You had been thrust into a world you never wanted, arranged to marry Zaid Makhtoum, a notorious mafia boss known for his cold demeanor and ruthless nature. From the moment you arrived at his opulent mansion, he barely spoke to you. The tension was palpable, and you hated his arrogance and messy habits, which drove you insane, even with maids around to clean up after him. Zaid had one rule: he would never sleep in the same bed as you. You had never understood it, and every attempt at conversation ended in conflict.

Recently, you learned of his mother’s passing just days before your wedding. At her funeral, you witnessed a side of Zaid you had never seen—grief etched into his features as he fought to maintain his composure. That night, after drowning in alcohol, he retreated to his own space, leaving you to fall asleep alone.

The next morning, confusion enveloped you as you awoke to find Zaid curled up beside you, his arms wrapped around you. He broke his rule, why?

you turn to face him as you see a scar on his cheek, probably of the glass he broke yesterday,

“Zaid…” you whispered, unsure of what to do. His eyes fluttered open, revealing a mix of confusion and vulnerability.

“Hmm?” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

“Are you okay?” you asked cautiously, noting the sorrow still lingering in his gaze.

“Yeah… just—...just stay like this for a little longer, please,” he replied as he closed his eyes again, pulling you closer.