My father nodded approvingly.
“Those are our values as well.”
My mother smiled at me.
“Layla has always been a good daughter. She is modest, respectful, and very serious about marriage.”
I wanted the floor to open beneath me.
Zayd remained silent.
His mother continued, “We specifically asked about her because we wanted a woman who had preserved herself for her future husband.”
My mother immediately seized the opportunity.
“You have absolutely nothing to worry about,” she said. “My daughter has never had a man in her life.”
My chest tightened.
Then she added the words that made my blood run cold.
“Layla is still a virgin.”
I looked at Zayd.
He was staring at his mother, but something in his expression had changed.
It was subtle.
A tightening around his eyes.
A pause that lasted just a little too long.
My mother didn’t notice.
She was too busy smiling at our guests.
