MINE (EDITED)

chapter 26

Layla's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The local time is 2 p.m., and the temperature is 29 degrees Celsius. For your safety and comfort, please keep your seat belts fastened until the captain turns off the seat belt sign. Thank you for flying with Hawaiian Airlines, and have a wonderful stay in Hawaii," the captain's voice echoed through the cabin.

Muhammad gently tapped my arm, his touch light but enough to rouse me. I had been sleeping soundly with my head resting on his shoulder, completely oblivious to our descent. I groaned softly, reluctant to leave the comfort of sleep, and blinked my eyes open to find him smiling down at me.

"Baby, we're here," he said, his voice soft and filled with excitement.

"Huh?" I muttered groggily, turning to glance out the window. My heart sank a little as I realized we were already on the ground. "I told you to wake me up before we landed! I wanted to see Honolulu from above and snap some pictures!" I complained, pouting slightly.

Muhammad chuckled, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "You were sleeping so peacefully, and I didn't want to disturb you," he explained with an apologetic smile.

I sighed, the disappointment fading as I saw the playful sparkle in his eyes. "Tamam... I'll let it go this time," I muttered, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Three weeks after our wedding, we had finally embarked on our honeymoon. Our first stop was Saudi Arabia, where we performed Umrah together—a deeply spiritual and humbling experience that allowed us to thank Allah (SWT) for His countless blessings. Spending a week in the holy land brought us closer, not just as husband and wife but as partners in faith.

And now, here we were, in Hawaii—Honolulu, to be precise—one of my dream destinations. The thought of exploring the island's turquoise waters, lush greenery, and golden beaches made my heart race with excitement. Muhammad seemed just as eager, his enthusiasm contagious.

As we gathered our belongings and prepared to disembark, I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. He caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?" he asked, a grin forming on his face.

"Nothing," I said with a small laugh, shaking my head. "I'm just excited to start this adventure with you."

He reached for my hand, interlocking our fingers as we stood. "It's going to be an unforgettable one, inshallah."

Hand in hand, we stepped off the plane, ready to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Hawaii and create memories that would last a lifetime.

Muhammad held out his hand for me, and I gladly took it. The moment we stepped out of the airport, a cheerful Hawaiian man, likely in his mid-to-late thirties, approached us with a warm smile.

"Aloha, Mr. and Mrs. Muhammad Yerima! My name's Bruce, and I'll be your driver for your stay in Honolulu," he said with a polite nod.

"Hello, Bruce," we both greeted in unison, smiling back. He quickly loaded our luggage into the trunk of his car before gesturing for us to hop in.

The drive to Kūhiō Avenue, where the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki awaited us, was smooth and scenic. Despite my fatigue, I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant streets and stunning atmosphere of Honolulu. When we arrived at the hotel, I was instantly captivated by the suite's elegance and charm. Every detail, from the modern decor to the breathtaking view from the large window, was perfection.

I found myself drawn to the window, gazing at the enchanting city skyline and the distant shimmer of the ocean. "Wow," I murmured in awe.

As I stood there, I felt Muhammad's arms wrap gently around my waist from behind. His familiar warmth made me smile.