Episode 10

No one would make me change my fiancée, but not for love reasons, just because if I had to spend 6 months alongside someone, they should at least be a person of good character and not a treacherous snake capable of harming her own sister.

I don't deny that as soon as my eyes met those beautiful sea eyes, my body felt a momentary restlessness, but I quickly recovered when I remembered the reason for my delay to the ceremony.

I was busy trying to contain Silvia's fury as much as possible, who appeared at the gates of my parents' mansion, shouting and causing a scene.

Unfortunately, I had to call in the security guards to remove her, as she demanded to speak to me, and even after a long conversation, she refused to let me go.

I would not allow her to humiliate my future wife, exposing our relationship in front of everyone.

I know I made a lot of mistakes by getting involved with a woman outside of marriage. Especially because she is a foreigner, which is not seen favorably in our culture. But my past mistakes cannot affect my future wife, and I will make sure that they do not hurt her in any way.

Finally back to the ceremony, my father looks sternly at Mr. Omar when he insinuates that there is something wrong with the choice of brides, even though he was the one who proposed the exchange, and I admit that I would have made the proposal myself after seeing how the young Najla behaved at the airport.

So, contrary to the custom that I, as the groom, could only touch my fiancée tomorrow, at the last wedding ceremony, I delicately hold the hand of my future "zawja" and bring it to my lips, leaving a gentle and light, yet firm, kiss.

By God! Her perfume seems to penetrate my nostrils and invade my lungs, stirring every cell in my body.

An invisible chain seems to reach my heart at the same moment the intoxicating, sweet and soft scent emanates not only from her hand, but seems to fill everything around me, depriving me of smelling anything else but hers!

My mind empties and those sea eyes now take on a tempestuous look, but they seem to pull me into a whirlwind of sensations... What has this girl done?!

I can't help the irregular beats in my heart, which accelerates in my chest, beyond the normal.

Why have I never felt this sensation with Silvia? Now even other perfumes seem like just any odor...my senses are heightened in an inexplicable way just from the touch of her hand in mine, the perfume that surrounds me, and that sea-like gaze that seems to attract me to a dive into the unknown.

I slowly move away, not wanting to do so, but for a moment I forgot that we're in a room with other people, and I slowly position her hand on her lap, returning to the initial position, and I can't help but admire the beauty of her attire, and how the color stands out on her fair skin that looks so smooth, like a ripe and soft peach... I hardly recognize myself!

- I apologize for my actions\, father. - I say\, composing myself. - However\, I feel that we can no longer make the exchange\, as I imprudently touched the bride before the third ceremony\, so only I can wed her. Isn't that the tradition?

My father looks at me attentively, and I can almost see a slight lift of his lips, like an almost imperceptible smile, before he assumes a stern posture, looking at me severely.

- Samir\, your act was imprudent\, and since young Yamin was abruptly touched by my son\, we cannot make the exchange of brides\, and she will be the wife of the second eldest son of the Harmud family! - he declares\, and we hear protests from Najla... I mean\, Naja.

- I don't care! I don't care that my future husband touched my sister's hand! What does a touch on the hand matter? - she shouts.

"Silence, miss!" my father snaps. "Omar, control your daughter, for she is making more noise than a herd of elephants!" I see Mr. Omar grasp his daughter's wrist, while the older woman tries to calm her down, whispering something in her ear. "I will proceed with the ceremony, and I hope not to be interrupted."

My father speaks few words, as this is just a simple step, merely the signing of documents and the duties of the husband that are spoken aloud.

*Reference a contract signing.*

We sign the contract\, and I must say that the scent of my *zawja* distracts me every moment.

Having her so close by, shoulder to shoulder, made me desire to embrace her, and seeing the malicious looks from her stepsister and stepmother, filled with envy and rage, made me want to protect her from everything and everyone.

When my father spoke aloud about the dowry and handed Mr. Omar the check with the amount, I knew it was time for me to speak.

I gave a slight signal to my mother, who understood and stood up, placing my gift on the table.

With each box opened, I could see the expressions of surprise on the faces of the guests.

"This is my gift\, so that my *zawja* becomes even more beautiful! Exclusive pieces from my prosperous company\, and I intend to give her many more\, because I want her to wear the most exquisite jewelry and adornments that exist."

"But... is this for me?" I hear the sweet and calm voice of my, now, wife. I look directly into her teary eyes... has she never received jewelry before? I wonder, intrigued.

"Yes\, my wife! They are all just for you! And besides\, I made sure to multiply the value of the dowry paid to your family tenfold\, and deposited it in an account under your name\, as your *Meher* (a value paid by the groom to the bride\, for her to use as she desires)."

"My... my Meher?" she says, surprised. "But my father said that I would not have any rights to it, and that all cash gifts would be given to him." She looks at me, appearing confused.

I glare sternly at my now father-in-law, who seems very angry for having been exposed in front of everyone.

"You ungrateful child! Still trying to defame me in front of such a respected family?! I should have punished you more severely, for it seems the whip lashes were not enough!" When he utters these words, I abruptly rise from my seat upon seeing him approach my wife, his face flushed with anger.

I position myself in front of him and stare at him with a burning fury inside me.

"Do not dare to raise your voice against my zawja!!" I say, growling. "From now on, Yasmin is a Harmud, and no one lays a hand on our women!"

The man turns pale and looks around in fear, where my brothers are positioned, ready to defend the honor and integrity of my Yasmin!

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