MINE (EDITING)

Chapter 37

*****

Before you could even say Jack Robinson, Sabrina's first birthday had arrived. Layla could hardly believe it—her little girl was already one. Ya Allah, they grow up so fast, she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.

For the past week, she, Ni'imah, and Ibty had been deep in preparations, making sure everything would be perfect. Ni'imah, of course, wouldn't have it any other way. The party was taking place at Muhammad's parents' house, where the entire space had been transformed into a Minnie Mouse wonderland.

The backyard was a child's paradise—bouncing castles, a piñata, a trampoline, and even a DJ playing cheerful tunes. The decorations inside were just as stunning, with Minnie Mouse-themed centerpieces, pink and white balloons floating everywhere, and a beautifully arranged dessert table.

Layla had put her heart into baking three cakes, including an adorable Minnie Mouse cake, alongside two others. Ni'imah had added to the collection with a gorgeous bee-themed cake, and Layla's father, ever the doting grandfather, had ordered two more. That meant six cakes in total—more than enough to make Sabrina's birthday feel grand.

Everyone was bustling around, making last-minute adjustments before the party officially started at 3 PM. Layla was overseeing some of the final details when she suddenly heard a familiar cry. Turning around, she spotted Sabrina's nanny trying to soothe her, but the little girl wasn't having it.

Layla immediately reached out. "Bring her to me," she called, and the nanny hurried over, gently placing Sabrina in her mother's arms.

Layla kissed her chubby cheek, rocking her slightly. "N'oldu, kuzum? Neden ağlıyorsun? Why are you crying, my love?" she murmured, her voice soft and soothing.

Sabrina sniffled, then looked up at her mother with big, innocent eyes—before breaking into a tiny, toothy smile. Layla chuckled, shaking her head. All that fuss just to be in my arms, huh?

She gave Sabrina some water and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're just a little drama queen, aren't you?" she teased.

Knowing she still had plenty of things to check on before the party officially started, she motioned for the nanny to take her again. "Keep her close, but let her rest if she needs to," she instructed, making sure Sabrina was comfortable before returning to the preparations.

The day had only just begun, and there was still so much to do.

"Maman Sabrina, she won't stay with me," the nanny said, shifting uncomfortably. "She wants to go and play on the trampoline."

Layla sighed, adjusting Sabrina in her arms. "Don't let her near that place," she warned. "Zata bata kayan ta—she'll ruin her clothes."

Before she could say more, Ni'imah's voice rang from the hall. "Layloş! The caterer just brought the food."

"How about the ice cream truck? Creamy Cones, right?" Layla asked.

Ni'imah nodded. "Yeah, they'll be here soon."

The party had been in full swing for nearly an hour now. The backyard was alive with the sounds of laughter and music, kids running around, and the occasional shriek from an overly excited child. Muhammad and Khalifa had arrived a little after the kids started pouring in. Layla had been swamped, moving from one group to another, greeting guests and making sure everything was running smoothly—all while carrying Sabrina, who refused to let anyone else hold her.