Fated Threads

Chapter 3

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"Silence speaks when words can't, but the ache of being unseen can break a heart."

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Elena spent the entire day in her room, her heart weighed down with fear and uncertainty. Just the thought of facing Sameer sent shivers down her spine.

As she walked back to her room after breakfast, she overheard a conversation between Aylin and Leyla in the corridor. The hushed tones and the mention of Sameer and Maya piqued her curiosity, and she paused, straining to catch their words without being seen.

"Selim told me that Sameer and Maya will be at home," Aylin was saying, her voice laced with concern.

Leyla responded with a sigh, "Sameer is staying here for a few months to expand his business. It means he'll be around a lot more."

Elena's heart sank at the revelation. Sameer would be here, in the house, for an extended period. The thought of constantly running into him, of enduring his cold indifference and Maya's smug presence, filled her with dread. She silently slipped away, her mind racing with the implications of what she had just heard.

Back in her room, Elena tried to busy herself with work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Sameer. The memory of his intense, fleeting glance at breakfast haunted her. She wondered what he thought of her, if he thought of her at all. The idea of him staying for months felt like a looming storm cloud, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace she had managed to build in her life.

On the other hand, Sameer was standing at the window frame of his large study room, where he was supposed to be working. Yet, his mind was on Elena. He didn't understand why his parents had insisted on marrying him to her. He was bothered by the way she dressed; he hadn't seen anyone in his home dressed like that.

Leaning against the window, Sameer let out a frustrated sigh. Maybe he had made a mistake coming back. When he was abroad, he at least didn't have to think about his unwanted wife. Being here, in the same house, brought everything to the forefront of his mind. He could feel the tension every time she was near, and it unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

Meanwhile, Maya was trying to show herself busy with work, but she was constantly observing Sameer's every move. She couldn't let him out of her sight, especially with Elena present. When she hadn't seen Elena, she wasn't scared, but now she was. Elena's beauty was undeniable, and Maya couldn't afford to take any risks.

Seeing Sameer lost in his thoughts was too much for Maya. Her heart was uneasy. She had never seen him so distracted, and it made her nervous. Determined to divert his attention, she initiated a business-related conversation.

"Sameer," she began, her tone professional, "we need to finalize the contract with Luminous Luxe. They've been the top skincare and makeup brand for the past two years. We can't afford to miss this opportunity."

Sameer turned to face her, his expression neutral. "I know, Maya. But getting in touch with their CEO has been impossible. She's been on vacation for weeks, or at least that's what her assistant says."

Maya nodded, frustration evident in her eyes. "I still think this is the best move. Expanding beyond hotels and construction will solidify our market presence. We just need to keep pushing."

Sameer nodded, though his mind was still elsewhere. He agreed with Maya's assessment, but the personal turmoil he felt about Elena was hard to ignore. He knew he needed to focus on the business, but the emotional weight was dragging him down.

Maya watched him carefully, her heart aching with the desire to be the one who captured his thoughts and attention. She couldn't stand the idea of losing him to Elena, especially when she had worked so hard to be by his side. As they continued discussing their strategy, Maya silently vowed to ensure that Elena would remain nothing more than a distant, unwanted presence in Sameer's life.

Elena spent most of the day pacing her room, lost in thought. She considered talking to Mrs. Valens about her fears, but she knew it would only worry her more. Mrs. Valens had been kind and supportive, but there was only so much she could do. The true challenge lay in bridging the gap between herself and Sameer, a task that seemed increasingly impossible.

As the day wore on, Elena tried to distract herself with her work, answering emails and making calls about the upcoming exhibition. She dressed in a comfortable yet elegant blue shalwar suit, hoping the familiar routine would help calm her nerves. She meticulously applied her makeup, a touch of red lipstick adding a dramatic flair to her look. Her appearance was perfect, but inside, she felt anything but.

By evening, she had calmed down a little, though the anxiety still lingered. She knew she couldn't avoid Sameer forever. Sooner or later, she would have to face him, to find a way to coexist under the same roof. The thought of it was daunting, but she drew strength from the love and support of her in-laws, who had always treated her with kindness and respect.

Dinner was a tense affair. Elena descended the grand staircase, her heart pounding with every step. She entered the dining room, her eyes quickly scanning for Sameer. He was there, seated at the table with Mr. and Mrs. Valens at the head, his expression unreadable. Maya was beside him, her presence a stark reminder of the complexity of the situation.

Elena took her usual seat, trying to appear composed. The conversation around the table was stilted, the atmosphere charged with unspoken tensions. Aylin and Leyla exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sympathy for Elena.

Elena couldn't help but notice Sameer occasionally stealing glances at her, though his eyes were often filled with disappointment. His discontent was clear, and it stung. Maya, observing from her seat beside Sameer, saw these furtive looks. She knew he was bothered by Elena's appearance, and it pleased her to see him so unsettled. She took it as a sign that her position was secure, at least for now.

Mrs. Valens was the first to break the silence, her voice warm but firm. "Elena, how was your day? Did you get everything sorted for the exhibition?"

Elena forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. "Yes, almost. Just a few more things to finalize."

Maya, keen to appear engaged, interjected, "I'm not familiar with this exhibition. Can you tell us more about it, Elena?"

Aylin's eyes lit up as she eagerly explained, "It's an exhibition of Indian heritage style clothes. Elena has curated a collection of traditional outfits with intricate designs and vibrant colors. It's a celebration of her cultural roots."

Maya's smile widened, and she offered an enthusiastic response. "That sounds fascinating! I'm sure it will be a spectacular event."

Inside, however, Maya felt a sense of contentment. She had observed Sameer's disappointment earlier, and it reassured her that Elena's efforts to impress were unlikely to change his feelings. Maya's outward cheerfulness was a calculated mask, hiding her satisfaction with the current dynamics.

Despite the effort to keep the evening light, the underlying tension remained. Elena could feel Sameer's gaze on her from time to time, the weight of his indifference heavy in the air. By the time dinner ended, she was emotionally drained, the strain of the evening taking its toll.

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