Bound by Fate, Freed by Love

Chapter 23 Entry to Saad

Mira sat at the dining table with her laptop open, trying to focus on her studies. It had been a few weeks since she had returned to Ireland with Samar, and though she had settled into her new routine, something still felt amiss. Samar was constantly busy with work, leaving the house early and returning late at night. Their conversations were minimal, limited to brief exchanges in passing. It was as though they were merely coexisting, not living together as a married couple.

One afternoon, while Mira was scrolling through her emails, a notification popped up that caught her attention. It was from Saad Companies, the very company Samar and his brother Fidel ran. Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the conversation with Saam weeks ago when he had encouraged her to apply for an internship.

Opening the email, her eyes scanned the words quickly.

Miss Amara Shayan,
We are pleased to inform you that your application for the internship position in the accounting department at Saad Companies has been shortlisted. You are invited to attend an interview with Mr. Roshan next week.

Mira sat back in her chair, her thoughts racing. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for, but now that it was here, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She had applied for the internship half-heartedly after Saam's encouragement, not expecting much. Yet here it was, an open door into the world of Saad Companies—and, perhaps, into Samar's life.

Mira thought about Samar. Since arriving in Ireland, there had been little connection between them. He was distant, preoccupied with work, and the walls between them seemed to grow higher each day. It was as if the marriage existed only in name. Maybe this internship could be a chance to break through those barriers, to understand him better, and perhaps bring them closer.

She stared at the email for a long moment before nodding to herself. This wasn't just about her career—it was about finding a way to navigate the complicated dynamic between her and Samar. Perhaps working at Saad Companies would offer her a window into his world, a way to understand the man she had married.

Mira woke up the morning of her interview feeling a knot of nervous excitement in her stomach. She hadn't told Samar about the interview at Saad Companies—part of her wanted to surprise him, and part of her was unsure how he would react. Would he be supportive? Dismissive? She didn't want to overthink it, so she kept quiet.

Arriving at Saad Companies, she made her way through the modern glass doors, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she approached the reception. After announcing her arrival, she was led to Mr. Roshan's office for the interview.

As Mira entered the interview room, she was greeted by Roshan, a tall man in his early 30s with sharp features, deep brown eyes, and a professional air that made him look both confident and composed. His well-groomed appearance and tailored suit gave him an aura of someone who was precise in everything he did. When his gaze landed on Mira, for a moment, it seemed as though he forgot to breathe.

Roshan cleared his throat, snapping himself back to reality. "Please, have a seat," he said, motioning towards the chair in front of him. The interview proceeded professionally, with Mira answering questions confidently. But throughout, Roshan's lingering glances couldn't help but reveal that he was clearly affected by her presence.

After the interview, Mira was informed that she had been selected for the internship. She left Roshan's office, excited to share the news with Samar. As she walked towards Samar's office, thinking of surprising him, she overheard a few employees whispering, "Here comes the boss's girlfriend...". Mira's heart sank. She wondered if they were talking about her, but soon realized that it was Jennifer walking confidently through the office.

Jennifer was more than just Samar's girlfriend—she was the daughter of one of the company's shareholders. Her presence commanded attention, and it was clear that everyone respected her not just because of her past relationship with Samar but because of her powerful family connections.

Mira's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Jennifer enter Samar's office without even knocking. It was clear that Jennifer held a special place in Samar's world—one Mira couldn't easily step into.

Without waiting to confront Samar or to share her good news, Mira turned on her heels and left the building, her thoughts heavy with the weight of uncertainty. She couldn't face Samar now, not with the painful reminder of Jennifer's lingering presence in his life.

Mira sat quietly in Franklin's car as he drove her home after the interview. She stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. The image of Jennifer walking confidently into Samar's office played over and over in her mind.

Sensing her mood, Franklin glanced at her through the rearview mirror and spoke softly, "I know what you're thinking, Ma'am. It must've been hard, but trust me, Sir has broken up with her".

Franklin's words didn't bring her any comfort. How could they? The image of Jennifer's easy rapport with Samar and the whispers of the office workers were still too fresh. As much as she wanted to believe that Samar had moved on, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness gnawing at her.

When they arrived at the house, Franklin dropped her off, giving her an encouraging nod. Mira went inside, feeling emotionally drained. Needing some comfort, she decided to call home.

Her mother's warm voice filled the line, instantly bringing some calm to Mira's stormy thoughts. "Mira! How is everything going there? 

Mira shared the news of her successful interview, and the excitement in her mother's voice was palpable. But then, her mother's tone shifted to one of playful teasing. "That's great, dear! But don't get too caught up in your career and studies. We're waiting for the real good news—when will we be hearing about a grandchild, huh?"

Her mother's words brought a bitter smile to Mira's face. The thought of having a baby seemed impossible, almost absurd. Her mind drifted back to the moment Samar proposed their marriage, his words cutting through her heart like a knife.

"There's no chance between us, Amara. This marriage is for our families—to keep Fidel and Alyssa together. That's all."

How could there be talk of a baby when their relationship was based on nothing but pretences? Her mother's innocent teasing only reminded her of the painful truth—that her marriage to Samar was nothing more than a facade. The future her family dreamed of seemed like a cruel fantasy, one that Mira had no power to turn into reality.

Her heart ached as she quietly ended the conversation with her mother, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her even more.

Later that evening, Samar returned from the office. The house was quiet, and Mira had kept to herself ever since she returned. He went to her room, knocking gently on the door. Mira, still lost in her thoughts, slowly opened it.

Samar stood there, "Why didn't you say anything about the interview and getting selected? I found out from Roshan. And why didn't you come to see me at the office even though you were there earlier?" Samar's tone was more confused than angry.

Mira stood silent for a moment, her mind swirling with thoughts. Instead of asking me these questions, why doesn't he explain about Jennifer? Why hasn't he said anything about her visit? Her heart raced as she recalled the moment Jennifer had confidently walked into Samar's office, the whispers of the employees echoing in her mind. Does he really think I don't deserve an explanation?

Samar called her again, "Amara? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Mira's thoughts snapped back to the present. She looked at him, her eyes filled with the weight of unsaid words. "I'm tired, Samar. I'm going to sleep."

She knew she was avoiding the real conversation, but her heart wasn't ready for it—not now. Without waiting for a reply, she slowly closed the door, leaving Samar standing in the hallway.

Samar stood outside her door for a moment, puzzled by her cold response. He knocked again softly, "Amara, are you okay? You can talk to me."

But Mira didn't answer. She sat down on the bed, trying to calm the storm inside her. Why does it feel like I'm the one waiting for answers, yet all he wants are answers from me? she thought.

Samar, realizing she wasn't going to speak, finally turned and walked away, leaving Mira with her thoughts.