Page 40 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Everything seemed to go quiet for a moment. Aliyah gazed at Shahid. When he spoke at last, his voice was steady and firm.

"I hereby take you, Aliyah Al Kharif as my wife, to hold and cherish forever, in the full understanding that I will do everything in my power to love you and keep you safe."

Aliyah saw him hesitate, as if he'd suddenly realized just what he was saying. Even though they were mere words, they triggered wild emotions in Aliyah, and it was all she could do to maintain the impassive mask on her features. She saw Shahid glance quickly down, composing himself before continuing.

"I promise to devote myself entirely to ensuring your happiness during all the glorious and wonderful days to come in the future. With these words, I pledge myself to honor and cherish you as my precious wife."

There. He'd said the words. Even though she knew they had no legally binding consequences, even though she understood all of this was just some kind of adult playacting, she couldn't help feeling overwhelmed. She drew in a deep breath and tried to get a hold of herself. Her heart was pounding, and she felt her legs go slightly weak.

Aliyah saw Abdul look at her, his brows rising expectantly. Aliyah looked at Shahid and saw he also was waiting.

She started to speak, hearing her voice crack with emotion."I hereby take you, Shahid Al Mahrez as my beloved husband, to hold and cherish forever, in the full understanding that I will do everything in my power to love you and cherish you."

Aliyah paused, just as Shahid had done. Her voice had been a complete giveaway, she thought. Now everyone would know the truth of how she really felt, she told herself.

Her pulse was racing and her heart was thudding frantically. How had she gotten herself into this situation? Where was she going to find the strength to say the next part, completing her pretend vows. She glanced once again toward Azim and Lucy. They looked so pleased, so captivated by the spectacle on the podium that it shocked Aliyah back to a realization of the real reason she was doing this. It was all for them, she told herself. That simple thought gave her a surge of strength, and she fixed her attention back on Shahid.

"I promise to devote myself entirely to ensuring your happiness during all the glorious and wonderful days to come in the future. With these words, I pledge myself to honor and cherish you as my honored husband."

There was a long silence as she looked at Shahid desperate to see his reaction. All he did was smile at her. That was all. But it was such a warm, genuine smile, exactly what she'd hoped for. In spite of her nerves, she was pleased to see that smile. Shahid looked so calm, so incredibly delighted.

Aliyah glanced at Abdul and saw him nod approvingly. He would say nothing else, leaving the final declaration to the real ceremony tomorrow.

Her attention was dragged back to the moment by the sound of hands clapping. Aliyah saw that Nadyah was applauding quietly, as were Azim and Lucy who were making their way down the red carpet toward the podium.

Azim and Lucy hugged Aliyah and shook hands with Shahid, thanking them both for doing this on their behalf. Aliyah caught Nadyah peering at her, and she was sure her friend was examining Aliyah for any reaction to what had just taken place. However, Aliyah tightened her features, determined not to give any more ammunition to Nadyah.

Aliyah realized that normally, after the words had been spoken, bride and groom would exchange a kiss. That wasn't going to happen today, she realized, a sinking sensation growing in her middle. Of course it wasn't going to happen. Then everyone would know the truth, wouldn't they? And that couldn't be allowed to happen. Could it? Even if she knew it and Shahid knew it. Even if people had already guessed, nothing good would come from encouraging more speculation. For now, Aliyah just needed to be satisfied that she'd done the right thing for others.

Once again.

But what about herself, a treacherous voice murmured at the back of her mind. What about her own happiness? Was this the closest she would ever get to claiming her own joy?

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