Amir
He knew she would come. And she came willingly. Eyes swollen, hung shoulders, voice quiet.
He watched her without emotion. This wasn't about feelings, this was a transaction.
They made a deal. She signed the contract, he fulfilled his promise. End of story.
She handed him the contract and sat down on one of the lounge chairs. He took the envelope and glanced through the contents to ensure she'd signed properly.
" You won't be coming with me today. Our marriage has to be registered properly before you move in with me. Be ready tomorrow by 9am. Don't bring any of your things, we'll get new ones for you. Dress formally". He barked the instructions without a hint of warmth.
"Do you have anything to say?" He asked her.
She shook her head feebly in objection.
"Make sure all your affairs are in order before tomorrow morning. You'll receive your two million dirhams after the civil registry" He added, his cold gaze sweeping over her.
Again, she only nodded.
Without another word, he turned and left the building, heading to his car.
He needed this marriage if he wanted his father's trust and to inherit the Al-fayad empire.
And most importantly , he needed to boot out his twin brother, Ahmad and own the Al-fayad empire. After all their father was terminally ill and could pass away anytime soon.
Thinking about Ahmad made his blood curl. His father always favoured Ahmad. Business-minded, family- oriented and soft spoken Ahmad. From birth, he had been the golden child.
But soon, all that will change.
The Al-Fayad empire wasn't the only thing he wanted for himself. Crystal was his key to unlocking his secret fortune, a hidden legacy.
Soon, very soon, he would wield a lot of power. But for now, he needed to play his cards carefully.
He pulled out his phone.
"Make sure the guest room is ready and tasteful. Clear the closets too. We're expecting someone important". He said to his housekeeper.
He wasn't going home tonight. Clara was waiting for him at his hotel. He needed to blow off steam before the next day.
Crystal
She was shaken the moment Amir left. She had thought she'd follow him home that night but fate had other plans.
As she stepped out of the lounge, Garcia caught her attention.
"Girl, aren't you dancing tonight? And what's up with that VIP that keeps coming back. He looks really scary".
"I'm not dancing tonight" She said sadness lacing her voice. "And today is also my last day of work. I'll not be coming in tomorrow". She was really going to miss the stage and her crowd.
Garcia's face dropped. "What? Why? Why are you quitting? You're our best here". He looked like he could cry.
"Well, I've got a better job" She lied smoothly. "And I really need to focus on school. I'm graduating next year and I can't lose my scholarship."
Garcia walked around the counter and hugged her tightly. "I'm going to miss you so much, Crystal."
"Thanks, Garcia." She kissed his cheek, smiled, and left the lounge.
She found Laila waiting for her by the restaurant.
"What happened? What did he say?" Laila asked her , worried.
"He's coming to pick me up at 9 a.m. tomorrow. We'll register the marriage and he'll transfer the money after." Crystal's voice was flat.
"And Laila, can I sleep over at yours tonight?? I'm really going to miss you and I want to spend my last free moments with you". Crystal pleaded with tears in her eyes.
"Of course you know you can. You're my sister" Laila had tears in her eyes as well.
"Gimme a minute, let me hand my resignation to the manager". Crystal said laughing as she wiped the tears.
On her way to the manager's office, she spotted him descending from the lounge.
"Can I speak with you for a moment?" She asked.
"Is everything okay? You look worried,"the manager asked her.
"I'm fine. I just came to hand you this," she replied, holding out her resignation letter. "Today's my last day. Thank you for everything, sir."
She quickly walked away before the tears would come.
"Let's go" she whispered to Laila as they exited the hospital hand in hand.
That night, after devouring the chicken wings Laila ordered, they lay on the bed reminiscing.
"Did you ask him if you would still be allowed to attend classes?" Laila asked suddenly.
"I forgot, I'll ask him tomorrow," Crystal replied with a yawn.
"You need to sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day" Laila told her.
"Goodnight". Crystal murmured.
Laila rolled over and slept, but Crystal stayed up, whispering a prayer for strength to endure whatever lay ahead.
The next morning by 8:30 a.m., as they approached the restaurant, two black SUVs with tinted windows were already parked outside.
"Amir is here" Crystal mumbled. He was early.
The staff had somber expressions, especially Mr Morgan, the manager who rarely ever showed any emotion.
"That's enough sulking. Everybody, back to work" Mr Morgan barked, shifting back into character.
The room scattered. Even Laila stepped aside, leaving Crystal standing alone with her small bag clutched in her hands.
"Crystal, can I see you in my office please?" Mr Morgan called.
She followed behind him to his office. Immediately Mr Morgan flung the doors open, she saw him seated in the office. Her nightmare, Amir Al-fayad.
Amir
He looked at his watch. 8:30. She was late.
He gave her a time of 9am but he arrived an hour earlier. He had earlier asked his assistant to clear his schedule for the day. He needed to groom his new wife according to his tastes and bring her to submission.
Seemed he wouldn't do much because she was already terrified of him and trembled at the sound of his voice.He smiled wickedly, his plan was coming together, bit by bit.
The doors to the office flung open and she entered the room looking anxious but breathtaking.
Dirty thoughts filled his head but he pushed them away. They could wait for now.
"You're late," He said coolly.
"You said 9am and it's fifteen minutes to nine" She said softly, her eyes downcast.
She was very pretty and had a soft jawline. Her lips looked like they were built for kissing. He smirked evilly.
"Young lady," he said, voice firm, "when I give you a time, you show up an hour earlier. The contract states that. I don't wait, you do. Do you understand?"
She nodded quietly .
He stood and walked past Mr. Morgan without acknowledgment, annoyed by the man's desperate eyes.
The miscreant was obviously trying to source favors for his dying establishment. A dying establishment has no business with him.
Crystal followed him silently to the SUV.
The drive to the court was tense. He preferred it that way. He glance at her and She was still looking down at her feet.
This one was going to be an enjoyable one. She was obedient and terrified of him.
When they arrived, he didn't wait—he walked straight into the courthouse.
Thirty minutes later, he was admiring their marriage certificate in the car as his driver took them back to his house.
This marriage was his ultimate key to inheriting the Al-fayad empire and Lin group. It was just a matter of time.
Crystal
The car pulled up in front of the most glamorous mansion she'd ever seen. Amir stepped out briskly, and she rushed after him.
She followed him through the entrance into the Grand foyer which was lined with servants.
" Welcome ma'am, welcome sir", they chanted. All this was very new to her and she felt overwhelmed.
Amir stopped in front of her and turned. He gestured at a young girl and she hurried to his side.
"This is Amelia, your personal maid. She'll handle your needs. You won't see me around much since this marriage is only on paper," he said, emotionless. "Amelia will take you to your room now".
Then he turned and left.
Crystal looked around, overwhelmed.
She suddenly remembered the two million dirhams. And she hadn't even asked him about her diploma.
She sighed and looked at her feet. Tears were already gathering at her eyes, threatening to fall.
"Not now" she muttered. She had to be strong.
Her phone buzzed. A message alert.
2,000,000 dirhams credited.
She smiled for the first time that day.
"Ma'am, let me show you to your room," Amelia said gently.
Crystal looked up from her phone, still smiling faintly.
This… was her life now.