Karmen was already on edge, rushing down the grand staircase of his home, intent on getting to the palace. He was halfway to the door when the sudden, sharp voice of his mother, Norma, stopped him.
"What did you say to Aisha that she refused to marry you?" Norma demanded, her arms crossed and her expression one of cold interrogation.
Karmen turned and answered nonchalantly. "I said nothing."
"You did," Norma insisted, her tone immediately becoming intimidating. "Aisha's mother called me earlier. She was deeply upset, saying her daughter now declares she doesn't wish to marry you. What did you do to make her back out so suddenly?"
Karmen allowed a small, wry smile to curve his lips. "You should say destiny doesn't want us to be each other's mates," he stated dismissively. He pushed up the cuff of his jacket and glanced at his watch. "I'm getting late. I'll see you later," he added, taking a step toward the exit.
