page20 (1/2)

Not wanting to be a part of that conversation, Steph turned and thanked the driver before sliding into the seat He said so akin to “you’re welcome”

The driver closed the door behind her, and as she drove away, she saw her parents arguing about so the possibility of her not having an arranged e, it was a bit too late for that, as the li city streets

Steph gazed out the ondering what Mehdi was up to at that moment Then she forced herself not to think about him, since it seemed inappropriate to daydream about one man while on the way to marry another There was a small snack bar in the center of the car, but Steph had been far too nervous to eat anything all day She could tell she was hungry, but the thought of food made her want to retch

The limo continued out of the city and onto a road carved between a stretch of long,her purse so she could check the tis at the hotel, as she would be escorted back there after the private cere to tell her the tiness as the limo continued on and on

After the fifth dune, Steph began to feel nervous This didn’t seeht, for solish Hoould she find a way to ask hiht direction? If it were possible, Steph’s sto actual knot after the day’s events She sat wringing her fingers together as they drove on for what seemed like eternity

Suddenly, a building ca close to the , Steph did her best to make it out

It was a palace! She was getting married in a palace? Hoas that possible?

Steph remembered her parents’ description of her future husband They had said he was rich, but this was clearly so else entirely This was royalty While it looked different from what she was used to, Steph knew a palace when she saw one The structure was a clear, nificent white, but the rounded tops were capped with solid gold Even froold was real

Soed to become even , curving drive to the front of the palace, Steph’s eyes were glued to theas she took in everything Finally, they landed on anonchalantly in front of the ornate structure

Steph gasped

There, looking as casual as ever, stood Mehdi He watched her with a hand over his eyes as he stood in the shade, as though he were looking for her Was it possible? Could her life really be that wonderful?