He was a religious man by nature, calm and composed most of the time, yet his anger was terrifying when provoked. Fiercely protective of the women in his family and caring only toward those he considered his own, he carried himself with quiet authority. His sharp masculine features and imposing presence earned him respect throughout the neighborhood. He worked as a butcher in a crowded Egyptian district and was married to a woman he did not truly love, though he never neglected his responsibilities toward her.

She was a young Russian woman who had come to Egypt to visit her mother, whom she had not seen since childhood after spending years traveling with her father. She was strikingly beautiful, with wide dark olive eyes framed by long lashes, pale skin, small dimples beside her lips, and long red hair falling over her shoulders.

As soon as she entered the alley, she looked around with obvious disdain. Within minutes, several young troublemakers gathered around her and began harassing her. He immediately stepped in and drove them away with firm determination until they scattered.

Instead of thanking him, she pulled out some money and arrogantly said, “Take this.”

He glanced at her coldly and replied, “Keep your money and spend it on clothes that show some respect.”