ABOUT THIS BOOK
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Malik’s Late-Night Decision
Malik slowly stood up and said softly, “Calm down, I’ll be back tomorrow.” After ending the call, he continued pressing his phone for a while before making another call. Without any greeting, he said, “I’m expecting you in Saudi Arabia tomorrow, with my family.” He hung up, stood up, and headed upstairs to their bedroom.
Inside the dressing room, he packed their clothes neatly into a large trolley and placed it by the door. He then lay down on the bed, exhaling deeply and closing his eyes. Moments later, he heard her voice — “Yaya Zayd, are we going home?”
Without opening his eyes, he replied, “No, you’ll stay here. I won’t be long — I’ll come back soon.”
She frowned, almost in tears. “What? Why? I want to go with you. I want to see Ammie.”
He opened his eyes, turned to face her, and said softly, “Please, Cutie, stay here. I swear, if you follow me, I won’t be able to focus on my work. If you’re here, my heart will be at peace. I don’t want anything to happen to you or our baby.”
But she protested, “I’m going with you, Yaya Zayd. You need me. If you leave me behind, I’ll follow you, even if I get lost on the way!”
He sighed. “Please, my Cutie, don’t divide my mind in two. It’s just for a couple of days.”
She turned away from him silently — and began to cry.
“Oh no!” he muttered under his breath, pulling her into his arms. “Alright, stubborn girl, we’ll go together — but you’re not leaving the bedroom once we arrive.”
She smiled to herself; she hadn’t really been crying — she just knew tears always worked on him.
In a gentle tone, she said, “Baby, I miss Ammie, Mama, Nesi, Aunty Rianna, Aunty Tesnim…”
He interrupted her playfully, “Uh huh, just say you miss all of Saudi Arabia.”
She laughed. “Yes, I really miss Saudi Arabia.”
He kissed her forehead softly. “They miss you too, my Cutie. Now close your eyes and sleep.”
She giggled. “I can’t sleep, I’m too happy we’re going home tomorrow.”
He leaned close to her, whispering, “Okay… then let’s play a little game. I’m still not satisfied.”
She gave him a side-eye glare, but before she could respond, he teased, “The problem is that big belly of yours is blocking my way.”
“Stop calling me that!” she pouted.
“Okay, okay… but seriously, I’m still hungry.”
She pulled the duvet over her face. “No, I’m sleepy.”
He begged in a soft, pleading tone, “Please, my Cutie, help me out a little, I feel like I’m burning inside.”
She chuckled quietly but said nothing. Moments later, he slipped under the duvet too — and after their little “game,” they both fell asleep, though Malik still struggled with his strong desire, forcing himself to stop for fear of hurting Baby Nayel.
Early Morning Departure
At dawn, Malik stood near the parlor door, dressed in black jeans, a red T-shirt, and a black jacket. He kept checking his wristwatch impatiently. Soon, Inaya appeared, descending the stairs slowly in a pink abaya and a small white hijab resting on her chest, her large baby bump noticeable.
He watched her the whole time until she reached him, pouting cutely. He frowned slightly and pointed toward the door. “Let’s go. With that huge belly of yours, you look like a ball.”
She glared playfully and walked past him. He turned off the lights, followed her outside, and they headed toward the gate.
Their car was already parked there, the gateman standing beside it. Malik opened the door for her, helped her in, and then joined the driver. They drove straight to the airport.
Upon arrival, they boarded his private jet. Within moments, the jet lifted off — destination: Saudi Arabia.
Return to the Saudi Palace
After several hours, around 9 a.m., the jet landed safely in Saudi Arabia. As soon as they entered the kingdom, Malik noticed how everything had changed — this wasn’t the Saudi Arabia he remembered. When they arrived at the royal palace gates, he saw two golden lion statues with swords before them — the Ottoman Empire’s emblem, beautifully crafted in gold.
He sighed deeply and entered. What he saw inside broke his heart — the once beautiful palace garden was now dry and lifeless, the buildings were crumbling and neglected.
Inaya touched his hand gently. “Yaya Zayd, are you sure this is our home? Didn’t we miss the way?”
He replied calmly, “No, my Cutie. This is the place. In sha Allah, everything will return to how it was.”
Soon, they arrived at Malikat Houda’s royal wing. Many people were outside, staring at the car, waiting to see who had arrived. Malik took a deep breath and stepped out.
Immediately, cries of joy filled the air — everyone was overwhelmed that he had returned. Even Malik’s eyes glistened with tears. Suddenly, he saw Azim running toward him, tears streaming down his face. Azim tripped and fell, and Malik rushed to help him up.
“Azim! Are you hurt?” he asked, lifting him gently.
Azim didn’t reply; instead, he hugged Malik tightly, crying like a child. Malik wrapped his arms around him — if he could cry, he would have too.
After Azim calmed down, he looked up and said tearfully, “Where did you go, Your Highness? You said we were your family, but you left us! You don’t know how much we suffered after you left. Thank God you’re safe. Please, don’t leave us again in the hands of that tyrant.”
Malik nodded gently, wiping Azim’s tears. “Don’t worry, Azim. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll make sure that tyrant pays for what he’s done.”
Azim smiled faintly — his first in a long time. Malik turned toward the car and took out their trolley. He helped Inaya out, holding her hand. Azim noticed her baby bump and smiled gratefully, whispering thanks to God.
Malik said softly, “Go inside; Ammie and the others are waiting.” He kissed her forehead, stepped aside, and entered the car.
Inaya slowly walked into Malikat Houda’s palace wing, with Azim behind her carrying the trolley.
Inside the parlor, she found Malikat Inas, Malikat Al’umu, Mama, Tesnim, Nesrine, and Malikat Houda all gathered.
The moment Mama and Nesrine saw her, they rushed over, hugging her tightly and crying.
Inaya laughed lightly. “Hey! Careful — you’ll hurt my baby!”
They stepped back, staring lovingly at her round belly, smiling with tears of joy.
Inaya smiled warmly and rushed toward Malikat Inas, calling out, “Ammie!”
Malikat Inas and Malikat Al’umu stood quickly, saying, “Take it slow, baby!” before hugging her gently and asking about her health and journey.
Then, Inaya noticed Malikat Houda holding a baby. She gasped happily. “La Mamie, you had a baby?”
They all laughed, and Malikat Houda said, “Don’t be silly — it’s Nesrine’s baby.”
Inaya’s eyes widened; she turned toward Nesrine, wh
o stood with tears in her eyes and a soft smile — silently confirming it was true.
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