LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 28

Zain's eyes fluttered open, and as usual, the first thing he did was glance at the bed. But Amal wasn't there. He pushed himself up slightly, assuming she was in the washroom. Stretching a little, he got up and walked toward the washroom door. Knocking lightly, he called out, "Amal?"

Silence.

Frowning, he knocked again. "Amal, are you inside?"

Still no answer.

A slight uneasiness settled in his chest. He slowly pushed the door open, only to find it empty. His brows furrowed as he turned back, grabbing his phone while heading downstairs. Dialing Amal's number, he brought the phone to his ear, but she didn't pick up.

"Safeena?" Zain's voice rang through the hall.

The housemaid quickly approached him. "Yes, Zain sahab?"

Before she could say anything more, Noah's voice interrupted. "Oh, Zain! You're up? Come, let's have breakfast together." She was sitting at the dining table, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

Zain barely acknowledged her. "Where's Amal?"

Noah feigned surprise. "Oh, Amal? She left early for college. I tried to stop her-Safeena and I both did-but she wouldn't listen."

Safeena, who was standing beside them, glanced at Noah knowingly. She could tell she was lying, but she also knew she had no power to say anything.

Noah continued, "She didn't even have breakfast. Looked like she was in a rush." Then, lowering her voice just enough to sound suggestive, she added, "Maybe she had someone to meet."

Zain's jaw clenched as his sharp eyes landed on Noah. "You do realize you're talking about my wife in front of me, right?"

Noah leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Relax, Zain. I was just saying... she was all dressed up. Where else would she be going in such a hurry?"

Zain's patience was wearing thin. He exhaled sharply, realizing there was no point in arguing with her. Without another word, he turned and started heading upstairs.

Safeena wanted to stop him, to insist he eat something, but before she could, Noah shot her a glance-one filled with triumphant mischief. "Your Zain sahab won't be having breakfast today," she said smugly. "You can go now."

Safeena clenched her fists but stayed silent. She knew exactly what Noah was playing at.

Noah leaned back in her chair, a sense of thrill buzzing in her veins. She knew exactly why Amal was avoiding Zain. Last night had been intense-whatever happened between them, Sam was at the center of it. Noah was sure of it. And if things escalated again today, it would be even more entertaining. She smirked to herself, imagining the storm that would unfold if Zain found Amal with Sam.

---

Back in his room, Zain quickly freshened up and changed. Today, he dressed in all black-an effortless, dominating aura surrounding him. He rolled up his sleeves, his sharp features looking even more striking under the morning light.

Just then, Noah entered. Her breath hitched as her eyes roamed over him. How can someone be this perfect?

She stood there, mesmerized, watching as he ran his fingers through his hair, fixed his watch, and reached for his coat. Just as he was about to pick it up, she swiftly stepped forward and grabbed it first.

"I'll help," she offered, her voice softer than usual.

Zain didn't say anything as she helped him slip it on. Once done, he adjusted it himself and simply said, "Thanks."