## Chapter 3: Getting to Know Lawand

Fatima stood in the grand foyer of their mansion, her eyes fixed on Lawand as he stood by the window, gazing out at the city below. The sunlight streaming through the glass highlighted the sharp angles of his face, and his black perm gleamed in the morning light. His brown eyes seemed to hold a thousand secrets, and Fatima felt a shiver run down her spine as he turned to face her. "Good morning," he said, his voice low and gravelly, like the rumble of thunder on a summer evening. "Good morning," Fatima replied, trying to sound cheerful despite the chill that ran down her spine. Lawand walked towards her, his movements fluid and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. "I trust you slept well?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face with an intensity that made her feel like he was searching for something. Fatima nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Yes, thank you." Lawand's gaze lingered on her face before dropping to her body. Fatima felt a surge of self-consciousness, wondering if he had noticed her new piercing. She had been eager to show it off, but now she wasn't so sure. "I've been thinking," Lawand said, his voice interrupting her thoughts. "It's time we started getting to know each other better. We have a... business to run, after all." Fatima's heart sank as she realized what he meant. Lawand was a mafia boss, and she was about to be drawn into his world of crime and violence. She felt a wave of fear wash over her, but she pushed it down, determined to be strong. As they walked to the dining room, Fatima caught glimpses of Lawand's employees, who seemed to fear him. They nodded or bowed as he passed, and Fatima realized that he was a man who commanded respect, if not outright fear. The meal was a silent affair, with Lawand dominating the conversation with his business associates. Fatima listened, trying to make sense of the complex web of deals and negotiations, but her mind kept wandering back to her piercing and her desire to assert her independence. As the evening drew to a close, Fatima felt a sense of unease settle over her. She was marrying a man who was used to getting what he wanted, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to be a part of his world. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she knew that she had to be careful, for her own sake. As they retired to their bedroom, Fatima couldn't help but feel that she was walking into a lion's den, and she wasn't sure if she would emerge unscathed. The air was thick with tension, and Fatima could sense the weight of Lawand's gaze on her, like a physical presence that pressed against her skin. She knew that she had to navigate this new world carefully, but she was determined to hold on to her individuality, no matter what lay ahead. The question was, would Lawand allow her to keep her independence, or would he try to crush it? Only time would tell.