جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 30

Ahmad's POV "The marriage contract crystal. I know you're not married to Amir out of your free will." He paused, taking her hand in his. “I know about your father's debts”.She pulled away from him. "How do you know about that?""I've been researching something. It led me to your father's old apartment. To you.""Why were you researching me?" She zipped her dress, looking at him with confusion."I wasn't. Not at first." He ran a hand through his hair. "I was looking for someone else. But the trail led to you."Crystal paced the room. "Does Amir know you know?""No”. Ahmad shook his head. “And I'm not going to tell him.""Why not?""Because what you and Amir have…it's business. What we have is…." He stopped. "I don't know what this is. But it's not business.""It's a mistake.""Maybe. But I can't seem to stop making it."Crystal flattened her dress. "I need to get back before someone notices.""Crystal, wait." He stood too. "There's more I need to tell you. About why I was researching

Crystal's POV Crystal spent the afternoon in the library, trying to lose herself in a book. It wasn't working. The words blurred together on the page.She heard footsteps and tensed. But it was just one of the younger maids, carrying a vase of fresh flowers."Mrs. Crystal? These just arrived for you."Crystal frowned. "From who?""The card just says 'from a friend.'"Crystal took the card and opened it. Inside, in neat handwriting: “You deserve better than this. Don't give up. - L”Laila. It had to be Laila.Crystal's eyes filled with tears. She clutched the card to her chest.The maid shifted awkwardly. "Is everything alright?""Yes. Thank you. You can go."After the maid left, Crystal pulled out her phone and called Laila."Hey, babe," Laila answered on the first ring."Did you send flowers?""Maybe. Did you get them?""Yes." Crystal's voice cracked. "Thank you.""You sound awful. What's going on?""Everything. Nothing. I don't even know anymore.""Crystal, talk to me. Really talk

Crystal's POV Crystal hummed while getting dressed the next morning. She caught herself in the mirror and stopped, surprised by the smile on her face. When was the last time she'd felt like this? Amelia knocked and entered with breakfast. "You're in a good mood.You're smiling. You haven't smiled in weeks." Amelia set down the tray and studied her. "Did something happen?" Crystal's cheeks flushed. "No. I just slept well." "Uh-huh. And does this good sleep have anything to do with Mr. Ahmad?" "I don't know what you're talking about." Crystal shrugged and picked up her earrings from the dresser. "Ma'am Crystal, I saw you coming back from his quarters this morning. At six AM." Crystal sat on the bed. "Amelia…." "I'm not judging. I'm just saying be careful. Mr. Amir comes back in a few days." Amelia said as she poured the tea. "I know. I know it's risky. But I…..” She stopped, searching for the right words. "I can't keep pretending I don't feel anything. Last night, takin

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

Crystal'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 ask