Esther's POV
I feel a hand shaking me in my sleep, and I don't like it.
— Mom, stop… let me sleep, I mumble, pulling my blanket closer and settling into a better position.
— Hmm… you and sleep, that's a whole other love story.
I open my eyes instantly when I hear that voice.
No.
It can't be her… can it?
I sit up abruptly on my bed.
No—
It is her.
I rub my eyes, just to be sure I'm not dreaming.
And yes. I'm not dreaming.
— Leila… I whisper softly.
She looks at me with a big smile and says:
— Why are you staring at me like that? You look like you've seen a ghost.
I don't even wait a second—I jump on her, and we both fall onto the bed.
— Damn it, Esther! Do you think you're a feather or what?!
— I'm just so happy to see you.
And then, without even understanding why, I suddenly burst into tears in her arms.
— Wow… looks like I really missed you that much.
I don't answer. I just keep crying.
— Hey, Esther… why are you crying? What's wrong?
We sit up, and she settles in front of me.
— Why are you crying?
I wipe my tears.
— You just… really missed me. And since when are you here? What time is it? How did you even get into my room? And why did you come at night and—
— Are you going to let me talk, yes?
— Sorry… go ahead. I won't interrupt again.
— I arrived this morning.
— This morning? What time and—
I look at the clock. It's 10:30 a.m.
— Damn… I really slept that long.
She nods and continues:
— Like I was saying, I arrived this morning. Your parents and Mina welcomed me. We talked a bit, then I came up to see you. Since you were still sleeping, I left you alone and made myself at home. And then my aunt came and told me to wake you up, which I just did.
— And if you talked with them… what did they tell you about what's going on here?
She nods and says calmly:
— I want you to tell me what's going on. I want to hear it from you.
I sigh deeply, then I explain everything from the beginning.
The meeting.
Tony. The tension between him and me.
My parents' announcement.
The marriage.
Malik.
His mission.
His betrayal.
Everything else…
When I finish, she looks furious.
— What a son of a b***h. Finish the sentence yourself. What a dog, that Malik.
— Leila!
— No, let me speak, or you'll deal with me.
I say nothing and stay quiet.
She stands up and starts pacing, laughing nervously.
— Malik is a son of a dog, a coward, a f***ing coward. He deserves worse than prison—
She stops and looks at me.
— You're going to file a complaint, right?
I look at her without answering. She sits back down in front of me.
— Tell me you're going to report that piece of trash named Malik.
— No… I don't think so.
— F***, Esther, you're way too nice. Just say yes, and I promise you he'll spend the rest of his miserable life behind bars.
I gently take her hand and squeeze it.
— I don't need to file a complaint, you know. There's such a thing as divine justice, and I believe in it. And his father is just as rich as mine—he wouldn't hesitate to get him out. So I'd rather forget him and move on.
She looks at me for a long moment, then softly strokes my hand.
— You're really too kind and innocent for this world. But if you change your mind, tell me. And believe me, I'll take great pleasure in handling his case myself.
I just smile in response.
— That idiot better never cross my path again, because I swear I'll make him regret it. You can believe me.
— Stop it. He's not worth it.
— And what about that grumpy gentleman? Want me to take care of him?
I burst out laughing. Honestly, this girl is crazy.
— Are you serious? I ask between laughs.
— Completely serious. And what's his name again?
— Tony Arrison.
— Tony Arrison, she repeats. That name sounds familiar. Can you describe him?
— No. I don't want to. And I'm really hungry.
She smiles immediately.
— Ohhh, madam is avoiding the subject. He affects you.
— No. Why would you say that?
— Because when you said his name, I saw a spark in your eyes.
— That's nonsense. Where do you come up with absurdities like that?
She gives me a mischievous smile.
— So… you're not in love, are you?
— What? No! What kind of nonsense is that, Leila?!
— What? I just asked a question. No need to get mad.
— Listen. This marriage is just a contract for me. A shield for my parents. I will never fall in love with that man.
— You sure?
— Yes. Absolutely sure.
— Then why are you wearing that ring if you can take it off?
I look at my finger. I had completely forgotten about the ring.
— I totally forgot about it. I tried to take it off, but it wouldn't come off.
— Really?
I nod.
She reaches for my hand, slides the ring off effortlessly, and places it in my palm.
This has to be a joke.
— You have to believe me—I really tried to take it off, but I couldn't.
— Hmm… I didn't make much effort.
I don't answer. I just stay silent, staring at the ring in confusion.
— Esther.
I lift my head to look at her.
— Do you hate him?
I don't know how to answer.
He asked me that same question.
And honestly… I don't know.
Part of me thinks he should have refused this alliance, so my parents wouldn't have thought of marrying me to him.
Another part of me thinks it might also be my fault—I should have refused this marriage. But I accepted it not because I was forced… but because I trust my parents.
— Yes… I think so.
Even though it sounds false to my own ears.
— You think so? she repeats with a smile.
— You know what? You're exhausting me. I'm going to take a shower.
I get up and head toward the bathroom.
— Yeah, run away! But know this—you can't run from your feelings!
She shouts as I reach the bathroom.
Honestly…
This girl never stops talking.