MasukCrystal's POV Crystal woke before dawn, her stomach churning with nerves and nausea. She dressed quickly in the dark wearing faded jeans, a loose sweater and comfortable shoes for walking. The folder with her documents went into her bag, pressed against her side like a secret heartbeat.The mansion was silent as she slipped through the hallways, past closed doors and sleeping staff quarters. Every creak of the floorboards sounded like thunder in her ears. But she made it outside without encountering anyone.The gardens were gray in the pre-dawn light, shadows clinging to trees like reluctant ghosts. Crystal walked quickly toward the old greenhouse, her breath visible in the cool morning air.Ahmad was already there, pacing among the overgrown plants. He turned when he heard her approach, relief flooding his face."Thank God," he said, crossing to her in three quick strides. "I've been here since five. I couldn't sleep.""Neither could I," Crystal admitted, letting him pull her into
Crystal's POV Crystal stood in her bathroom, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed from the greenhouse, her lips were still swollen from Ahmad's kisses. She looked different but alive in a way she hadn't been in weeks. But she needed to erase the evidence before anyone saw.She splashed cold water on her face, pressing her fingers against her heated skin. "Pull yourself together," she whispered to her reflection. "You're supposed to be Amir's dutiful pregnant wife, not a woman who just spent two hours with his brother."A knock on her bedroom door made her jump. "Crystal? Are you there?"Amir's voice. Crystal's heart lurched into her throat."Just a minute!" she called, drying her face hastily. She checked herself one more time and opened the door.Amir stood in the hallway, his phone in one hand, looking impatient. "Where have you been? I came by an hour ago and you weren't here.""I went for a walk," Crystal said, keeping her voice steady. "The doctor s
Crystal's POV Crystal woke to Amelia pulling back the curtains, sunlight flooding the room like hope she didn't deserve. She squinted against the brightness, her hand automatically moving to her stomach. A gesture that was already becoming a habit."Good morning ma'am," Amelia said, setting down a tray with toast and ginger tea. "How are you feeling?""Tired," Crystal admitted, pushing herself up against the pillows. "I barely slept.""The first trimester is the hardest. It gets better." Amelia sat on the edge of the bed, her face gentle. "I brought you plain toast. It should help with the nausea."Crystal reached for the toast, nibbling the corner. "How do you know so much about pregnancy?""My sister had three babies. I helped her through all of them." Amelia poured the tea, steam rising like tiny ghosts. "She used to say the first three months felt like being seasick on dry land.""That's exactly what it feels like," Crystal said, sipping the tea carefully. The warmth spread thro
Chapter 28Crystal's POV Crystal stood at the threshold of the dining room, her hand resting on the doorframe for support. Inside, candles flickered on the long mahogany table, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Sultan sat at the head, his face covered in satisfaction. Amir stood beside him, pouring champagne into crystal flutes that caught the light like trapped stars."There she is," Sultan announced, his voice booming across the room, filling every corner with forced joy. "The mother of my grandchild."Crystal forced a smile, her cheeks aching from the effort. "Hello, Sir.""Come, come. Sit here beside me." He gestured to the chair at his right hand. "This is a momentous occasion. The first Al-Fayad heir. We must celebrate properly."Amir pulled out the chair for her, his hand brushing her shoulder as she sat. The touch felt like ownership, like a brand marking her as his. Crystal kept her hands folded in her lap, her nails digging into her palms."Where's Ahmad?" she asked,
Crystal's POV Crystal woke to sunlight streaming through hospital blinds, slicing the room into strips of light and shadow. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then the IV tugged at her arm, and reality crashed back like a wave breaking over rocks.Pregnant.She touched her stomach gently, as if the baby might break under her fingertips.The door opened and Amir walked in, carrying coffee and a paper bag. He looked refreshed, like he'd slept well. Crystal wondered if he'd slept at all or if he'd been up celebrating."You're awake. Good. I brought you breakfast.""I'm not hungry." She said and looked away."You need to eat. For the baby." He set the bag on the rolling table beside her bed and pulled out a croissant. "The doctor said you can go home after she checks on you this morning."Crystal pushed herself up to sit. Her head spun slightly but steadied. "What time is it?""Eight. I called Father last night. Told him the news."Her stomach clenched. "You told Sultan?""Of cours
Ahmad's POV The hospital waiting room smelled like antiseptic and fear. Ahmad sat with his elbows on his knees, staring at the white tiles beneath his feet. A hand touched his shoulder. He looked up. Amelia stood there, her face creased with worry."How did you get here?" He was surprised to see her."I took a taxi. The staff are all worried. Is there any news?" Amelia's voice carried fear."Nothing. They won't tell me anything because I'm not her husband." The word tasted bitter in his mouth.Amelia sat beside him. "She'll be okay. Miss Crystal is strong.""What if she's not? What if…." He couldn't finish."Don't think like that Sir."Down the hall, a door opened. Amir emerged, his shirt wrinkled, his face unreadable. Ahmad stood immediately."How is she?"Amir looked at him for a long moment. "They're running tests. She's conscious now.""Can I see her?" He asked, ready to sprint."No. Family only." Amir's eyes were cold, calculating. "Why are you here, Ahmad?""Because I was worr







