was made to sit next to him at the long dining table. His father appeared moments later and greeted me.
On my right was him, and on my left was Arwa. Joyah was seated right across from me, beside Mother.
The aunties whom I had silenced earlier were sitting across the table as well. From the corner of my eye, I could see them whispering to each other about me. I couldn't be bothered by that now.
I had so much more on my plate.
Quite literally.
His mother piled my plate so high that I couldn't even refuse. Her reasoning was simple.
"A new wife must eat well."
"Haha..."
Suddenly-
A whisper came to my ears.
"You don't have to finish it all."
A chill ran through my body, and my ears immediately grew warm.
Apparently, he had leaned in closer just to whisper those words. For that brief moment, I could feel his warm breath against my ear.
I glanced at him.
His attention remained fixed on his food as though nothing had happened.
I quietly touched my ear and rubbed it gently before returning my attention to the meal.
That was... very unexpected.
I almost felt as though my heart had leapt out of my chest.
The noisy whispers began to get on my nerves.
"How dare she talk to us like that."
"What a rude girl."
"Her mother failed to teach her manners."
Unaware to everyone else, I gritted my teeth.
Relax, Ariya. Don't let your temper get the better of you.
"Say, new wife."
One of the aunties spoke, drawing everyone's attention to me.
"Are you working?"
"No, I'm currently doing my master's."
I forced out a smile.
"A master's, huh? What's the use, dear? You just need to focus on being a wife."
The dining table fell silent, and I clenched my fists so tightly they almost hurt.
Hold it in. Hold it in.
"Exactly, you should sto-"
"If I hadn't been promised my studies, I would've never married. And my studies are meant for me, not my husband... or for you."
She shut her mouth and blinked rapidly while clearing her throat to avert attention.
A strange feeling swept through the dining hall.
I could sense his stare on me. I wanted to know what expression he was making now, but it was impossible to lift my gaze.
And then-
Out of the blue...
Arwa burst into loud laughter.
"Well said, Ariya! I wouldn't have married into this family if I hadn't been promised that either."
My eyes shifted to Arwa, and an immediate sense of respect blossomed within me.
"Exactly. We know how to treat our daughters."
His mother added proudly.
My eyebrows twitched, and I wordlessly reached for Arwa's hand before whispering to her,
"Thank you."
She smiled affectionately and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before whispering back,
"Don't worry. We're in the same boat."
Yeah...
She was like an ally.
We had both married into this family. Neither of us had belonged to it from the very beginning.
We each had a home of our own that we had left behind to come here.
Although they were our family now, it could never be quite the same.
And finally, I was able to see what he was up to.
His hands stopped midway through eating, and he met my eyes.
He leaned closer once more, while still keeping a noticeable distance between us.
"Sorry..."
Huh?
Why was he apologising?
I quickly lowered my gaze back to my food and began eating. My head felt heavy.
What made him apologise?
He had done nothing wrong, so why was he sorry?
It wasn't a favourable feeling. I didn't want his apology.
We were already two worlds apart, and now this apology made us feel even farther away.
I didn't want him to carry the burden of his aunties' mistakes, nor did I want him to feel responsible for them.
I gulped hard.
I needed to clear the air.
But before I could turn my head, he stood up.
"Oh! You're done already?"
His mother asked in surprise.
He nodded politely and walked towards the kitchen.
My mouth was left slightly open, and I could only watch him walk away.
I had completely missed my chance.
The regret weighed heavily on me, leaving an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
"Ariya?"
Joyah waved her hand in front of my face, noticing that I had zoned out.
"You good?"
"Oh... yeah. Just tired."
"Hmmm."
She pondered deeply, and I chuckled awkwardly as my face began to grow warmer.
"You should call it a night."
"Eh?"
"HAIDER! Take your wife back!"
"Joyah! Not so loud-"
He hurriedly entered and met my eyes. He looked confused, while I wanted to bury myself from embarrassment.
Gosh, Joyah!
"What is going on?"
Good, it's Arwa.
Arwa read the room, and being the perceptive woman she was, she grinned happily.
"Come on, Haider. Take her back. She isn't feeling well."
No! Not Arwa, please.
The room tensed as I struggled to even open my mouth. I could only examine his face and hope that he would say something on my behalf.
He gulped once, and his expression softened before he turned his back to me.
"Come."
"???"
"Say it properly, brother!"
"No! It's okay... I'm coming."
My heart was beating uncontrollably. It was almost difficult to breathe.