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Lucy spun around the gallery, registering the look of deep love and acceptance on everyone’s faces, then glanced toward the painting. It embodied many things important to her and Leonardo—beauty, mystery, and enduring love. She would never understand the mysterious forces that had brought Anwar and her together, but she knew that finally, after so much pain and heartache, she had found everlasting love.
“Our love is a work of art. Just like Leonardo’s painting. An eternal masterpiece that will endure through the ages,” Anwar said as though reading her thoughts.
“It’s a dream come true,” she whispered. She saw her happy heart reflected as she stared into his golden eyes. “I am honored to be your bride, wife, and mother to our daughter,” she said, drawing Rabah, their little flower girl, to her side. “And to embark on this journey of love, passion, and creativity with you both.”
The guests watched in awe, captivated by the love and devotion emanating from the couple as they laced their hands together, their eyes locked in a profound connection.
“In the presence of this masterpiece, we gather to witness the union of Sheikh Anwar Na Hassir and his artist bride, Lucy,” the marriage celebrant said in a deep, official voice. “May your love be as enduring as the strokes of paint on Leonardo’s artwork, and may your love inspire others to seek beauty and love in their lives.”
As he proceeded with the wedding ceremony, their words echoed through the gallery. They exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to support and uplift each other in their creative and philanthropic endeavors.
Anwar and Lucy shared their first kiss as a happily married couple, sealing their enduring love in front of the iconic Mona Lisa.
If Lucy was any happier, she thought her heart might crack. “Ahwa, habibti.Ahwa, habibti.Ahwa, habibti,”she repeated. “I am in love—to infinity and back.'
Her stomach fluttered as Anwar bent and kissed her again.
“I’m pregnant, my love,” she whispered. “We’re having another baby!”
“We gave love a second chance,” he cried, turning to their family and friends. “And we’ve won the lottery!”
“To love!” Lucy said, throwing her bouquet in the air.
Cries of joy echoed through the gallery as Fazza's girlfriend, Nicky Pelli, caught the bouquet. Lucy turned to Mona Lisa’s portrait. Her dark, exotic eyes appeared to brighten, and her soft carmine lips curved into a happy smile.
You wanted to feel forever love, the portrait seemed to whisper,and now you’ve found it.
EPILOGUE
Seven years and three beautiful children later, twin boys and another daughter, the construction ofMaerid al’ahlam: The Gallery of Dreamsneared completion. Lucy and Anwar had poured their hearts and souls into this project, and soon, their vision would be unveiled to the world. The global anticipation was palpable, and word of the collection spread like sunlight, igniting curiosity and sparking conversations about why women's artistic genius had slumbered in darkness for so long.
On the day of the grand opening, Anwar stood outside the museum before a crowd of media, art enthusiasts, dignitaries, and women artists from across the globe. His speech echoed with passion and hope as he expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he had received throughout the transformative journey from dream to reality.
As Anwar cut the expansive silk ribbon draped over the doors ofMaerid al’ahlam: The Gallery of Dreams,they swung open, revealing a world where women's artistic contributions took center stage. Anwar registered Lucy’s shocked surprise when she saw her painting,Desert Dreams,andHealing is Possible, gracing the entrance walls alongside the world’s most famous painting loaned from The Louvre for the opening—The Mona Lisa.
“Our people were unanimous,” Anwar said. “When asked to vote for the pieces they most wanted to see honored, your work was right up there with Leonardo’s portrait. They loved your powerful narratives of hope, love, and forgiveness.”
The museum quickly became a cultural landmark, attracting art lovers from every corner of the world. Lucy and Anwar knew that there were three cornerstones to the success ofMaerid al’ahlam. The spectacular architecture designed by Melanie, the richness of its permanent collection (thanks to loans from the Louvre and other French museums), and the quality of its temporary exhibitions, rich with diverse cultural perspectives.
Anwar’s and Lucy’s ambitions had been realized. The Gallery of Dreams stood as a testament to their vision, unwavering belief in art’s healing power, and the importance of celebrating women artists. Leonardo was a renowned supporter of women’s rights to be treated equally, and his portrait of Lisa powerfully symbolized everythingMaerid al’ahlamstood for.
The collection will inspire generations to come and shine a light on the immense talent that has been overlooked for far too long.
As Anwar and Lucy walked through the museum, observing the joy and wonder on visitors’ faces, he turned to Lucy.
“The Gallery of Dreams has become a world-class museum and a symbol of empowerment. It will always be a reminder when women's artistic contributions are celebrated rather than suppressed, we enrich our collective cultural heritage,” Anwar said. “I have you to thank for that.”
“We have each other to thank,” she said. “Our love has enriched our lives and created a legacy.”
“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, and I’m immensely proud of you,” he said. “You’ve left an indelible mark on the art world and inspired countless artists to dream big and create fearlessly.”
“We felt the fear and loved anyway, didn’t we, Anwar.”
“Yes,habibti,we did.”
“Anwar—”
‘Yes, my love?”
“Did I ever tell you that I’m glad my heart was stolen by the sheikh?”
“No, I don’t think you did,” he laughed. “Why don’t we go to bed and indulge our blessings—of which there are plenty.”
* * * THE END * * *
