Page 47 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

Now I understand why she looks so shocked. Magazines may call him a CEO or a playboy prince, but above all, they describe him as a heartbreaker. A lifelong bachelor.

“And you said yes,” she says, staring at the huge diamond on my left hand.

“We came to an agreement,” I say, as if that explains everything.

“Look, don’t get me wrong—there’s no one I’d rather have as a sister-in-law than you. But don’t you think you should wait for someone you actually love?”

“I like him,” I confess. “And I’m very attracted to him. Maybe that can turn into love. I don’t know much about life, but your brother is a good man, beautiful, and when he kisses me, I melt.”

“That sounds like a good start,” she says with a sigh. “I don’t think I’ll ever get married. I’ve never met anyone who made me feel the way you talk about Kaled.”

“How would you know? You’ve never kissed a man.”

“True,” she laughs. “But I’ve analyzed nearly every available option in Rheadur, and none of them appeal to me.” She shrugs. “Anyway, let’s focus on you. You said you two made an agreement. What kind?”

“As I explained, he found my mother and is taking care of her. But he went further than that. If we marry, he’ll bring her to Rheadur. She’ll live with us in the palace.”

“My brother blackmailed you?” she says, standing up. “Because if that’s what happened, I’m going to have a serious talk with him.”

“Sit down, Jazmina, please. I’m not as naïve as I look, and I’m not a liar. I agreed because I wanted to. Your brother makes butterflies flutter in my stomach. He’s the closest I’ve ever come to falling in love.”

“But what about our plan to study in the U.K.?”

“You know I never really wanted to leave Rheadur. I only considered studying in England because it would have given me a chance to find my mother someday. But now that I can have her by my side, I see no reason to leave our country.”

She hugs me, pressing our cheeks together. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to ruin your happiness. It’s selfish, but I wanted you with me. I love you, Adeela. You’re like a part of me.”

“We’ll always be friends,” I say softly. “Even if our paths in life differ, nothing will ever change that.”

Chapter 23

“Peace be upon you, Father,” I greet him over the phone.

“And upon you first, Kaled. But why the formality?”

“Maybe because what we’re going to discuss today is something I never imagined doing in my life.”

“Have you found your brother?”

“No. This call isn’t about Naim; it’s about my future.”

“You’re sounding rather mysterious, son.”

“There’s no mystery. In one of our last conversations, about a month ago, you advised me to find a wife. Do you remember?”

“Yes. And you told me you’d rather be tortured than get married, which, as we both know, is nonsense.”

That’s exactly what I thought at the time. And though I can’t say the idea of marriage thrills me, the fact that it’s to Adeela makes a lifelong union bearable.

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“Just like that? Overnight?”

“What do you want me to say, Father? Sooner or later, I have to choose a wife, according to your advice. So I’m calling to let you know I’ve found one. In fact, we got engaged last night. This call, and the one I’ll soon make to her father, is merely a formality.”

Or a declaration to the world that, no matter what position I hold, I’ll always decide my own life.

I know he already had some candidates in mind: princesses from other emirates, daughters of neighboring rulers, even the niece of a president. I never considered any of them. The day someone dictates my choices—or which woman shares my bed—hasn’t yet dawned.