### **Chapter 1: Samia's POV**
In my life, I've learned three things: expect nothing from anyone, trust no one, and love isn't meant for me.
I'm Samiaâan ordinary girl trapped in an extraordinary mess. People think I'm naĂŻve, but life has taught me to be cautious. Every time I've trusted someone, I've ended up broken. And now, the people I once called familyâthe ones I thought would always have my backâhave betrayed me once again.
I've stopped expecting anything from others because every time I do, I end up disappointed. Today was no different.
This morning, my mom called, her voice unusually sweet. She said they wanted to talk to me and asked me to come home. My instincts told me they were up to something, but I agreed to visit them at lunchtime.
---
At noon, after a year of staying away, I stood at the front door of my childhood home. Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I rang the bell. My mom opened the door within seconds, her expression unreadable.
I stepped inside, my heart heavy with dread, and sat on the sofa.
**Samia**: "Why did you call me so urgently?"
Her answer was sharp and direct.
**Mom**: "We want you to marry my friend's son."
I froze, her words sinking in like a heavy stone.
**Samia**: "Do you hear yourself? You want me to get married? My answer is no."
My rejection was immediate, but before I could even process her reaction, her hand struck my face.
**Mom**: "We didn't ask for your answer. We told you to marry him. They'll be here soon, and you will say yes in front of them."
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. The sting of her slap was nothing compared to the pain of her words.
**Samia**: "I won't do it, no matter what you do to me."
My father, who had been silent until now, spoke in a low, menacing tone.
**Dad**: "Remember, we're your parents. We gave you life, and you will obey us. Do you want a repeat of what happened the last time you defied me?"
His threat made my blood run cold. My breathing quickened, and I stammered, "No. I'll marry him."
My voice was barely a whisper, the fight in me extinguished.
They told me to get ready, as the guests would arrive in the afternoon. As soon as they left, I felt the urge to cry, but no tears came. I was numb. Emotionally drained.
---
Later that afternoon, I followed their instructions and got ready. When I heard the doorbell ring, I knew the moment I dreaded had arrived. My mom called me a few minutes later, and I stepped out of my room.
As I walked into the living room, I kept my gaze lowered. I didn't want to see anyone, but I could hear them praising me. Their empty words made my skin crawl.
When I finally looked up, I was shocked. It was himâthe one person I didn't expect to see here. Was this some kind of cruel joke?
They were deep in conversation, discussing the wedding, while I remained silent. His mother suggested we speak privately before making a decision. I nodded, relieved for a moment of escape.
---
### **The Backyard**
In the backyard, we stood in awkward silence until he finally spoke.
**Him**: "Do you want to marry me?"
Instead of answering, I asked the same question back. "Why do you want to marry me? I'm divorced. Surely, you don't want someone like me."
His response was blunt but honest. "I don't want to marry anyone. I'm only here for my mother."
His words stung, even though I'd expected them. I took a deep breath and forced myself to be practical.
**Samia**: "Do you have someone special in your life?"
**Him**: "No."
A wave of relief washed over me, though I couldn't explain why. This time, I was selfish. I made him an offer.
**Samia**: "Let's get married, but we'll live separate lives. We won't interfere in each other's personal space."
To my surprise, he agreed.
**Him**: "Fine. Let's go back inside."
---
### **The Decision**
When we returned, we told everyone we were ready to get married. He added that he preferred a court marriage, and no one objected. Perhaps they thought it would be quicker and less troublesome.
After dinner, his family left. I stood to leave as well, but my mother stopped me.
**Mom**: "Where do you think you're going?"
I met her gaze coldly. "I'm going home. Don't worry, I'll be at the court on time tomorrow."
Without waiting for her response, I walked out and got into the cab I'd booked earlier. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, replaying everything that had happened today.
The driver's voice broke through my haze.
**Driver**: "We've arrived, ma'am."
I nodded and entered my condo. After taking a quick shower, I sat at my desk, trying to write to distract myself. But the words didn't come easily.
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message: *"How was your birthday gift?"*
I called him immediately. "How did my parents agree to this marriage?"
His voice was calm. "I'll explain everything in person tomorrow."
Ending the call, I went back to writing.
---
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, I thought about how my life had changed in a single day. Two years ago, I might have been excited about this marriage. But now?
Now, I didn't know how to feel anymore.