❝𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐑.❞ - a mafia dark romance

9

P A R I S A

The Dubai Mall is a labyrinth of luxury, a sensory overload of opulence and extravagance. Every corner is adorned with glittering jewels, shimmering fabrics, and sparkling glass, beckoning shoppers to come closer and indulge in its grandeur. It is a symphony of sights and sounds, with the bustling hum of people mingling with the gentle hum of fountains and the soft rustle of designer fabrics. The air is heavy with the scent of perfume and the aroma of gourmet food, like a feast for the senses. It is a place where dreams are made, and fantasies are indulged, where anything is possible if you have the means to afford it.

As I stepped into the grandeur of the Dubai Mall, I felt like a tiny boat lost in a vast ocean. The opulent architecture, the dazzling lights, and the endless sea of shoppers overwhelmed me. It was like entering a whole new world, one that I had never even dreamed of. I felt like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, unsure of what wonders or horrors awaited me.

Growing up in humble circumstances, I was used to living a modest life. The Dubai Mall was a stark contrast to the streets and markets of my hometown. Here, everything was polished and pristine, gleaming under the bright lights. I was surrounded by towering fashion stores and luxurious brands, a world of wealth and abundance that I had never known before.

Despite the wonder and awe that I felt, I was also keenly aware of my own modesty. The designer handbags and couture dresses seemed like objects from a foreign land, things that I could never hope to possess. I felt like a small bird in a golden cage, mesmerized by the beauty of my surroundings but also keenly aware of my own limitations.

Zyyad stood before me, dressed in a pristine white thobe that accentuated his sun-kissed skin.

His piercing gaze was as cold as ice, making me feel like a mere snowflake in his presence. Despite the warmth of the Dubai sun, he seemed completely unfazed, his demeanor cool and collected. The stark contrast between his icy expression and his tanned complexion made him look like a statue carved out of pure alabaster.

As I looked up at Zyyad, his eyes meeting mine, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth spreading through my body. Despite his initial icy demeanor, there was something in the way he looked at me that made me feel safe, almost protected.

And then, as he took my small hand in his large one, I felt a rush of emotions overwhelming me. It was like all of the anxieties and fears that had been building up inside of me were suddenly pushed to the side, replaced with a sense of calm and reassurance.

I looked up at him, taking in the way his features softened, his once cold expression now replaced with a look of gentleness. It was like his entire being was dedicated to making me feel comfortable and at ease.

As he took my hand in his, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between our skin tones. His was dark and tan from years spent in the sun, while mine was pale and delicate from a life lived mostly indoors.

But in that moment, as his rough fingers intertwined with mine, I felt a sense of comfort and safety that I had never experienced before. It was as if our differences didn't matter, and all that mattered was the connection we had in that moment.

I looked up at him and saw that his eyes had softened, and the coldness that had been there before had melted away. It was like a transformation had taken place, and the man standing before me was a different person entirely.

As I pulled my hand away from his grasp, I could see the surprise and mild disappointment etched on his face. I couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction, knowing that I was not going to be easily swayed by his money and charm.