LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 23

Next morning ___

The dining room was cloaked in a stillness that even the clinking of utensils couldn't break. Zain sat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed, though his eyes carried a subtle weight of distraction. Amal, seated across from him, cautiously observed his every move while pretending to focus on her plate.

The quiet was interrupted by the hesitant footsteps of a servant entering the room. His nervousness was palpable as he approached Zain.

"Zain Sahab... sh-should I call Madam Noah to join for breakfast?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Zain looked up slowly, his sharp gaze fixing on the servant. He didn't speak immediately, letting the silence build a tension that made even Amal's heart skip. Finally, he said, his tone clipped, "No, don't disturb her. Take her breakfast to her room."

Amal's fingers froze on her spoon. Though her face betrayed nothing, her thoughts spiraled. Why isn't Noah coming? Did something happen between them? She remembered Noah's stormy exit from the library the day before and swallowed her questions, deciding to stay quiet.

Zain, oblivious to Amal's inner turmoil, leaned back in his chair and addressed her, his tone softer now. "So, are you ready for college?"

Amal simply nodded, avoiding his gaze.

"Good," he replied, rising to his feet. "I'll be back in a moment."

Without another word, he strode out of the dining room, leaving Amal staring at her plate, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

Zain knocked once on Noah's door before pushing it open. The room was dimly lit, the curtains still drawn, and the untouched tray of breakfast sat on the side table. Noah sat on the edge of her bed, her face pale but her eyes burning with an emotion Zain couldn't quite place-anger, sadness, or maybe both.

Zain stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "You haven't eaten," he stated, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "You know the doctor warned you about skipping meals, Noah. Stress isn't good for you."

Noah lifted her eyes to meet his but said nothing. Her silence felt like a wall, impenetrable and cold.

Zain sighed and ran a hand through his hair, frustration flickering across his face. "Look, I don't have time to argue with you. But I'm leaving for college, and I want you to eat. If you need anything, call me. And don't forget-your doctor is coming today for another check-up."

He turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back at her. His lips curved into a faint smirk, breaking the tension in the room. "And fix your mood, Noah. Right now, you look like a witch who's just lost her broom."

Noah's glare was immediate, sharp enough to cut steel, but Zain only chuckled softly and walked out before she could respond.

Zain returned to the dining room after his brief conversation with Noah. His black coat was perfectly tailored, accentuating his broad shoulders, and the sunglasses on his face gave him an air of effortless dominance. He was already dressed for the day, exuding the kind of charisma that made it impossible not to notice him.

Amal, who had been quietly waiting, glanced at him as he approached. She quickly lowered her eyes, unsure why his presence always seemed to unsettle her.

"Let's go," Zain said, his tone firm yet calm.

Amal nodded, following him outside. As they stepped into the sunlight, the morning air carried a quiet tension. Amal wore a striking red outfit that made her look radiant, though she barely noticed. The sharp contrast between her vibrant red and Zain's deep black made them look like fire and shadow-two opposites forced to walk together.