Eternal Temptation

❥ 02| choices

DINNER ENDED UP BEING a mix of traditional food, which I wasn't expecting. Persian Koufteh ghelgheli (basically just lamb meatballs with carrots and potatoes), Chelo kabab koobideh, Turkish Bulgur pilaf, Manti and then Künefe for desert. It was an odd combination but it was all absolutely delicious and it was obvious that the extreme amount of food was solely made and ordered for the Haidars.

But I didn't blame my parents. After all, they were trying to impress the owners of one of the most popular restaurants in the Middle East — Tales of Persia. I hadn't been there myself but I'd heard so many good things and about how delicious the cuisine is. Their family was honestly goals. Hard-working, respected, well-achieving, powerful, rich, and I was willing to bet every single pence in my name that every single Haidar was incredibly gorgeous.

I'd only seen two out of who-knows-how-many-there-are-in-total, but Reza and Nafasat Haidar were the definition of a power couple. I wouldn't go as far as calling Reza gorgeous — because let's face it, he's older than my dad — but I had to admit the man had charisma. He hadn't said a single word to me, but every single syllable that left his mouth put his audience in a trance and he was quiet, but it was obvious that he listened. He made people feel important and I could feel the power emanating off him which only added to his character.

Nafasat Haidar, on the other hand, was just stunning, for the lack of a better word. There was an ever-present soft smile on her face, and her warm brown eyes twinkled whenever she laughed. Her hair was covered with a black, silk headscarf but it only made her all the more beautiful and showed her modesty and elegance. She was all soft compared to Reza's hard demeanour but they balanced each other out, completely in sync with the other. I envied their bond, as it was the type of one I'd wanted all my life with my future-partner but I'd only ever imagined Logan filling that role. That dream, however, was slowly becoming less and less likely each day.

I didn't know much about them, but I already knew that I wanted a relationship like theirs. I watched Reza smile softly at his wife when she laughed at whatever he said, and my heart squeezed at the way he looked at her. It was obvious that he'd do anything for her — the whole world could light on fire and she would be the only thing that mattered.

While I was so busy staring at the couple, I didn't notice my mother trying to get my attention and only broke out of my thoughts when she kicked me under the table. I looked at her questioningly but she only cleared her throat to get everyone else's attention.

"So, we wanted to talk to you about something important, Faithe." She nodded at my dad and I watched them silently communicate about whatever the news was. But before Dad could say anything, Reza spoke to me for the first time today.

"Faithe, so as you know, our families have been friends for years now. But now, we wondered, why not also become family; after what happened with ALK Fuels, we're sure that both of our businesses could benefit from a family link." He waited for a reaction and I just nodded hesitantly, not understanding what this family link was supposed to be. "I'll just say this frankly, but marriage is the only way we can all become family."