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“Neverthe subject “I cae isn’t really what I wanted, and I tried to be strong until the end, but…” She hesitated, not wanting to give Mehdi away “I just couldn’t do it”

Sadiq was quiet for a moment as he stared at her with a curious expression Then, without warning, he burst into laughter Steph watched him in bewilderment as he worked to contain his mirth

After a etic “I’m sorry, Steph I kno this et married either”

Steph blinked “I’m sorry?”

Sadiq’s eyes sparkled with ht have just made a new friend after all

“There is a revolution going on in this country, Steph”

At her surprised expression, he held up his hands

“Not like that A cultural revolution As the world gets smaller, s We like the way the world is different outside here We don’t think there’s anything wrong with adopting soe for love is one of them”

“You want to marry for love?” Steph asked

“I do,” Sadiq agreed “In fact, there is a woman I have very much been in love with for quite some time”

“Then why did you agree to this?” Steph said

“You know exactly why My parents wanted a girl they could approve of, and you fit the bill better than she did Her parents have another man in mind for her, anyway”

“What are you going to do? Run away together?”

Sadiq stared out into space for athat option “No I don’t think we’ll run away Now that I’ve been left at the altar irls will be brave enough to accept an offer from my parents”

Steph glanced down, feeling deep embarrassment for the harm she had caused

“Oh, no You shouldn’t feel bad! You’ve given ift of all, Steph Now there will only be one wo to accept me—the exact woman I want”