HUSNA

Chapter53

You meet thousands of people and none of them really touch you. And then you meet one person and your life is changed forever."

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ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GREECE...
The plane dipped gently through the clouds, sunlight glimmering off the deep blue sea below. The Greek islands sprawled beneath them like scattered pearls floating on turquoise water  so breathtaking that for a moment, Husna forgot how nervous she always got during landings.

"Relax," came Hameec  teasing voice beside her. "You're gripping the armrest like you're about to eject."

She shot him a glare, fingers still digging into the seat. "I just I don't like turbulence, okay?"

He chuckled, his gaze still fixed on the window. "You're married to a pilot, Asma. The irony is wild."

"Yeah, well," she muttered, clutching tighter as the plane leveled. "Being married to a doctor doesn't mean I want to take injections."

He burst into laughter, shaking his head. "Touché.

The captain's voice came through the speakers, calm and clear.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Santorini, Greece. Local time is 9:25 a.m., and the weather is a beautiful twenty-four degrees."

Soft applause rippled through the cabin. She  exhaled in relief, her hands still trembling slightly.

"See?" He  said smugly. "Smooth as butter. You survived."

She turned to him, frowning. "Barely."

He grinned. "You owe me a kiss for that safe landing."

She rolled her eyes. "I owe you nothing, Captain Show-Off."

He leaned closer, his lips brushing near her ear. "We'll see about that, Mrs. Pilot."

Her cheeks flushed instantly. "You're annoying."

He laughed softly, standing to retrieve their carry-ons from the overhead bin  his movements smooth and practiced, like someone who had done it a thousand times. Even in simple travel clothes  a fitted white shirt, grey sweatpants, and a black baseball cap  he looked effortlessly handsome, like he'd just walked out of a travel commercial.

Husna, in her cream linen jumpsuit, white sneakers, and a silk scarf loosely tied over her hair, looked radiant in her own right. Minimal makeup, a soft glow of excitement on her face  she felt as if she'd stepped out of a dream.

As they stepped out of the plane, the warm Mediterranean breeze wrapped around them, carrying the faint scent of salt and flowers.

"Wow..." she  breathed, eyes wide as sunlight spilled across the tarmac. "It's beautiful."

He  adjusted his shades, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Not as beautiful as the woman beside me, though."

She gave him a pointed look. "You practiced that line too?"

He laughed. "Maybe. You make it too easy."

They walked hand in hand through the private terminal, past rows of blooming bougainvillea and sleek white walls. The distant view of blue-domed rooftops shimmered like a painting.

"You sure this isn't a dream?" she murmured.

He squeezed her hand gently. "If it is, don't wake me."

Her heart fluttered at his words, her smile soft and full of warmth.