Epilogue
Aisha looked nervous in front of the mirror, wearing a very small swimsuit. After becoming a mother, she no longer considered her body so perfect.
Her twins had already turned one year old and they had celebrated it with two parties, a private one, only with relatives, to celebrate the two babies together, and another larger party where, as was customary, they celebrated separately, one for Fariye and the other. another for Mohameb, the names Aisha had chosen for her children.
The day after the party, they left the kids in the care of the grandmother and nanny. Aisha was grateful that the woman had been received so warmly; she had the same sweetness as Lyna.
The couple was on the same island they had visited during their honeymoon. Ahmed was in the pool when Aisha walked out wearing just her swimsuit. The Arab man observed her, and she looked beautiful. Her body had changed, her breasts were bigger, her hips wider, her waist had returned to being small, her stomach flat, and her legs well-toned due to exercise. The small cesarean scar was hardly noticeable.
“You look beautiful, my love,” Ahmed complimented.
“And you look very handsome, Mr. Assad.”
Ahmed smiled with that crooked smile that she found so sexy. Every day, she fell more in love with him. Ahmed showered her with attention and affection every day.
They entered the pool together, and then he kissed her passionately.
“Hmm, I think we should go back to the room,” he said.
“I’m completely in agreement with that,” she replied.
Ahmed took her hand, and they left the pool to go to their room. He undressed her from the tiny swimsuit, and then she did the same for him. He explored every inch of her body with his mouth.
“You have no idea how much I desire you, you drive me crazy,” he said.
She just smiled, enjoying his words. She liked it when he spoke like that; even in intimate moments, he was attentive and tender. He kissed her so well and made her feel like she was soaring to heaven.
They made love throughout the night. Ahmed was an expert; he knew how to touch her body and was familiar with every part of it. He brought her to peaks of pleasure until they exploded together in a thousand sensations.
In the morning, Ahmed woke up early, prepared breakfast, and brought it to bed. He woke her up with a kiss.
“My Sheikh, you are spoiling me too much. I might get used to this,” she joked.
“My Sheikha, it’s good that you get used to it because I promise it will be like this every day of our existence.”
“I can’t express how grateful I am to life for bringing you into my path.”
“Believe me, I am just as grateful.”
They got along very well, an excellent couple. A week later, they returned home; they didn’t want to be away from their twins for too long.
Caroline was about to marry a cousin of Ahmed’s, and Vinizzio had accepted, but not before making things clear to the young man. He warned him that he would cut off his hands if he ever hurt his daughter.
Campbell and Thara visited them whenever they could. They wanted their son to grow close to the twins. The blonde teased Ahmed by telling him that their son would marry his daughter.
“My daughter will never marry, my friend, mark my words,” Ahmed replied.
“Haha, you’ll have to get used to the idea,” Campbell joked. “Wait until you have a daughter, and then you’ll see, my friend.”
Ahmed divided his responsibilities as a Sheikh and Vice President of the Emirates with spending enough time with Aisha and their children. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but the couple tried their best to create the best environment for their children. They wanted them to see the love between their parents and grow up as excellent, loving individuals.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
The trial of the Amins, Arkham, and Carlo had already taken place. They had been sentenced to death by hanging. The day of the execution arrived, and first, the Amins were hanged, their bodies swaying in the wind. Then it was Arkham’s turn, who showed no remorse for his actions. Lastly, it was Carlo’s turn, as a foreigner, and there was no attempt to save him. Resigned to his fate, he asked, as his last wish, to write a letter to be delivered to the Sheikha.
Aisha received the letter, and Ahmed allowed it to be delivered. After all, it was Carlo’s dying wish. Aisha read it in silence.
“Today is the day of my death, and I hope you fulfill my last wish and read this. I know I didn’t act right with you, and I genuinely wanted to. I met you at that party, standing next to your father. I observed you for a moment before approaching. You looked so beautiful, so perfect. Had an angel descended to earth? That’s what I wondered for a moment. I greeted you both, but you simply ignored me. From that day on, I couldn’t get you out of my mind and heart. You were still underage, and I decided to wait until you were a bit older. I knew your father wouldn’t allow me to get close to you; he knew who I really was. That’s why I made the mistake of allying with Sonia to get rid of your father. I apologize for that and for all the harm I caused you. I am sure that no one, not even Ahmed, will love you as intensely as I did for so many years. I had never prayed before, but I did today when I woke up. Not for my soul, much less for asking forgiveness for my sins. I prayed that in my next life, I may be allowed to be by your side, for you to love me as intensely as I loved you. Goodbye, love of my life, forever yours, Carlo.”
Aisha was stunned after reading those words. Ahmed, who was beside her, hugged her, and she rested her head on his chest. His heartbeat comforted her, knowing that he was also suffering from his brother’s death, even if he didn’t say anything. They would receive Carlo’s body for burial, and Badira Amin had claimed the bodies of her husband and son. Carlo would be buried in a common grave, which was what he had earned with his cruelty. His mother stayed in the United States by her grandson’s side. Vittoria and Zaro were about to get married.
Ibrahim lived with his partner in a civil union, and he was happy, enjoying his freedom in a country where he wasn’t judged and could be himself.
Three years later, Aisha gave birth to a beautiful son. This time, Ahmed could enjoy the entire pregnancy by her side, getting excited at every ultrasound. He compiled the images of his son’s growth in a photo album.
They were very happy and had the family they had always dreamed of. The bad times were behind them. With three beautiful children, they decided not to have any more. Ahmed promised never to take a second wife and intended to keep that promise. He remembered Lyna and her little children with love; they would forever have a place in his heart. He had adapted well to his role as a Sheikh and used it to help people. He would try to change some things little by little, even though he couldn’t do it all at once, given how deeply rooted some customs and ideas were. But he would do his best to bring about change. He had the best woman by his side, and she supported him in everything.
At night, they forgot about everything else and existed only for each other in the intimacy of their room. Aisha was grateful that her husband had an open mind and allowed her to be herself.
Basima adored her grandchildren. The woman had changed completely and learned to love her daughter-in-law, who returned her affection wholeheartedly. Ahmed was happy to see the excellent relationship between them.
Ahmed promised Aisha that they would spend Christmas in the United States every year. He wanted their children to know his culture and learn to love it completely. He agreed to it; after all, he didn’t deny her anything. He was there to please her, and she belonged to him body and soul.
Sitting on a couch, they watched their children run in the garden. The palace was full of life, their children and Caroline and Amira’s children were always together. It was challenging to separate them.
“Did you ever imagine that so much happiness could be possible?” Aisha asked.
“No, but I’m grateful for it. My happiness with you and our children is immense. I never thought I’d fall in love with an Arab, but I love you, Ahmed Khan Assad,” she said.
“I love you more. You appeared in the middle of my darkness to save me. I love you infinitely, and I always will,” he replied.
He kissed her passionately, as always, with that burning passion. She returned the kiss with the same intensity. They didn’t know what the future held, but that didn’t matter now. They lived for the moment.