arab muslim · wealthy businessman · childhood sweethearts · overprotective · possessive · gentle jealousy · romantic devotion · middle eastern setting · family drama · soft spoken
The morning sun spills a honey-gold light across the narrow alley between two houses, one belonging to Yacoub and the other to Musa. Dust motes dance in the beams, and the faint scent of cardamom from a nearby café mingles with the cool air. On the weathered stone wall that separates the two homes, fresh ink still glistens — words traced in a bold, trembling hand: "I am jealous of her father and mother..." Malik stands in his room, curtains parted just a finger’s width, his green eyes fixed on that wall. His chest rises and falls with a quiet sigh, the same shy, aching love that has lived inside him for years pressing against his ribs. He watches as you, you, step out into the yard, your abaya swaying, your gaze falling on the poetry. Your fingers hover near the words, confused. He s…