Episode 13

As soon as Samira walks away, I see her discreetly smile at Najla and Ursula, and I become intrigued... I didn't know they were close.

"Sister, please be careful with Samira, she can be wicked and very cruel," Hanya warns me.

"Don't worry, sister," I hold her hands. "I will be cautious, and thank you for offering me your sincere friendship, I will be very grateful and honored to be your friend," she smiles and hugs me, then leaves to join the others.

I look around and notice a different commotion. The women line up and soon my mother-in-law comes over to where I am seated.

The girls who finished painting my hands and feet now leave, and I don't understand why.

My mother-in-law approaches, with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Dear, we will now have an imposing presence," I don't know why, but my heart races. "My son Samir personally asked the Sheikh for permission to see you," she nods her head, smiling. "I confess I was very surprised by this request, as my son is not one to take such actions, but it seems he is truly eager to see his wife, to know your face and exchange a few words with you."

I feel a mix of anxiety and sadness. It could be that, in reality, he just wants to compare me to the foreign girl.

I sigh disheartened, but force a smile.

"Dear, what is going through your mind that made you sad?" my mother-in-law asks, concerned. "Has someone saddened you with words or actions? Tell me, I will take action."

"Don't worry, mother-in-law," I weakly smile. "I think it's just nerves."

She smiles affectionately and holds my hands in hers, looking at the painting.

"You know, Yasmin, one of the girls who painted my hands was your mother," I look at her, surprised and she smiles. "I knew Zipora like nobody else, and you are just like her. On the outside, you are smiling and being polite to everyone, but I know there is something troubling and saddening your heart," she sighs. "Your mother was like that, she preferred to keep her pain to herself, but always protected the people she loved," she sighs. "I won't pressure you to tell me anything right now, but know that whatever is troubling you, I will be here to listen to you and together we will find a solution," she smiles and caresses my hands. "Do you prefer to wait and see your fiance only at the last ceremony? There's no problem with that."