Zeynah Khan:
Zeynah Khan, 22, is a bright and compassionate student living in California with her parents and older brother Hamza. Her long, dark hair and warm smile can light up a room. She's fiercely loyal to those she cares about and will go to great lengths to support them. Despite her strong sense of self, she has a vulnerable side that she only reveals to those closest to her. Zeynah dreams of building a loving family with the right person, someone her parents will approve of. She's currently finishing her BSc and hopes to make a difference in her community.
Zaviyar Khan:
Zaviyar Khan, 27, is a successful businessman and founder of Ztech Industries, living in Italy with his parents. His chiseled features and piercing eyes reflect his sharp mind and determination. He's a private person, preferring to keep to himself, but has a soft spot for his mother. His relationship with his father is strained, a result of past disagreements. Zaviyar's tough exterior hides a deep sense of vulnerability and a strong sense of loyalty to those he trusts.
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'Look at me, Zey,' he growled, his voice low and menacing. I opened my eyes, my gaze meeting his hazel ones, and felt a shiver run down my spine. 'Did you get what you wanted?' he asked, his voice devoid of emotion. I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. 'Huh? What do you mean by that?' I whispered. He didn't flinch, his eyes still fixed on mine. 'You married me despite my warnings, without even a second thought. You must have been desperate to become my wife, even if it means being unwanted.' His words cut deep, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. 'It doesn't matter if the Nikkah took place,' he continued, his voice dripping with venom. 'Remember this: you will never receive the treatment every girl dreams of from her husband. Never.' He spat the last word, then stood up and stormed out of the room, leaving me shattered and alone.
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]