LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 18

Zain and Amal got into the car in silence.
Amal sat in the back seat, her eyes swollen and red from crying.
She stared out the window, lost in thought, replaying everything that had just happened—
the words she had exchanged with her family,
the mistakes she had almost made.
Her mind was a whirlwind of guilt and regret.

Zain, seated in the driver’s seat, glanced at her repeatedly through the rearview mirror.
Her tears felt like daggers to his heart.
He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles whitening as he tried to focus on the road ahead.
The tension in the car was suffocating,
but Zain knew Amal needed space to process what had just transpired.

As they approached Zain’s mansion, the towering iron gates came into view.
The mansion itself loomed beyond,
a grand structure surrounded by sprawling gardens and high walls that seemed to guard its secrets.
The nameplate at the gate read “Zain Khan Estate” in bold, elegant letters,
a testament to the power and legacy associated with his name.
The estate was illuminated by soft, golden lights that made it look both welcoming and intimidating.

Zain slowed the car as they neared the entrance, the gates opening automatically.
He glanced at Amal one last time before pulling into the driveway and parking near the front entrance.

He stepped out first, walking to Amal’s side of the car and opening the door for her.
She hesitated before stepping out, her gaze still downcast.
Zain, sensing her hesitation, gently said,
“This is your home now. From today, everything here belongs to you.”

Amal looked at him briefly, her lips trembling as she tried to speak,
but no words came out.
Instead, she followed him quietly as they walked towards the mansion's main gate.

When they reached the entrance, Zain pressed the bell.
Inside, Noah, who had been anxiously waiting, jumped up at the sound and rushed to open the door.

As the door swung open, Noah’s face lit up upon seeing Zain.
Relief flooded her features as she exclaimed,
“Zain! Where have you been? Do you even know how worried I was?
I’ve been calling you for hours, and your phone was off!
I thought something terrible had happened!”

Zain didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, he gently stepped aside, revealing Amal, who had been standing quietly behind him.
Still holding Amal’s hand, he brought her forward.

Noah’s smile vanished as her gaze shifted to Amal.
She stared at the young woman in confusion before her eyes fell to their joined hands.
Her expression darkened, and her voice rose in shock.

“What is this girl doing here at this time?” she demanded,
her tone sharp and laced with disbelief.

Zain’s expression hardened slightly as he looked directly at Noah.
His voice was calm but firm as he replied,
“Her name is not 'girl'; from today her name is Amal Zain Khan.
We both just got married.”

Noah froze, her eyes wide with shock, unable to process what she had just heard.
“What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“You’re married? You and… her?”

Noah froze again, her hands falling limply to her sides.
She stared at Zain, her lips moving as though to speak, but no words came out.
Her gaze flickered between Zain and Amal,
trying to process the bombshell that had just been dropped on her.

Without another word, Zain turned to Amal.
“Come on,” he said gently. “You need rest. Let me take you to your room.”

Amal nodded silently, and Zain led her past Noah, who remained rooted to the spot, her mind racing.
As the pair ascended the staircase, Noah stood there, staring after them,
her vision blurring with unshed tears.