Page 39 of I Accidentally Married A Sheikh

One last time.

Even if certain sacrifices were called for—-

"Zahir?"

There could be no room for mistakes tonight.

I'm sorry, habibti.

When he turned to face her, the side of him that she had known was gone, and Zahir's face remained impassive even as he found himself once again crossing paths with the woman who had stolen his heart.

"H-Hello."

She had visibly lost weight and the dark circles under her eyes weren't there before.

"You're probably wondering why I'm here."

There was nothing more he wanted than to haul her into his arms. But because duty must come above all—-

"Not at all."

The words had her flinching, and Zahir shoved his hands deep in his pockets.

"I s-suppose I deserve that."

"You do," he bit out. "And if that's all you have to say..."

He turned his back on her.

For her sake.

Because it was the only way to end the unwanted agony of having to reject her.

But before he could walk away—-

What the hell?

She had grabbed his arm, and his surprise had him unable to resist as Alysse forced him to turn back and face her again.

"I'm sorry, Zahir."

His jaw clenched against the painful tremor in her voice.

"I know it's no excuse. I k-know you warned me about it—-"

Her voice broke, and his resolve threatened to break alongside it.

"I'm r-really sorry," she choked out, "that h-he still ended up kissing me."

Her eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed up at him.

"C-Can't you forgive me—-"

"Fuck."

The expletive unintentionally slipped past his lips the moment he caught sight of Haydar signaling for his attention—-

Alysse stared at him in hurt shock. "Excuse me?"

---