The Unwanted Marriage

Chapter 49

Amina's POV

I was sitting in front of the vanity mirror, still dressed in my reception outfit, the heavy embroidery of my dress weighing on my exhausted body. The room was finally quiet after the endless noise, lights, and congratulations. My hands rested weakly in my lap as I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the girl looking back at me.

The reception was over.

All evening, my heart had trembled with nervousness, but with bhabhi and Layla by my side, I somehow survived it. Dad looked so happy tonight—happier than I had seen him in years—and that alone made everything worth it. Tomorrow, I would leave for London with Zayd. The thought filled my chest with two completely different emotions at once.

I was happy.

And I was heartbroken.

Happy because I wanted to begin a new life with him... a life I secretly prayed would be beautiful. But leaving my country, my home, the streets and memories that raised me—it hurt more than I expected.

Zayd was still downstairs with Saad and my brother. I had been so tired that I quietly asked Mom if I could go to my room, and she lovingly kissed my forehead before telling bhabhi to take me upstairs.

Now, alone in the silence of my room, happiness suddenly felt incomplete.

Because in moments like this... I missed my mother the most.

My throat tightened painfully as I looked at myself in the mirror. The bridal jewelry, the makeup, the outfit—everything my younger self had once dreamed about. Yet the one person I wanted beside me was not here.

A tear slipped from my eye.

But before it could touch the ground, a hand caught it.

I gasped softly, startled, and quickly lifted my gaze.

Zayd.

He was kneeling in front of me.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

The soft golden light of the room fell against his face, and Ya Allah... the noor on his features made my heart tremble. His dark eyes held mine so gently that it almost frightened me. He looked unreal, like a dream carefully carved into existence.

My eyes dropped to his palm where my tear rested like something precious.

Then back to his face.

A small smile appeared on his lips, soft and devastating.

"What's this for?" he asked quietly, his voice low and warm enough to wrap around my racing heart.

But I was too lost staring at him to even understand his words.

"Hm?" I whispered absentmindedly.

His smile widened slightly. "This," he murmured, lifting his palm a little. "Why is my wife crying?"

My heart skipped so hard it almost hurt.

My wife.

The words alone made warmth spread through my entire body.

"N-Nothing..." I stuttered softly, lowering my eyes shyly. "I was just missing my mom."

Something tender flickered in his expression.

Without saying a word, he reached forward and lovingly wiped the remaining tears from beneath my eyes with his thumb, so carefully as if I would break under his touch. Then he pressed the gentlest kiss against my forehead.

My breath caught.

Before I could even process it, one arm slid beneath my knees while the other wrapped around my waist, and suddenly he lifted me into his arms effortlessly.