Page 28 of I Accidentally Married A Sheikh

But it wouldn't be the truth if I did.

"Because whenever she'd start drinking, she no longer thinks we're playing a game. Everything is suddenly real, and she's no longer Mom."

I snap my fingers for emphasis.

"She becomes the Queen of Hearts, and she's screaming all the time."

'Off with your head!'

I find myself mimicking her tone...even as I also find myself flinching because it reminds me of what follows.

SLAP!

She blames me for not painting red roses on the walls.

SLAP!

And for dad abandoning her after finding out she's pregnant with me.

SLAP!

My stomach churns.

SLAP!

And I realize that I'm still not ready to remember those days.

"I'm sorry,habibti."

Zafir reaches for my hands as he speaks, and when our eyes meet—-

How?

I see that he gets it.

How does he know?

Even without me saying a word—-

How does he know that I loved my mom even when she terrified me to death?

"She was a good person," I choke out.

"I know."

"She was just sick."

"I understand."

"I loved her. And I miss her. I never wanted her to die. But..."

God, I'm so sorry.

"It's why..."

Because I really get it now.

"He d-doesn't drink," I say brokenly. "His dad d-died of liver cancer, and it f-freaked him out. So he n-never drinks. He parties hard. But he n-never—-"

---