EMBRACE OF THE SHEIKH

chapter~1

Isabella Cruz had never been to a place like Dubai before. It was like stepping into another world-a dazzling, futuristic oasis surrounded by endless stretches of golden sand. The city was full of opulence and luxury, but she couldn't help but feel like a small fish in a giant ocean. Still, this was the opportunity she'd worked for. Her art exhibition in the heart of the city was about to begin, and she was determined to make a name for herself.

She stood at the balcony of her hotel room, looking out over the vast skyline, the lights of the city twinkling like stars. Her heart beat with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The opportunity to showcase her work on such an international stage was a dream come true. But beyond the art, she knew the moment she stepped foot in Dubai, her life was about to change forever.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from her agent.

"The gala is tonight. Don't forget to wear the red dress. The sheikh will be there."

The mention of the sheikh made her stomach flutter. She'd heard rumors about him, the elusive and powerful Sheikh Alejandro Al-Farid, the owner of several vast properties across the city. There were whispers of his wealth, his good looks, and his cold demeanor. No one knew much about him personally, but everyone knew he was a man who got what he wanted and who held immense power.

Isabella didn't believe in rumors. She'd learned not to listen to them. But still, the idea of meeting such an influential figure sent a shiver down her spine. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she hoped it would be a night to remember.
The gala was as extravagant as she'd imagined-crystal chandeliers, golden accents, and the hum of sophisticated conversations filled the air. Isabella felt slightly out of place in her simple red dress, but she stood tall, ready to mingle with the city's elite.

Her dress.[credit goes to the rightful owner of every picture]
She was scanning the crowd when she saw him. A tall figure in a sharp black suit, standing by the balcony with an air of detachment. He had the kind of presence that made people step aside, the sort of man whose mere gaze could command attention. His dark eyes were fixed on the horizon, distant and unreadable.

That was Sheikh Alejandro Al-Farid.

His attire.
Isabella's breath caught in her throat. The rumors didn't do him justice. He looked even more striking in person-his chiseled features, the sharp jawline, and the way he carried himself with effortless confidence. But it wasn't just his looks that intrigued her; it was the way he seemed so... unreachable. A man who stood apart from everyone, even in a room full of people.

"Excuse me, miss. Your work is truly impressive."

Isabella snapped out of her trance and turned to find a man standing next to her, holding a glass of champagne. He was smiling politely, but his gaze flickered past her, clearly more interested in the sheikh.

"Thank you," Isabella replied with a smile, though she felt the oddest sensation of being invisible. She followed his gaze toward Alejandro.
"I was just admiring the view," she added, trying to steer the conversation back to the city. But the man wasn't listening. He had already moved on to talk to someone else.

Feeling a sudden, inexplicable need to understand this man who seemed to exist in a world of his own, Isabella made her way towards the balcony where Alejandro stood, his back still turned. The sounds of the gala dimmed as she approached, the air growing thicker with every step.

She hesitated for just a moment before speaking.

"Excuse me, Your Highness," she said, her voice steady but a little unsure. "I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the city looks from here. Do you ever come up to this spot to think?"
Alejandro didn't turn around. He didn't even flinch. He stood there, as still as the desert itself, his back as straight as a pillar of stone.

"Is that supposed to impress me?" he finally said, his voice low and cold, laced with a hint of disinterest. "I'm sure the view is quite... nice."

Isabella blinked, taken aback. She hadn't expected warmth, but she hadn't expected such a dismissive response either. She stood there, unsure of how to proceed. This wasn't how she'd imagined this conversation going. Was this what people meant when they said he was cold?

"I'm sorry," she said, trying to keep her composure. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was just trying to make conversation."

He still didn't turn to face her, and the silence between them stretched uncomfortably.

"You're not intruding," he said after a pause, his voice as flat as ever. "But I don't have time for small talk."

Isabella felt the sting of his words, but she didn't let it show. She wasn't one to back down easily.

"I'm not here for small talk, either," she replied, her voice firming. "I'm here to show my art. And if you ever feel like talking about something more interesting than a city skyline, I'll be around."
She turned to leave, but just as she was about to walk away, she heard him speak again, his voice slightly less dismissive, though still cold.

"Is that what you think you are? Interesting?"

Isabella stopped in her tracks. The question hung in the air, challenging her, like an invitation to prove herself. She turned back toward him, her expression a mixture of surprise and resolve.

"I think you'll find I'm far more interesting than you believe, Your Highness," she said, her tone now brimming with quiet defiance.

Alejandro didn't respond. Instead, he just gave her a single, icy glance over his shoulder. His eyes, dark and unreadable, seemed to bore into her for just a moment before he turned back to the horizon, his posture still rigid.

Isabella didn't wait for him to say another word. She turned and walked away, feeling a strange mix of frustration and exhilaration. She didn't know what it was about him-his indifference, his aloofness-but something told her that this was far from over.

And maybe, just maybe, that would be a good thing.