- Yasir's POV -

I watch her as she signs off on the nikkah papers and sets our relationship in stone.

Of course, I could've chosen anyone. Any woman would've been ready to marry, whether it be real or not.

I've had Noor on my mind for quite some time. I'm not sure why, but my mind was adamant on choosing her.

Maybe because I know I'd be able to control her better than any other woman. Why? Because I know she would never want to let her parents down. She gave off feeling that her parents are the few people she would do anything for.

I was going to give her a offer, stability for her and her family the rest of her life exchange for a short nikkah.

When she came to me with her nikkah invitation, it didn't sit right with me. I almost felt... angry, maybe even upset. I didn't want to see her get married because my plan had fell apart.

Until, her future husband failed to show up. What can I say? Of course it's tragic but this opened up the perfect opportunity for me. The opportunity was almost handed to me on a silver platter because it was such a smooth transition. I couldn't say no.

I think about how her ex-future-husband should have taken her into consideration, though. Telling her earlier than their actual engagement day would have been a smarter decision. But again, this opportunity was literally handed to me because of him.

I knew Noor wouldn't be able to refuse because of her situation. For a moment, she did hesitate but I know she thought about the whole mentality of 'what would people say?'

Now... the reason for marrying her. Simple: Nadira has been trying to make me envious recently so I thought I'd play a little game too.

Plus, my parents were becoming restless about finding someone. Now, they'll keep their mouths shut about it. My father and mother look like they already adore her, which is even better.

This is temporary, though. It should be a year, maximum, before Nadira leaves Shahid. Of course, Noor would be compensated for her time accordingly. She'll never have to complain about money ever again, even after we're separated. I would happily pay for her future wedding events, when she chooses another suitor.

It all may sound harsh, but to be honest, something tells me that Noor already figured it out or has an idea that this is temporary.

Our relationship is nothing more than a business contract between a man and woman. There will be nothing between us except for just that.

• • •

- Noor's POV -

"Mrs. Yasir Khan, huh?" Ayesha smirks. "When I said bag a rich man, you found the richest in the country and didn't let me down."

Farrah snorts. "Oh my God. You really didn't let anyone down with that."

"Guys!" I pout.

Everyone's mood has elevated but I'm still at an all time low. It's weird, you know?

My crush has a major crush on my best friend so I gave up on that dream.

Then, I found [or rather my parents found me] someone else I can move on with. I was literally left at the alter by that man who, I thought, genuinely liked me, so I gave up on that dream.

And now I'm married to my boss, who married me at the same alter I was ditched at. Plus, he isn't just anyone, he's one of the wealthiest in the country and maybe even globally. Not only that, he also turns out to be the same guy I went to high school with.

I think my brain needs a week's worth of rest before I could even form one word.

Farrah and Ayesha are trying to lighten up the mood by making jokes. It does work to help with my mood, but deep down inside, I'm still sort of... sad?

I look at my parents with Yasir's parents, and they're getting along just as well as they were 20 minutes ago. I feel like they're getting along even more now.

I smile as I look at them laugh and joke together. I'm glad I was able to make them happy at the end.

"Hey, Noor, are you listening?" My sister nudges me.

"Huh? Did you say something, Ayesha?" I say.

"Your husband's calling you." She grins.

I stare at her for a couple of seconds because I forgot I just got married and then I forgot who I married.

"Yasir's calling you over to him." Farrah clarifies.

"Oh." I look up at Yasir, who's standing across the room with Lateef.

Lateef is motioning for me to walk over to them. I nod and quickly stand up to walk towards them.

"What's up?" I ask, a little too casually. I'm just really used to talking to Lateef a bit more freely so whenever he's here, casual speech just pops out of my mouth.

"We had to let a few shareholders know that Yasir is now engaged." Lateef continues to tell me that the shareholders thought it would be bring good press if we hold a engagement party for the business partners next week. Yasir's playboy image can finally be put to rest. "What do you think?"

"Do whatever you guys like. I'll show up and play the part." I'm extremely exhausted and don't have the energy to ask questions or argue.

"Are you okay?" Lateef asks.

I give him a small smile. "I'm okay. Just tired."

"Don't worry about the outfit or anything for that day. I'll have someone take care of it." Yasir says.

Of course, he will. He doesn't want me showing up. looking like a clown.

"Who'll take care of it?" Lateef asks, knowing exactly what Yasir's answer would be.

"My assist—" Yasir stops, realizing the issue.

I accidentally start laughing. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it. Don't forget to pay me extra."

"Lateef!" Yasir's father calls out. "Son, could you show uncle that picture from our trip last month?"

"I'll be right back." Lateef winks.

"Turns out I couldn't find someone suitable for you to attend public events with so I had to sacrifice myself, huh? I say, jokingly.

I bring back what he said to be the first night he took me out. That night's memory is permanently burned into my mind.

Usually, when I'm in a very awkward situation, I try to act funny but I'm not actually funny. Humour is literally how I cope.

"If you did, we wouldn't be here, would we?" Yasir doesn't look at me. "But I'd say it worked out."

"I guess it did..." I sigh. "Will you be okay being photographed with me in public?"

"Why wouldn't I—" He stares at me to realize that he said that to be that night too. "I don't have a choice anymore, do I?"

"No, no you don't."

There's silence again, I wouldn't say this one's awkward. It's more like... how do I explain it? It's just the silence and the calm before a storm.

Suddenly, Yasir grabs my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine.

"Listen, we could either make this really difficult or make it easily enough." His tone is serious but comforting.

But I couldn't hear him. My heart started beating so fast, I just can't breathe. I stare at his hand with mine... I should pull away but I... I don't think I want to. I feel this sudden warmth in the gesture.

"If we can live with minimal arguments, know that this marriage is for the happiness of others, we'll be able to go through it without killing each other." He says.

Yasir has a way with words. I've noticed this during meetings and phone calls. It can really penetrate through a person's mind and heart. His words are logical, rational and systematic, especially during damage control.

Like right now.

I give his hand a squeeze and nod. He's right.

"Here's to the happiness of others." I smile sadly.

He quickly lets go of hand–a little too quickly. As if I sent a shock to his hand or something, like a jolt.

Well... I'm now Islamically married to my boss... and the Yasu from high school who used to be full of life but is currently unconscious somewhere in Yasir's head.

If I could just... if I could just awaken the old Yasu, it would make this marriage more bearable and interesting.

- - -

- A/N -

• Well... so there's the end of this roller coaster...

• Do I have another one coming? Yes, yes I do. Prepare yourselves.

Next Update: Friday and Saturday, Insha'Allah!

Please vote and comment and let me know how y'all feel!!