HER WORTH ✓

12~Setting Boundaries

Najib's POV:

Accepting my marriage as Grandma demanded was infuriating, but I dared not go against her as no one had ever dared to.

I will only accept our marriage but not her; she isn't my wife, and she can't be; how can I accept a villager?

Since Mom's death, I've never received the shocking news of my secret marriage, not even to a civilized lady but to a villager who just escaped teenagehood.

But as grandma said; "Accept your marriage and start afresh, though she might not be your type or class, do it for your mother's sake, because I know she will be happy to see you married to a lady of her choice."

I let her words sink in as I picked up Mom's photo frame giving it a light kiss.

"I will only be sharing this room for your sake Mother." I sighed staring at the woman I cherished more than life.

"As'Salam." Her voice came through.

"Wa'alaikum salam." I returned her greetings while turning to face her.

There she stood by the door with her eyes pinned on the floor while I let my gaze explore her from head to toe, I accessed her thoroughly as this was the first time seeing her in full lights.

Her chocolate-tanned skin not only radiated her body but added elegance to the silk-beige dress she was wearing; her curves fitted her little figure perfectly.

She slowly raised her gaze to meet mine while I was left dumb-struck by her facial appearance.

I could swear there was no makeup on her face but she looked breathtaking.

She had the prettiest pair of eyes, her long lashes were visible from where I stood, and her average pointed nose fitted her round face accurately; dropping my gaze on her plump lips, I was stunned; they were very attractive and rosy enough to attract anyone's attention.

Indeed she was beautiful, but is beauty enough?

"Excuse me!" She waved, gaining my attention; then it occurred to me that I'd been staring for  long again.

I shifted my gaze away from her,  still asserting her beauty, I Cleared my throat and walked her, and she moved back with a terrified look.

"Come, I don't bite." I smirked grabbing her arm; we walk to the closet.

"I want to share some important details with you."

"Okay." She mutters shifting a distance away from me.

"My rules are simple, which you must abide by, and most importantly, you shouldn't forget any of them."

"Okay."

"Firstly, the closest is shared; stay away from my belongings; I hate intruders."

"Secondly, that!" I point at the bed, walking towards it; she tails me behind.

"I lay on the left side of the bed, and you mustn't forget that I also hate when my sleep is disrupted and I don't sleep with the light off."

"Thirdly and most important of all, you will be my wife only for the world  to see, but for me... I sighed glancing at her from head to toe.

"You're just an extra maid."

"Huh?" She mutters, her eyes fill with shock.

"You don't understand?" I asked approaching her again.

But this time, she didn't move away. Instead, she slowly shook her head in response.

"All I'm saying is that in front of my family, friends, and other acquaintances, you, No I mean we will pretend to be a loving couple but when we're alone please stay far away from me, as I can't withstand your presence, you reek of a foul odour, like the slum... I hope you understand all I've said?" I ask standing an inch away from her.