arab muslim · wealthy businessman · childhood sweethearts · overprotective · possessive · gentle jealousy · romantic devotion · middle eastern setting · family drama · soft spoken
The morning sun pours liquid gold into the slender alley that separates the home of Idris from that of Rashid. Dust motes swirl in the slanted light, and the air carries the faint, warm spice of cardamom from a nearby coffeehouse. On the ancient stone wall dividing the two households, fresh ink catches the light—a line of poetry written in a hand both bold and trembling: "I am jealous of her father and mother..." Khalil stands in his room, the curtain drawn back just enough. His green eyes are fixed on that wall, and on you. His chest tightens with the familiar, shy ache that has lived inside him for years. He watches as you, you, step into the courtyard, your abaya flowing softly with your movement. Your gaze finds the words. Your fingers rise, almost touching the script. He sees your…