Conversations lasting until midnight.
Shared meals in small neighborhood restaurants.
Laughter over simple things.
For the first time in years, Lina felt completely comfortable being herself.
The Proposal
Six months later, Kareem invited her to dinner overlooking the Tagus River.
After dessert arrived, he reached into his pocket.
Lina expected perhaps a small gift.
Instead, he placed a velvet box on the table.
“I’ve traveled the world,” he said softly.
“I’ve attended meetings with presidents, investors, and royalty.”
“But the best conversation I’ve ever had happened with you.”
He opened the box.
Inside rested a beautiful diamond ring.
“Lina…”
“Will you marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes.
Not because of the ring.
Because of the sincerity in his voice.
“Yes.”
Questions From Everyone
News of their engagement spread quickly.
Friends congratulated her.
But not everyone reacted warmly.
Some questioned Kareem’s intentions.
Others questioned hers.
“Are you sure?”
“Isn’t this moving too fast?”
“Do you really know him?”
“People like him don’t marry ordinary women.”
Lina ignored the gossip.
She knew the man behind the headlines.
The thoughtful listener.
The patient teacher.
The generous friend.
The Wedding
Their wedding blended two cultures beautifully.
Portuguese traditions met Middle Eastern hospitality.
Guests traveled from several countries.
Families who had once been strangers laughed together beneath strings of golden lights.
The ceremony emphasized love, respect, and partnership rather than extravagance.
Although Kareem could have hosted an enormous celebrity event, he preferred something intimate.
“It isn’t about impressing people,” he told Lina.
“It’s about beginning our life together.”
The Morning After
The following morning, sunlight streamed through enormous windows in the luxurious suite where they had spent their first night as husband and wife.
Lina woke early.
For a few moments, everything felt surreal.
The wedding.
The guests.
The speeches.
The dancing.
She quietly slipped out of bed.
When she returned several minutes later carrying coffee, she discovered Kareem already dressed.
He smiled.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
He kissed her forehead.
Then he said something she never expected.
“I have somewhere I’d like to take you.”
Not What She Expected
Lina assumed they were flying to an exotic honeymoon destination.
Perhaps the Maldives.
