Forced Vows | Age gap | fictional characters |

Chapter 12: Crumbling Foundations

Chapter 12: Crumbling Foundations

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the bedroom. Leyla woke up with puffy eyes and a heavy heart. She felt the emptiness of the bed beside her, a stark reminder of Emmad's absence. The events of the previous night played over in her mind, each memory sharp and painful.

Determined to fix the mess she had created, Leyla got out of bed and made her way to the guest room. She knocked softly on the door, her heart pounding in her chest. There was no response, but she could hear Emmad moving inside. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.

Emmad was sitting on the edge of the couch, staring at the floor. He looked up as she entered, his expression unreadable.

"Emmad, we need to talk," Leyla said, her voice trembling.

He stood up, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is there to talk about, Leyla?"

Leyla took a step closer, her eyes pleading. "The scandal... it's not real. It was all made up."

Emmad's jaw tightened, and he looked away, his anger barely contained. "Why would you do that?"

Tears welled up in Leyla's eyes. "I thought... I thought if you believed it, you would divorce me. I was desperate, Emmad. I didn't see any other way."

Emmad's eyes flashed with a mixture of hurt and frustration. "You wanted out of this marriage so badly that you were willing to destroy your reputation and mine? To what end, Leyla?"

Leyla felt her resolve breaking. "I didn't know what else to do. We don't talk, we don't connect. I felt trapped."

Emmad took a step back, his face a mask of pain. "Trapped? Is that all this marriage means to you?"

Leyla's voice broke as she spoke. "It's not that simple, Emmad. I was forced into this marriage too. But... I didn't realize how much it would hurt you."

Emmad's eyes softened for a moment before hardening again. "So, what now? You've confessed. What do you want me to do about it?"

Leyla wiped away her tears. "I want to try. I want to make this work, but I need your help. We can't keep going like this."

Emmad shook his head, his expression conflicted. "I don't know if I can trust you again, Leyla. This... this is too much."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I understand. But please, give me a chance to make it right. I know I've hurt you, and I'm sorry."

Emmad turned away, staring out the window. "I need time to think."

Leyla nodded, her heart breaking. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here, waiting."

[The Long Road to Healing]

Days turned into weeks, and Leyla and Emmad maintained a fragile truce. They shared the same space but lived separate lives. Leyla focused on her work at the hospital, throwing herself into her duties in an attempt to distract from the pain at home. Emmad buried himself in his work, often coming home late and leaving early.

One evening, Leyla returned home to find Emmad already there, sitting in the living room with a drink in his hand. She hesitated at the doorway, unsure if she should approach him.

Emmad looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Leyla, we need to talk."

She entered the room, her heart pounding. "Okay."

He took a deep breath, setting his glass down. "I've been thinking about what you said, about making this work."

Leyla sat down opposite him, her eyes filled with hope. "And?"