Stay With Me

Chapter 3: The Family Dinner

Chapter 3: The Family Dinner

The car ride was silent.

Ayesha sat next to Zayan in the backseat, wearing the white dress he told her to wear. It cost more than her monthly rent. She felt like a doll.

"Remember," Zayan said without looking at her. "Smile. Hold my hand. Call me Zayan, not Mr. Khan. And don’t talk too much."

"Yes, boss."

He finally looked at her. "Don’t call me boss either."

The Khan mansion was even bigger than his. 50 people were already there. All rich. All judging.

An older woman in diamonds walked up. Zayan’s mother.

"So this is her," she said, looking Ayesha up and down. "The girl you married in 1 week. Without telling us."

Ayesha felt her knees shake.

Zayan put his arm around her waist instantly. "Mom. This is Ayesha. My wife."

His touch was warm. Fake. But it made her feel safe.

Dinner was hell. Questions about her family, her job, her education.

"She’s a teacher," Zayan answered for her. "And she’s perfect for me."

Perfect. The word burned.

On the way back, Ayesha was quiet.

"Did I do okay?" she whispered.

Zayan stared out the window. "You survived."

A pause. "Thank you... for today."

It was the first time he said thank you.

And the first time Ayesha wondered if the cold CEO had a heart.