LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 27

As Amal and Sam stepped out of the restaurant, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the pavement. The world outside was bustling-cars honking, pedestrians moving about-but Amal's mind was elsewhere.

She pulled her phone out of her bag and pressed the power button. It was off. A wave of unease settled over her. Asma must have called. She must be worried. I need to leave.

Sam walked beside her, his posture relaxed yet his eyes filled with something unreadable.

She slowed her steps and turned to him. "I don't think we should meet anymore," she said softly, her gaze lowered. "This is wrong."

Sam stopped, his expression darkening. He stepped closer, his voice dipping into something deeper, more resolute. "Amal," he murmured, his eyes burning into hers, "I can't live without you. I'll do whatever it takes. And no matter what happens, I will only marry you."

Amal saw the obsession in his eyes, the madness in his resolve. Before she could say anything, Sam pulled her into a sudden embrace.

At that very moment, Zain stepped out of his car. His eyes fell on them-on Sam holding his wife.

A storm raged in Zain's chest. His jaw clenched, his fists tightened until his knuckles turned white. Without wasting a second, he strode toward them, his entire being vibrating with fury.

Amal saw him approaching, her breath hitching in her throat. But before she could react, Zain grabbed Sam's collar and, with a forceful yank, threw him to the ground.

The next second, his fist collided with Sam's face. Then another punch. And another. Zain's anger poured into every strike, his fury unmatched. Blood trickled down Sam's face, but Zain didn't stop.

"Zain, please!" Amal cried, grabbing his arm. "He's not at fault! Please, let him go!"

Her voice was laced with desperation, her tears streaming freely. But Zain wasn't listening. He kept hitting Sam, his rage uncontrollable. Sam's face was smeared with blood, his body trembling from the force of the blows.

Finally, after unleashing his fury, Zain stood up. His breathing was ragged, his chest rising and falling violently. He towered over Sam, his voice low but lethal.

"If you ever try this again," Zain growled, his tone dripping with menace, "I will kill you."

Without another word, he grabbed Amal's wrist-so tightly that she winced-and dragged her toward his car.

"Zain, let go!" she protested, struggling against his grip. "You're hurting me!"

But Zain didn't let go. He shoved open the car door and forced her inside before slamming it shut.

Then, seething with rage, Zain got into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the wheel tightly. Before starting the car, his gaze shifted toward Sam, who lay battered on the ground. His expression darkened, his eyes burning with unrelenting fury.

Amal looked at him, noticing the raw intensity in his gaze. A cold shiver ran down her spine. A terrifying thought gripped her-Zain is going to run him over.

And then, Zain pressed down on the accelerator.

"No, Zain!" Amal screamed in horror, her hands flying to her ears as she shut her eyes tightly, unable to bear what was about to happen.

Zain's car surged forward, speeding straight toward Sam's motionless figure. Amal's heart pounded violently, dread consuming her.

But just when it seemed like Zain would crush Sam beneath his wheels, he swerved at the very last second, missing him by mere inches.