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Aliyah nodded. Then she put a hand on Dina’s shoulder, tentative. “Marriage is complicated. Trust me, I know. I was married for a few years, right out of undergrad. The relationship was a disaster from the start. Eventually, we decided to divorce. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. Divorce can feel like the end, but it can be the beginning too. I understand why you’re afraid to tell your family, but they will understand. Trust me.”

Aliyah’s words were kindly meant, even if Dina wished she weren’t having this conversation with Lucky’s possible date. “Thank you,” she said stiffly. She took a deep breath. “I know it might seem crazy to you that I’m keeping my divorce a secret from my family. I just know my parents. They’ve always had high expectations for me, and they’re so happy to have both me and Hania settled. I didn’t want to take that away from them, at least not until after the wedding.”

Aliyah’s expression was sympathetic. “I understand. After Yunus and I broke up, my family became super protective. My aunt and uncle don’t want me to get hurt again. They insist on checking out everyone thoroughly before I see them. They started doing the same for anyone they’re thinking of getting into business with too.”

That’s why Arshad wanted me here, Dina thought. Her ex-husband had probably learned that Samir’s family were the sort who would want to kick the tires before agreeing to a business partnership, and that the personal connection mattered to them just as much as the commercial side of things.

“Do you do that a lot? Put others’ emotions and feelings ahead of your own, prioritize their needs before yours?” Aliyah asked.

“I suppose I do, sometimes,” Dina said. “Eldest daughter of an immigrant family and all that.”

Aliyah looked thoughtful. “I’m the middle child, but I remember my older sister laughed a little too loudly when Luisa sang ‘Surface Pressure’ in that movie Encanto. Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemies, you know? Like, maybe you should be more like Arshad.”

Dina blinked at her. “A narcissistic jerk?”

“Self-serving. One track. Single minded. All things men seem to get away with more easily than women.” She nudged Dina. “Maybe you should start being a bit more selfish too.”

“Thanks,” Dina said, and impulsively hugged Aliyah. After a moment, Aliyah hugged her back.

“My pleasure. Us divorcées have to stick together.” She lowered her voice. “And I won’t say a word. I know we just met, but you can rely on me.”

Strangely, Dina believed her. Aliyah linked arms with her, and they headed back to the main dining area. Before they approached their table, however, Aliyah leaned close. “I know it’s none of my business, but is there anything going on between you and Lucky? I thought I could detect a vibe.”

Dina shook her head. “I had a crush on him in law school. He didn’t return my feelings. It never went further than that between us.”

Aliyah breathed out a sigh of relief. “Okay, good. Girl code and all that. I wouldn’t feel right trying to shoot my shot if there was something still lingering.”

“Nope. Nothing lingering,” Dina said stiffly. What did it matter if some of her feelings were returning now that she and Lucky were in such close proximity? So what if he had spent the night camped out in front of her door at Deepak’s house? He was just a concerned friend, and a gentleman. If something were going to happen between him and Dina, it would have happened already. Her shot was long past. “Lucky is one of the best people I know,” Dina said sincerely.

“I’m starting to see that, and believe me, it’s been a long time since I thought that about anyone. Maybe ever,” Aliyah said. She squeezed Dina’s arm. “Thanks, Dina. I’m happy on my own, but I’m starting to feel that itch, you know?”

Dina looked straight ahead, to where Lucky was chatting amiably with Rabia and Yahya. From his relaxed posture, it was clear he was very fond of Rabia and her husband, and that the feeling was returned. Samir’s parents seemed like nice, down-to-earth people who would appreciate and accept Lucky as he was; they wouldn’t expect him to be something he wasn’t or care about his unfinished law degree. Lucky deserved all that and more. She wanted him to be happy.

“Whoever ends up with Lucky will be a fortunate person,” Dina said now. Beside her, Aliyah sighed happily.

When Lucky turned to look at the women approaching the table, she noticed that his gaze went to Aliyah and stayed there. Dina quietly took her seat beside Arshad, ready to chime in and amplify whatever he had to say. He had held up his end of the deal, and it was time for her to do the same. She only hoped Lisa’s snooping would provide some more insight into what her slimy ex was up to, but until then, she would play the perfect wife.

By the time their plates were cleared and cups of coffee and tea emptied, Rabia and Yahya were thoroughly charmed by Arshad.

“You must stay at our home when you travel to Chicago for the walima,” Yahya said to Arshad and Dina. “The reception will be held on our estate, and we would be happy to host you both.”

“Oh, that’s very kind, but—” Dina started.

“We would love to stay with you,” Arshad interrupted smoothly. Dina glared at him, but he only smiled at her, his expression pointed. “My wife and I would be pleased to accept your invitation,” he added.

“I’m sure Yahya Uncle and Rabia Aunty will have their hands full organizing the walima and tending to their other guests, and we wouldn’t want to be a burden. You must have plenty of family coming in from out of town,” she said.

Rabia waved away Dina’s objections. “Most of the family will be staying at a hotel nearby. Only close family will be with us, including Aliyah. Believe me, there’s plenty of space. Plus, since the walima reception will be held on our land, it will be most convenient.”

Desperate for an excuse, Dina brought up her parents. “My parents have already made hotel reservations, and they will want me with them,” she said.

“They are welcome to join us,” Rabia coaxed. She turned to Arshad. “Family stays together, yes? It would be easier for us all to get to know each other if we stay in the same place. The grounds of Crescent House are beautiful, and we just renovated the guest rooms in preparation for the wedding. You and Arshad will feel like you are having a second honeymoon. Please say you will join us.”

Dina knew when she had been outmaneuvered. “I’ll let my parents know about the change in plans,” she said faintly, not looking at Lucky.

Chapter Twenty-One

When Arshad and Dina drove up the long, winding drive to Rabia and Yahya’s ample estate in Barrington Hills, a sprawling suburb in Chicagoland, they both gaped at the building.