LOVE WITHOUT DESTINY

part 44

Zain was seated in his office-his private professor's chamber, quiet except for the soft hum of his laptop. Papers were stacked neatly on one side, his pen rolling absentmindedly under his fingers as his eyes scanned the glowing screen. The late afternoon light streamed through the blinds, cutting sharp golden lines across his desk.

One hand stayed busy on the keyboard, finishing his notes, while the other slid into his pocket, pulling out his phone. With practiced ease, he unlocked it and scrolled until his gaze softened. On the screen, the name "Sweetheart" appeared.

Without hesitation, he tapped the call.

The line rang once. Twice. Then, her voice.
"Hello?"

Zain's lips curved into a rare, unguarded smile. His voice dropped into a gentle warmth that only Amal ever heard.
"Sweetheart, how are you?"

There was a pause-Amal's tone was quiet but steady.
"I'm perfectly fine."

She was about to continue, perhaps to tell him about her day, but Zain's voice cut in, firm yet affectionate.
"Listen, I want you ready by evening. We're going to a party tonight."

Amal froze. "Party? Zain... you know we haven't even started packing yet. We're leaving early in the morning, and you're talking about a party?"

Zain leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple with the hand still holding his phone. His tone softened, coaxing, reassuring.
"I know, sweetheart. But this one is important. Noah is hosting it at her house. She insisted that both of us come. I couldn't refuse her, not this time."

The mention of Noah's name tugged at Amal. A faint stiffness entered her silence, one that Zain didn't miss. Before she could respond, he spoke again, calm and steady.
"Don't overthink it. We'll return early, and I promise-we'll start packing right after. Trust me."

For a moment, Amal said nothing. Then, quietly:
"Hmm... okay."

"Good." Zain's tone brightened, his voice carrying that subtle authority she was learning to recognize. "I'm sending a dress for you right now. Wear it tonight. The theme is white."

Amal sighed softly, but her answer came without resistance.
"Alright."

"Perfect." He glanced back at his laptop, but his entire focus remained on her voice, fragile yet strong on the other end of the call. "Okay then, bye. I love you."

Amal hesitated. "Okay, bye."

But Zain wasn't letting her go that easily. A quiet smirk touched his lips as he repeated firmly, "I love you."

The weight of his words made her heart skip. She knew exactly what he was doing-waiting, almost demanding, for her to say it back. A shy smile curved her lips, invisible to him but present all the same.

"I... love you too."

That was enough. Zain leaned back in his chair, eyes closing briefly as satisfaction spread across his face. His smile deepened, and before cutting the call, he whispered a soft kiss against the phone. The line went dead, but the warmth lingered-on both ends.

After a while _ _ _ _

A soft knock echoed through the quiet house as Amal stepped toward the door. The servant walked up the staircase, carefully balancing a package in his hands. Amal reached forward, took it from him, and descended the stairs.

In the living room, Shanaya sat on the sofa with her laptop open, glasses perched low on her nose. She looked up briefly as Amal approached, holding the box close to her chest.

"Beta, what's this?" Shanaya asked curiously.

Amal's lips curved in a faint smile as she lowered herself beside her.
"Mom... Zain sent this. He said it's a dress. We're going to Noah's party tonight."