Previous Summary:
Zayd had returned to the city with his cousin now managing the carriage shop smoothly. After a well-earned break in the village, he was back with new energy and plans for expansion. The workshop was thriving, and his influence growing—but a new opportunity was on the horizon.
The sun filtered through the light linen curtains of Zayd's city office. He leaned against the wooden desk, sipping sweetened black tea as Qadir recited inventory numbers with an exaggerated seriousness that made them both laugh.
Business was steady. The carriage shop was now nearly self-sufficient, with his cousin managing it efficiently and the workers trained well. For the first time in months, Zayd wasn't drowning in daily tasks.
He finally had time to think—and so did Layla.
She arrived at the shop unannounced that afternoon, dressed in a simple yet elegant emerald tunic, her hair wrapped in a deep green scarf. Her confident steps and curious gaze made a few workers pause as she walked past them toward Zayd's office.
"I need your brain," she said, grinning as she pushed open the door.
Zayd blinked, then laughed. "You might need to clarify that, Layla."
"I want to start something new," she said, sitting down across from him. "Not because I need the money, but because I want something of my own again. Something that excites me. I've been thinking of a new business... and I want your thoughts."
Zayd sat forward, now fully interested. "What kind of business?"
"I don't know yet. But I want it to feel beautiful. Elegant. For women. Something that makes us feel special, not like we're just another customer at the market haggling for rice and cloth."
Zayd rubbed his chin, thoughtful. It was a good idea—but vague. He stood up, motioning for her to follow.
"Come," he said. "Let's find the answer."
For the rest of the day, they wandered through the city. From the wealthy upper districts to the bustling common bazaars. They watched nobles and merchants, women and servants. They visited soap sellers, cloth merchants, and jewelers.
In a quiet, shaded street, they found her.
A well-dressed older woman standing with a tired expression, arms full of purchases: silk from one stall, jewelry from another, and perfume from yet another.
"I have wealth," she was muttering to her companion, "but no time. Why must I visit ten shops to find five things I like?"
Zayd and Layla exchanged a glance.
"There it is," Layla whispered. "Did you hear that?"
"I did," Zayd said, already smiling. "Luxury. Convenience. Style. All in one place."
By nightfall, they returned to his office and began sketching the idea on parchment.
"A shop," Zayd began, "tailored for the elite women of the city. Hand-selected items only. Elegant perfumes, imported silks, delicate shoes, artisan-made bags, golden hair ornaments—"
"And only the finest quality," Layla added, eyes glittering with excitement. "With staff who know how to serve noblewomen. Discreet, respectful, and helpful."
"Every piece a story," Zayd nodded. "We won't just sell products. We'll sell taste, ease, and class."
They stayed up until the oil lamp burned low, pages of notes, sketches, and pricing models scattered across the desk. The plan wasn't ready for execution yet—but the vision was clear.
And this time, Zayd wouldn't build it alone.
Layla smiled at him, hand resting on one of the plans. "Let's make something beautiful."
He met her gaze and nodded. "Let's change how this city shops.
End of Chapter 46