66 ??'The door shut'??

LEIA

A week later, I was dressed head-to-toe in crimson. A Mock-Neck top that ended low at my waist was covered in iridescent variations of golden and olive-green stones. The flowy skirt ruffled at my ankles, touching the straps of my six-inch gilded high heels. My hair had been glossed up and styled into a sleek bun at the base of my neck, so that a long scarf could be draped over my head.

That's not where it ended. Nope. There was a whole bunch of jewelry that cost more than . . . everything I'd ever owned or spent money on—A thick diamond necklace that weighed ten thousand kilos on my neck, two stunning gold bracelets with hints of emeralds on both wrists, exotic long, dome-shaped earrings and . . . there was no ring but I could already tell Zayn had it somewhere with him.

I was shocked he hadn't bought an anklet.

All these things had been delivered to my house one day after Zayn had come. There was a note amidst it all, saying: I know right now you're probably seething with anger and your stubbornness is unwilling to accept this but trust me, I bought everything with completely selfish reasons. Please, sweetness, please wear it. I want to see you in red ;)

So, show him I would. Let him be stunned.

A few minutes later, I signed the nikkah papers while Zayn remained in the mosque along with other men—both of our fathers as well as members of his family and friends. Later in the evening there was a dinner party arranged in Zayn's house and I was already in one of his many guest rooms, my mother and Hoor next to me.

They gushed over my makeup and I felt quite pretty, though the weight I had gained hadn't moved an inch. Oh well.

I was getting a little annoyed with the red lipstick, mostly because it wouldn't allow me to kiss Abdar Rahman like I so wanted to. He looked incredibly handsome in a black coat and pants, a cute tie round his neck. I wanted to kiss the hell out of his chubbiness.

"It's time," Mom said as she returned from outside.

My heart fluttered to life and for a moment, I had no idea what to do with myself. So, I kept standing awkwardly while Hoor scooped up Abdar Rahman into her arms, giving me a wink and vanishing out of the door.

My back was turned to the door and I stiffened with nerves as soon as I heard it click open. This was it. The moment of my life I wish I could freeze and experience over and over again.

The door closed.