It's Complicated...

I woke up in the morning, and I wish I hadn't woken up. I got a text from Mohammed which said "Hey, I am in London for some business. I would like to have lunch with you today." 

What was I supposed to do, today was supposed to be my full day date with Rashed, I had to make a choice, whether I would cancel on Rashed or Mohammed. Either ways I started get ready, went to the kitchen and the whole family was there.

They were going to the farmhouse for the day, which is 2 hours away from London. They asked me to come along but I made a small white lie, that I was going to go with Noora to finish shopping.

THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY! I could tell Mohammed that we won't be in London today, and go out with Rashed while my family is away.

I texted Mohammed and told him I won't be available today, if we could reschedule for another day. Immediately, I then texted Rashed saying "I am on my way to Hyde Park, meet me by the Serpentine".

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I wore my fur coat, carried my favourite Chanel bag, put on my favourite Armani Prive perfume, and took the big step in my leopard print Louboutins. This was all for a day with Rashed...

I went to Hyde Park and saw him standing there waiting. When he saw me he was thrilled and kept telling me how glad he is that I came.

We didn't waste time in Hyde Park, we got in a cab and went to have breakfast. Over breakfast he kept telling me all about his stories and how he now is ready to settle, but he is not fond of arranged marriages, he likes to get to know the girl  first.

I started getting the hint, and I started getting nervous. I felt it was time to tell him the truth, but I would wait for a better time during the day.

He then took me to show me his house from outside (I wouldn't go in the apartment from the first time), I was amazed! It was a mansion that looked so beautiful a home that I would want to be in.

After that he took me shopping and asked me what I wanted as he wanted to give me a gift, however I didn't accept and acted like I was shy.

I didn't want it to get out of my hands and show him there was hope for both of us.

During lunch at Mr. Chow, I felt nervous since I knew this restaurant had many arabs going to it. I tried acting as formal as possible with him, that even he sensed there was something wrong with me.

After the appetizers, I suddenly saw Mohammed walk in! The way the restaurant was built didn't allow me to make an escape since I would have to pass Mohammed. I sat down and prayed that he would be seated upstairs, there were no tables beside us that were empty just one at the far corner.

Suddenly, I saw him walking in not alone but with this lady who didn't look like any of his family members. It was that lady again that we saw at The Ritz!

HE SAW ME and looked at me weirdly. I didn't know what to do whether to explain myself or make up a lie.

He walked towards me and said: Latifa? What are you doing here?!
Me: I have a business meeting with Rashed, we are starting a fashion line.
At this point Rashed was so confused, and I kept praying that he won't say anything. 

Mohammed: Ah, so you cancelled our Lunch for a meeting? Where is your family?
Me: Who is that lady with you? (Trying to change the subject)
Mohammed: Non of your concern, see you later.

He walked away and kept staring the whole time he was sitting I knew he was suspicious of something. Rashed immediately spoke. 

Rashed: Fashion Business Meeting?
Me: I will explain once we leave...
Rashed: Is he your brother, cousin, friend?
Me: No.

We skipped dessert and Rashed paid the cheque and we left. I know had to tell him the truth. 

Me: Rashed, I haven't been honest with you and I have been doing a huge mistake. The man you saw is Mohammed my Fiancee.

Rashed stopped immediately and looked at me angrily and yelled "FIANCEE?!"

Me: Rashed I swear I didn't fall in love with him, I love you ever since the plane. I am one of those victims of an arranged marriage. I am still a first year university student, who had no choice and never had a romance.

Rashed: Latifa I really can't go on with you if you are going to get married. This is not right! Yes, I love you to and really am enjoying with you. BUT THIS! Just ruined everything, I don't think there is a chance.

Before I could say something, he interrupted and said "No matter how much you explain yourself there could never be a us, when there is your fiancee" 

He walked me to my apartment and kept silent the whole way, I begged him not to do this and to just hear me out I would cancel the engagement, but he was so angry and displeased by what just happened. 

I went up in tears and when I opened the door I found my elder sister Roudha sitting in the living room.  I told her everything, I could not hold it in me I needed to tell someone.

She slapped me! 

Roudha: You know what you have just done?! You should be ashamed of yourself, what if our brothers hear this! WHAT IF OUR FATHER HEARS THIS!! You know what Latifa, it doesn't matter who hears this, now what matters is your image in front of your Fiancee and his family.
Do you think that Rashed will still be interested in you after you cancel the engagement, you cheated on your own fiancee before you even got married, how could any man trust you!

I just sat there and cried so much. Roudha then hugged me and said "You will be quiet, and you will marry Mohammed, no one would know about this and you now have to start a fashion line to cover up your lie" 

I wanted to tell her that I saw him with another woman but I kept quiet.

Hours and hours passed I just sat there waiting for a text from Rashed that said anything, but it was a waste of time he never messaged.