Page 37 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Aliyah felt panic grip her. "I'm sorry, Nadyah. I can't do it."

Nadyah frowned. "Not even for Azim and Lucy?" she asked.

Aliyah groaned. "How can you even ask me to do such a thing?"

"It's no big deal, Aliyah," Nadyah said.

"No big deal? Really? That's how you see it?" Aliyah said sharply, already starting to regret the fact that her composure was starting to crumble.

Nadyah sighed and gently took Aliyah's arm. "I understand what you're saying. Maybe I made a mistake thinking this was a good idea."

Aliyah looked at Nadyah. "Isn't there anyone else who can do it?"

Nadyah shook her head.

Aliyah squinted at Nadyah. "Are you being straight with me? There really is no-one else who can do it?"

Nadyah shook her head. Why was there a mischievous glint in Nadyah's eyes? Of course, there were others who could do this. Nadyah was only trying to help Aliyah and Shahid along. She was merely doing what any good friend would have done to help bring two people together.

Wasn't this exactly what Aliyah herself would do? Wasn't this exactly the kind of thing Aliyah would have delighted in doing if it had meant ultimately making people happy? Hadn't that what her own life had been about these past years?

So, what was so different about Nadyah doing the same for Aliyah? Would it be so hard, after all, to hear Shahid say marriage vows, even if they weren't real?

A sudden thought came to Aliyah. "What do I wear?" she barked.

Nadyah gazed down the length of Aliyah's body. Aliyah was wearing a loose fitting cotton dress and flat shoes. "I don't think you need anything special."

"If you'd told me, I would have brought something nicer to wear," Aliyah said, concern filling her voice.

Nadyah quirked a brow at Aliyah. "If I'd told you about this you probably wouldn't have come," she stated.

Aliyah shrugged. "You might be right," she admitted. She smiled and then sighed. "Okay. I'll do it. I'm happy to do this for Azim and Lucy."

"Great," Nadyah said and smiled.

Aliyah gazed toward the open doors. "I saw Shahid's car outside. So, he's here?"

Nadyah nodded. "He's upstairs with Azim. Getting ready I hope," she said.

"What if he says he doesn't want to do it?" Aliyah asked.

Nadyah frowned. "Really? You think there's any chance that Shahid is going to turn down a chance to do this?" Nadyah asked disbelievingly.

Aliyah cocked her head to one side. "I guess you're right."

Nadyah moved closer, and Aliyah could sense that her friend was about to press for more details.

"How have things been with you two this week?" Nadyah asked.

Aliyah shrugged. "Fine," she said curtly.

"Just fine?" Nadyah asked lifting a brow.

Aliyah nodded. "We haven't seen much of each other. But, I'm sure you already know that," she said giving Nadyah a penetrating look.

Nadyah shrugged. "Why would I know that?" she asked defensively.

"Oh, you know. Keeping an eye out for any opportunities to bring Shahid and me together. Like today," Aliyah said.

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