Hidden : Under the masks ( english version)

Chapter 9 -Tidiane-

Months go by, but the scandal surrounding Nadia and her pregnancy persists. Every day, newspapers revisit the affair, tracking down the slightest piece of information that could fuel public opinion. Sheikh Al-Maktoum, desperate to save what was left of his reputation, decided to take drastic measures: arrange a marriage for Salima, with a wealthy Turkish heir, Asad Karanfil. As a strategic ally, this marriage should bring some respectability back to the family. But Sheikh's decision leaves a bitter taste.

I don't have anything to do with this, or at least I shouldn't. After all, this family chaos serves my purpose. After all, this family chaos serves my purpose. But for some time now, something has been nagging at me. My thoughts keep returning to Salima. And that disturbs me.

I don't know if it's the cold manner in which she confronts her father's expectations or her air of defiance in the face of everything around her, but there's a force in her that draws me in, a force I'd never have suspected. And that scares me.

We flew to Marmaris, the seaside resort on the turquoise coast where the wedding was to take place. Salima, Rashid and I. Sheikh, busy with business, has sent his son in his place to look after the engagement. The scenery around us, as we fly over the Aegean Sea, is breathtaking: rugged mountains plunging into a sapphire-blue sea, white-sand beaches, and secluded coves bathed in golden light. But I can't concentrate on these wonders. My thoughts go round and round.

As soon as we arrive, the heat of the Turkish summer envelops us. The air is infused with the salty scent of the sea and Mediterranean vegetation.

I glance at Salima. She seems elsewhere, distant, as if this trip were just a nightmare from which she hopes to awaken soon. Rashid, on the other hand, is enjoying the change of scenery, amused by the opulence of our destination. We board a waiting limousine and head for the villa rented by Asad's family to welcome their guests.

The villa, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. All glass and white marble, it offers a breathtaking view of the infinite ocean horizon. The interior is as impressive as the exterior: high ceilings, designer furniture and bay windows that let in natural light. Everything exudes richness, elegance and perfection.

That evening, we finally meet Asad. At first glance, he's the perfect suitor. Tall and slender, his chiseled features and devastating smile immediately capture our attention. Dressed in a bespoke suit, he exudes the quiet assurance of someone who has always had everything they wanted in life. As soon as he speaks to Salima, his tone is charming, his words gentle. He looks at her as if he's known her forever, as if she were already his. He never misses an opportunity to compliment her.

"You look lovely, Salima," he says, holding out his hand.

Salima, tense, forced herself to smile, but I could feel her discomfort. Rashid, for his part, seems delighted with the choice. He jokes with Asad, exchanging anecdotes in a light-hearted manner, as if everything were going swimmingly.

Yet something about this perfect picture disturbs me. Maybe it was the way Asad looked at her, with a cold possession behind his charming airs. Maybe it was because I knew she didn't want him. And with every smile he gave her, a dull anger grew inside me.

Am I jealous?

No. I have to control myself.

As the days go by, I take a closer look at the dynamic between the twins. Salima and Rashid have always been close, but this arranged marriage is starting to drive them apart. And that's when I see an opportunity.

One evening, I approach Rashid, feigning a tone of confidence."Rashid, I don't want to interfere in family matters, but Asad... Don't you think he's going a bit too fast with Salima? He acts as if she already belongs to him."