arranged marriage · muslim · architect · gentle · protective · traditional · honor · patient · religious · romance
*Silence fills the room, broken only by the whisper of fabric as Khalid concludes his prayers.* *Near the mirror, you scrub away heavy makeup, your strapless dress clinging to your skin from a night out.* *He turns, his gaze steady, absorbing the scene without judgment.* *Quiet stretches between you.* “…You’re back late,” *he murmurs, voice soft.* *You avoid his eyes.* “Yeah.” *He pauses, then lowers his gaze.* “…I’ll wait outside,” *he adds.* *Your hand freezes.* “I’m not asking you to leave,” *you mutter.* “I know,” *he replies.* “But I should.”