if he couldn't believe that I was here, in his arms, touching him.

I didn't think I needed to worry about anything - just how to let myself go and enjoy the moment. He held me close to his body. One hand hugged mine as he raised our arms in the air while his other languidly touched my back, settling right above my hip. One dip and it could slip in dangerous territory.

But seeing the wicked gleam in his eyes, I knew he was aware of it - he was in fact tempting fate as he caressed me softly, his fingers brushing over the light material of the dress, his touch searing even through the clothes. He moved his hand slowly, following the same rhythm of the waltz.

As he pushed me back, his hand dipped, as he pulled me towards him, it went up.

"You're incorrigible," I told him, channeling my office tone. Yet my lips were in a perpetual smile as he spun me, my cheeks flushed, my heart pounding relentlessly.

Everything about him - from the fullness of his mouth and the brightness of his eyes - meant to draw me in. It was making me want to kiss him again very badly.

He twirled me around, every time fitting me tighter to his body.

"You sure about this? You don't have to do this," he muttered as he held me to him. "They'll forget about this once they get their fill. You don't have to make a statement of any sort. This has to be done at your pace."

"I know. And it's time. I don't want to hide, not anymore," I cooed gently.

The light breeze brushed against my skin, the cool wind doing nothing to ease the heat building in my body - from my emotions or his proximity, I didn't know. He had an equally carefree smile on his face, and though his eyes maintained the same intensity as before, his features were lighter than they'd ever been. So much so that I couldn't help the feeling of déjà-vu that took shape in my heart - an eternity converging into one moment.

This moment.

The music became a faraway sound, drowning in the distance as my focus dimmed until he turned into my sole focus. Everything to my right or left was a blur. The sounds of the crowd were all but drowned out as I get lost in his eyes.

When I was with him, all sense left me until I was a mere pool of sensations, his touch creating small waves that rippled through the entire surface.

"I-" my phone buzzed in my purse, and I pulled it out to read the notification.

"What is it?"

Words failed me as I could only look at him, my lips parted, my pulse drumming in my ears.

"It's begun."

This was my favourite chapter to write ☺️ I hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🥂 As always, comments and feedback are much appreciated 💋

Next one comes out on the 20th! (If not earlier).

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