Hers to Love

Chapter 3

Maria hung up the phone with a sigh, feeling a twinge of guilt for lying to her mother. The excuse of a "high-profile case" was one she'd used before, knowing it would silence any further questions. It was easier than dealing with the probing questions about why she was still single, especially as her siblings moved on with marriages and children of their own.

The truth was, Maria was tired of the pressure, the subtle hints, and the not-so-subtle comments about her personal life. Every family gathering seemed to turn into an interrogation, with her love life—or lack thereof—being the main topic of discussion. It was exhausting, and it made her dread going home, even though she loved her family deeply.

So tonight, she chose the solitude of her work over the suffocating atmosphere of her family home. In her office, surrounded by legal briefs and case files, she felt in control, focused, and safe from the personal questions she wasn't ready to answer, or perhaps didn't have the answers to. The legal world, with its clear rules and logical structure, was a refuge from the uncertainty and emotional complexity of her personal life.

As she settled into her chair and opened her laptop, Maria knew she was using work as a shield, but for now, that was a comfort she was willing to accept.

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After hours of poring over legal texts and drafting arguments, Maria felt the weight of exhaustion settle over her. She stretched, her muscles stiff from sitting too long, and realized she needed a break—specifically, she needed coffee. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee was the perfect remedy for her tired mind.

Without thinking twice, she grabbed her coat and headed to her favorite coffee shop, the one just around the corner. As soon as she stepped inside, the familiar warmth and hum of conversation enveloped her, offering a brief escape from the pressures of her work.

As she approached the counter, Maria couldn't help but think of Amir. The memory of his easy smile and the way he always seemed to know her before she even spoke made her lips curve into a small, unbidden smile. She found herself scanning the room, half-hoping to see him.

And there he was, entering the coffee shop, just as she had hoped. Amir looked up, catching her eye.

Amir's face lit up with a warm, genuine smile as soon as he saw Maria. It was the kind of smile that made her feel noticed and appreciated, even in the briefest of interactions. There was an ease between them that she couldn't quite explain but found herself looking forward to every time she stepped into the coffee shop.

"Maria! You're here," Amir said, walking towards her as if her presence had brightened his day. "I actually just came over from the gallery. You picked the perfect time."

Maria smiled, the weight of her workday already beginning to lift. "Looks like I did. How's everything going over there?"

"Busy, as usual," Amir replied, shrugging with a relaxed air. "But I managed to escape for a bit. Actually, I was just about to take a break myself. Do you mind if I join you?"

Maria hesitated for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by his invitation. But then she found herself nodding, the idea of some company—his company—feeling unexpectedly appealing. "Sure, I'd like that."

They chose a cozy corner table, away from the main bustle of the shop. Amir brought over her coffee and his own, setting them down before he took a seat across from her. As they settled in, Maria noticed how his presence seemed to create a calm bubble around them, shielding her from the stress that had been gnawing at her all day.

"So, how are things?" Amir asked, genuinely curious. His tone was gentle, as if he was more interested in her than just making small talk.

Maria took a sip of her coffee before answering. "Busy, as usual. The case I'm working on is pretty demanding, but I guess that's part of the job."

Amir nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I can imagine. You always seem so focused whenever you're in here. I've been meaning to ask, though... Do you ever get a chance to unwind?"

Maria chuckled softly. "Not as much as I should. But this"—she lifted her cup slightly—"this definitely helps."

Amir smiled again, and there was a brief pause as he seemed to consider something. Then, in a more thoughtful tone, he asked, "Maria, do you ever wonder about the lives of the people you see every day? I mean, the stories behind the faces?"

She looked at him curiously, intrigued by the shift in the conversation. "Sometimes, yes. Why do you ask?"

Amir leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting as if he was recalling something distant. "I guess I was thinking about my own story. I don't usually talk about it much, but... I'm from Afghanistan."

Maria's interest piqued. She hadn't known this about him, and she could tell by his tone that it was something significant. "Afghanistan?" she repeated, softly. "That must have been... difficult."

Amir nodded slowly, his expression reflective. "It was. My family and I left when I was young, but the memories stick with you. The culture, the beauty, the struggles... It's all a part of who I am, even now."

Maria listened intently, feeling a deep respect for him grow within her. She had always sensed there was more to Amir than what met the eye, and now she was getting a glimpse into that depth. "It must have been a big adjustment, coming here," she said, her voice gentle.

"It was," Amir admitted, meeting her gaze. "Especially being Muslim in a place where not everyone understands or accepts that. But I've found ways to stay connected to my roots, to my faith, even while making a new life here."

Maria nodded, absorbing his words. She realized how little she knew about Amir's background, about the challenges he must have faced. Yet, here he was, always kind, always smiling, carrying his past with grace.

"I admire that," she said sincerely. "It's not easy to hold on to your identity, especially in a world that can be so unkind."

Amir looked at her with a soft, almost grateful expression. "Thank you, Maria. It's something I think about a lot—how to stay true to who I am while finding my place here. And... it's nice to talk about it with someone who seems to care."

Maria felt a warmth spread through her at his words, the connection between them growing in ways she hadn't anticipated. She realized that Amir was much more than just the friendly barista she saw every day; he was someone with a rich history, a person who had faced hardships she couldn't even imagine, yet had come out on the other side with kindness and strength.

"I do care, Amir," she said softly, her words carrying more weight than she had intended. "And I'm glad you shared that with me."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their coffee, both feeling the significance of the conversation they had just shared. It was a moment of mutual understanding, a bridge between two very different lives that had somehow found common ground.

After a while Amir asked, "Would you like to hang out with me this Saturday?"....