Hers to Love

Chapter 26

Maria lay there, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. She turned on her side, reaching out instinctively to the empty space beside her. It was still warm, a faint reminder that Amir had been there not long ago.

She smiled to herself, the memory of last night playing vividly in her mind. It had been intense, passionate, and unlike anything she'd experienced in a long time. Every touch, every whispered word had felt electric, connecting them in a way that went beyond the physical. But now, in the quiet stillness of the morning, she couldn't help but wonder what it all meant.

Maria wasn't the type to engage in casual encounters. She valued connection and depth, preferring relationships built on more than just physical attraction. But with Amir, everything had felt so natural, so right in the moment. The way he looked at her, the way he made her feel—it had been intoxicating. Yet, as she lay there alone, doubt began to creep in.Did last night mean the same to Amir as it did to her? Was it just a fleeting moment of passion for him, something that would fade as quickly as it had begun? Or was there something deeper, something that could grow into more? She couldn't tell. Amir was hard to read, especially after the way things had been between them recently.

Despite the uncertainty, Maria couldn't deny the happiness she felt. It had been so long since she allowed herself to be this vulnerable with someone. She had almost forgotten what it was like to feel this alive, this desired. It was a reminder that she was still capable of feeling deeply, of connecting with someone on a level that went beyond words.

But with that happiness came a tinge of fear. Fear that she might have let herself fall for someone who wasn't ready to catch her, someone who might not feel the same way. She didn't want to admit it, but the thought of being just another girl in Amir's life scared her. She wasn't sure if she could handle the heartache that might come with it.

Maria sighed, pulling the covers closer around her. She knew she had to face Amir at some point, to see where things stood between them. But for now, she allowed herself to savor the memory of the night they had shared, even if it was just for a little while longer. She had no idea what the day would bring, but she knew that whatever happened, she had allowed herself to feel again, and that in itself was something special.

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Maria stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection as the make-up artist added the final touches. She barely recognized herself. The soft, elegant makeup accentuated her features, bringing out her eyes and giving her a glow she hadn't seen in years. She wasn't used to wearing much makeup, and the transformation was striking.Her dress, a beautiful blend of modesty and sophistication, draped perfectly over her figure. The deep emerald color complemented her skin tone, and the intricate details of the fabric added a touch of elegance. She had chosen the dress carefully, wanting to respect Amir's family's customs while still feeling like herself. Now, looking at the complete picture, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves.Maria took a deep breath before stepping out of her room. Her heart raced as she thought about seeing Amir again. After last night, she wasn't sure what to expect from him. Would things be awkward? Would he act like nothing had happened? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself that she had to focus on the wedding and the family that had been so kind to her.

As she walked down the hallway, the sound of her heels clicking against the polished floor echoed softly. When she reached the gathering area where Amir's family was waiting, she hesitated for a moment, then stepped inside.The reaction was immediate. Amir's sisters, who had been chatting animatedly, suddenly went silent. His mother's eyes widened, and even his usually composed father seemed momentarily taken aback. Their jaws dropped, and Maria felt a flush of self-consciousness creeping up her neck.

"Maria, you look... wow," one of Amir's sisters finally managed to say, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"You're stunning!" another added, her eyes shining with surprise and delight.Maria smiled, a little embarrassed by the attention. "Thank you," she said softly, feeling the warmth of their compliments. She wasn't used to this kind of reaction, especially from people she had only recently met. It was clear that her usual understated appearance had led them to expect something different.

Amir's mother stepped forward, taking Maria's hands in hers. "You look absolutely beautiful, dear. I knew you would, but seeing you like this... it's breathtaking."Maria blushed, touched by the kind words. She glanced around the room, but Amir was nowhere to be seen. A mix of relief and disappointment settled in her chest. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face him just yet, but part of her had hoped to catch a glimpse of his reaction.

As they continued to shower her with compliments, Maria couldn't help but feel a bit more confident. Maybe the makeup and dress were a bit out of her comfort zone, but seeing how much they appreciated it made her feel like she had made the right choice. She might not have known how things would unfold with Amir, but at least for today, she could enjoy the moment and the warmth of his family.

One of the sisters looped her arm through Maria's, leading her toward the door. "Come on, let's go down. Everyone's waiting, and they're going to be as amazed as we are when they see you."As they walked together, Maria took another deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The day was just beginning, and there was so much ahead of her. Whatever happened with Amir, she knew she had to focus on the present, on the celebration, and on the people who had welcomed her so warmly into their lives.