Her Awakening

Chapter 37: Awakening to Dubai!

Four months had passed, and life had settled into a beautiful, hectic rhythm. Jalal and I found ourselves in a routine that I hadn't experienced in years—one that felt stable, secure, and full of love. The chaos of balancing work, motherhood, and my relationship with Jalal didn't feel overwhelming because we had become a team. It was a new kind of normal, one I could happily get used to.

I had been pouring more energy into my writing, determined to push my career further than it had ever gone. Now that I didn't have to hide my identity, everything seemed to be taking off. Press tours, book signings, and overseeing the TV adaptation of one of my novels had taken up most of my time. The twins had settled into school, and Jalal... Well, he had stepped up as a father figure in ways I hadn't anticipated.

The kids adored him. Sometimes, it almost felt like they loved him more than me, the way they ran to him whenever he walked through the door. He had become a permanent fixture in their lives, as natural as breathing. His family had welcomed them too—his mom doted on Markie, spoiling him rotten, and Melody was practically attached to Nadine's hip. It was like we had been folded into their world, accepted without hesitation. Even Jalal's mom couldn't stop hinting about us getting married. "You need to give Melody a little sister," she'd say, giving us a playful wink during family dinners. Jalal always smiled politely.

Then came the trip to Dubai. Jalal had planned a week-long holiday during the kids' Easter break, and I couldn't have been more excited. I'd been packing our suitcases for two weeks—maybe a little obsessively—making sure everything was perfect. Markie and Melody, of course, kept adding more toys and clothes every time I turned my back. "Mum, I need this one!" Markie said, holding up his favourite dinosaur toy, while Melody insisted on bringing her stuffed unicorn.

The day finally arrived. I had secured Joshua's permission to take the kids out of the country, and everything was set. Jalal had arranged a private car to take us to the airport, and as we got in, the kids were already bouncing in their seats, buzzing with excitement.

"I can't believe we're going to Dubai!" Melody squealed, her face pressed against the car window as if she could see the destination already.

"Me neither," I murmured, smiling at her excitement.

"Don't worry," Jalal said from the front seat, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. "We'll be there soon. And I promise, you won't have to worry about a thing. I've got it all handled."

The flight to Dubai was a dream. First-class tickets, of course—Jalal wouldn't have it any other way. Markie and Melody were enthralled by the space, the reclining seats, and the endless stream of movies. Jalal entertained them with games and stories while I soaked in the luxury of having a moment to breathe. We ate, laughed, and even managed a bit of sleep. It was perfect.

When we landed, the warm Dubai air hit us as we stepped off the plane. The city stretched out before us, all gleaming skyscrapers and golden light, and it felt like stepping into a new world. Jalal had arranged for a car to take us to our hotel, where his family was already waiting for us. The excitement of seeing them again filled the air.

"They're already there?" I asked as we loaded into the car, a smile tugging at my lips. Jalal nodded, chuckling.

"Yeah, Mum wanted to get there early so she could settle in and make sure everything was perfect for the kids. She's been talking about this trip for weeks."

When we arrived at the hotel, I was blown away. We were staying at a luxurious resort with a private villa, complete with a pool and breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. It felt like a dream.

Jalal's family had rented the villa next door, and the moment we stepped inside, his mom, Leila, was already rushing toward us. She scooped Markie up in her arms, showering him with kisses. Melody dashed straight for Nadine, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the pool.

"Look at you, my handsome boy!" Leila cooed, smoothing Markie's hair. "Are you ready for your big adventure?"

Markie giggled, nodding eagerly. "Yes, Gran-leila!"

Jalal smiled, wrapping his arm around me. "I told you they'd be spoiled," he whispered in my ear.

"They already are," I laughed, watching Melody drag Nadine around the villa.

After settling in, we all gathered outside on the terrace, overlooking the turquoise waters. The kids were jumping from one family member to another, and I was grateful for the extra hands. Jalal's sisters were there too—Nadine, of course, already deep in conversation with Melody about what their first adventure should be, and Yasmin, leaning back with a glass of sparkling water in hand, smirking at the scene unfolding.

"I can't believe you guys still aren't married," Yasmin teased, raising an eyebrow at Jalal and me. "If Mum had her way, you'd be walking down the aisle right now."

"Oh, trust me, she's been trying," I laughed, glancing over at Leila, who was now chatting with Jalal about the importance of a 'proper' family vacation.

Later that night, after a long day of settling in, Jalal's mom offered to have the kids stay in their villa for the night. She knew we could use some alone time after the long trip.

"Are you sure?" I asked, glancing between her and the kids, who were already half-asleep on the couch.

"Of course," she insisted. "They'll be with me, don't worry. We've got a whole week ahead, let them have some fun. You two enjoy yourselves."

With the kids happily tucked away at Jalal's family villa, we found ourselves alone in our villa, the quiet of the night settling around us. I couldn't help but smile as I leaned into Jalal.

"They love her," I said, thinking of how easily Markie and Melody had taken to his mother.

"They love you too, you know," Jalal murmured, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm being outdone," I teased. "They now how three set of grandparents competing to spoil them"

Jalal chuckled, pulling me closer. "They're the most loved kids in the whole world."

As we stood there, looking out at the lights of the city, Jalal embraced me from behind, leaving soft kisses against my neck. Dubai was beautiful at night, and I was happy to experience it with my soulmate.