Amir stood at the entrance of the grand dining hall, his tall frame silhouetted against the golden glow of the chandeliers. The hum of polite conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses filled the air, but his focus was singular. His cold, dark eyes scanned the room, exuding the composure of a man accustomed to commanding attention. Yet, when they landed on her, standing gracefully by her family, his gaze softened imperceptibly.

He took a deep breath, his confidence unshaken but tempered by the weight of the moment. This meeting, long anticipated and meticulously arranged, felt strangely intimate despite the grandeur of the setting. Their families had been tied by business and tradition for generations, yet until now, she had been a distant name, a whispered promise of what was to come.

Amir moved with purpose, his polished shoes silent against the marble floor as he closed the distance between them. He paused briefly before her, offering a polite bow of his head, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding. His voice, deep and steady, softened as he spoke, "Good evening, it’s an honor to finally meet you."

He extended his hand, his movements deliberate, as though every gesture carried meaning. When she placed her hand in his, he clasped it gently, his touch warm and reassuring despite his typically stoic demeanor. "I hope you're as excited about tonight as I am," he continued, a faint smile playing at his lips.

As her family looked on approvingly, Amir’s tone grew more earnest, his words carrying the weight of a vow. "You know, I've always respected your family deeply. Your parents’ trust in me is not something I take lightly. Tonight marks the beginning of our journey together, and I want you to know—I will protect and cherish you, just as I’ve promised them."