THE ELDEST RULE

In a world where expectations come before emotions,
Anara Siddiqui has learned one rule by heart: never break.
As the eldest daughter, she is the backbone of her family-
a hijabi CEO, a published author, and the girl who carries responsibility like second skin.
She doesn't ask for help.
She doesn't cry where anyone can see.
And she certainly doesn't believe she needs love.
Izaan Qureshi knows the weight of being the eldest son.
He's built an automotive empire before most people finish university,
but success never taught him how to stop noticing the quiet things-
the way Anara tightens her hijab when she's overwhelmed,
the pauses in her voice when she's exhausted,
the strength she mistakes for solitude.
Childhood friends since eighth grade,
their lives intertwine again through an arranged marriage
that makes sense to everyone-except their guarded hearts.
She believes independence is survival.
He believes love doesn't need permission.
And somewhere between duty, silence, and unspoken care,
they must learn that strength doesn't mean standing alone.
Sometimes, the eldest rule is knowing
when to finally let someone hold you.