If I Dream

Her destiny is determined by her family.

Her dreams are overshadowed by her duty.

Six years ago, Fatima al-Fatah was married off to a man old enough to be her father. At first, she had hoped to find love and belonging in her husband's established household. The reality has turned out to be much more grim. Jealous and bitter, her husband's other three wives despise and constantly berate her. Fatima begins to believe in her worthlessness, as she has been unable to deliver the one thing her husband desperately desires. Things quickly go from bad to worse in the span of a night, leaving her struggling to survive.

When Dr. Zahir Sayeed failed to protect Fatima six years ago, he ran away in shame, never intending to return. He has only come back to his birthplace out of an obligation to his family. Little do they know, he carries a secret that could send him to prison, or worse. When an accident brings Fatima back into his life, he finds himself drawn to her spirit and courage-an attraction that can only bring trouble. As he helps Fatima discover her true worth, he soon realizes that she is on the verge of uncovering a dangerous secret herself . . .

Copyright 2023, Anne Perreault.

All rights reserved

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Chapter 1

Noise from all around tantalized her. The scent of aromatic spices and enticing sounds of the busy market penetrated the flimsy barrier of dark cloth. She lifted her chin, causing the silky material covering the lower part of her face to rustle gently. The aroma of curry, roasting lamb, and other spicy concoctions made her stomach rumble in a reminder that she hadn't eaten since daybreak.

"I'll return in three hours to fetch you home," the dark man holding open the car door ordered rather than suggested.

There was no need to acknowledge him, even though she felt the urge to do so. He was only the driver. She stepped away from the sedan onto the sidewalk and bestowed upon him the curtest of nods. Without the slightest indication that he had seen her response, the driver joined the rest of the honking traffic on this unusually blistering-hot Thursday afternoon.

Beeping and shouting surrounded her as she joined the throngs of men, women, and children visiting the outdoor market. Vendors displayed their wares from all over the region out of the backs of their beaten-up pickups, or - if they were permanent peddlers - from a booth with colorful awnings shading their products.