When I entered the house, my mother was waiting in the living room.
Her face was glowing with excitement.
“Where have you been?” she asked.
My stomach tightened.
“Out for a little while.”
She studied me for a moment, then smiled as if she hadn’t noticed anything unusual.
“I have wonderful news.”
I set down my bag.
“What news?”
“A family is coming tonight to meet you.”
I stared at her.
“Meet me for what?”
My mother gave me the look she always used when she thought I was being deliberately difficult.
“Marriage, Layla. What else?”
I felt the blood drain from my face.
She continued talking about the man’s wealth, his education, his respected family, and the promising future that awaited me.
His name was Zayd Al-Haddad.
According to my mother, he was successful, well-mannered, and ready to settle down.
His family had specifically asked about me.
“They’ve heard wonderful things about you,” she said proudly. “They want a modest woman who values her reputation and has saved herself for marriage.”
