page45 (1/2)

Watching Malik, she wondered again about the consequences of their actions She loved him, and he’d told her he felt the same She should have been over the moon, but their farcical behavior only made her worry ould happen when his parents inevitably found out the truth How long would it be before Zafina told them?

Furtheret to somebody who’d put on such an explosive lie? No s for him, she knew it could never be

Her eyes ide and she squeezed his hand, gritting her teeth with nerves

“We are gathered here today to unite Sheikh Malik bin Malehdi and his bride, Amie Shaw This couple is to be united in love, under God and the watchful eyes of their friends and family”

The man turned to Amie and her stomach flipped “Amie, please repeat after me”

She listened to his words carefully and took a steadying breath Don’t fall over on stage, don’t humiliate yourself… Remember, your, lines!

“I, Ae in accordance with the Holy word I pledge in honesty and with sincerity, to be a faithful wife to you, giving you allas I live”

“Perfect!” the officiant shouted with a laugh and the guests began clapping

Amie could see Sadira from the corner of her eye; the older woman had erupted into tears and a smile of joy was strewn across her face She could see that Malik atching her; his face suddenly serious as the officiant addressed him

“Now, Malik Please do our guests the honor of repeating your vows to your beautiful bride”

Malik watched the audience, both of his hands clasped around hers, before catching her eye “I pledge, in honesty and sincerity—”

He stopped

He stared at the floor and pressed his eyes shut; flicking the up at Amie once more “To be for you a faithful and helpful—”