He came to call Mahira for dinner, but she had fallen asleep on the couch while studying. Ibzan realised it only when he came closer and found the book of Western Classical Philosophy lying open over her face. One of her hands rested protectively on her belly, the other lay carelessly atop the book, while the pink highlighter lay uncapped on the cream rug beside her.

A smile curved onto his lips at the sight. He gently reached for the book, revealing her face. Loose strands of her hair were scattered across her cheeks, and the slight movement made her sigh in her sleep.