Karim was there with two older relatives and a family adviser.
When he saw her, he stood and greeted her affectionately. But something about the atmosphere made her pause.
The conversation stopped as she entered.
One of the relatives offered a polite smile before leaving the room. The adviser gathered several documents and followed.
Amelia looked at her husband.
“Is everything all right?”
Karim hesitated.
“Of course,” he replied. “There are just a few things we need to discuss now that we are married.”
She sat across from him.
He explained that his family had certain expectations concerning their private life, public appearances, and the management of their household. He wanted them to agree on how they would handle those matters.
At first, Amelia thought the conversation was perfectly reasonable. Every couple needed to discuss practical questions after marriage.
Then he mentioned her career.
Karim said that his family preferred their private affairs to remain out of public view. He suggested that she postpone opening her design studio and reduce her professional commitments while they adjusted to married life.
