Chapter 53. His Mother

Alizeh frowned as she stared up at him, clearly displeased. “And you’re lying to me,” she accused, her small hands reaching up to tug at his ear in an innocent but determined attempt, recalling how her own mouth would mimic this action whenever she wanted to pout.

Her antics made Sheharzaad chortle, the sound escaping before she could stop herself.

Sensing this, he shifted his head slightly, catching Sheharzaad in his peripheral view. “Now look,” he said, turning his focus back to Alizeh with mock exasperation, “even my secretary is laughing at me. Is that what you want?”

Alizeh placed her hand on her lips, forming an "O" shape. “No!” she said.

“Then stop what you’re doing,” he replied, raising an eyebrow in warning.

Her lips pulled into a pout, but she gave a solemn nod, lowering her hands.

“You’ll come to the haveli soon, na?” she asked, holding out her pinky finger with a serious expression, signaling her need for a promise from him.

He l