by S. Valentine
I press my hands together and say a silent prayer, asking God to look after my beautiful baby. The rain gets heavier, lashing down, and with my head low, I slowly make my way out of the cemetery. Glancing back for a final time, I give her a wave. At that moment a white feather drifts through the air and I catch it. A small smile creeps across my face. I believe it’s a sign, that she’s giving me her blessing to be happy.
Just like the sun peaking through the grey clouds, I truly aim to make my future bright. Amara. I think of her kind face, of how brave she is, how she fought for a better life, how other women in her position may now have the courage to do the same. Kaley would have loved her, I know it.
I never thought I’d even find one true love in my life, but to find two? I’m the most blessed man in existence. Now all I need to do is make sure she can stay by my side forever. I’m praying her asylum claim is successful. I can’t say another goodbye. I just can’t.
Chapter Forty-Five
AMARA
SIX MONTHS LATER
I’m standing on the London Bridge with Elias, taking in the stunning view of the River Thames, the wind creating slight ripples on its surface. The sun is bold and bright against a sky as blue as Elias’s eyes, which at the moment hold sadness for what may become of us.
I spoke nothing but the truth in my interviews and meetings in respect of my asylum claim. Now the outcome will be revealed. I’m scared to call for an update, but I can’t avoid it. It’s time to find out whether I can stay in the UK, the place I’m happy with, alongside the man I love, or whether I have to return to Saudi Arabia and face the devastation that awaits me.
Removing my mobile from my pocket, I press on the number and hold it to my ear. Each ring is torturous and I wish I could just run away with Elias, but what sort of life would that be? When someone answers I explain the reason for my call. I’m placed on hold and my stomach is in knots.
A lady answers and I have to turn away from Elias so I can cry silently. He doesn’t let me off that easily, and he wraps his arms around my waist. He’s as terrified as I am. Craning my neck I give him a soft smile and he makes me even more teary.
When I’m advised of the outcome, the mobile falls from my hand and the air from my lungs depletes. I drop to the floor, crying hysterically. I can’t believe it.
“Amara...” Elias crouches down, his eyes frantically searching mine. “What did they say?” His pupils are glistening.
“They...” I start, but my throat is dry, the words difficult to get out.
“Amara...” he urges. “What did they say?” He stands and pulls me to my feet, holding me tight, supporting me, preventing me from falling.
I’m overwhelmed by emotions. Elias is holding both of my hands now, also waiting on my words which will also change his life dramatically. “They... they’ve given me permission to stay in the UK.”
Elias releases the breath he was holding and squeezes me into a hug. It’s that tight I fear he’ll break my bones, but it’s also so comforting. Over his shoulder I take in this beautiful city which I can really call home. It’s the happiest day of my life, and then it gets even better.
Elias produces a sparkling white gold ring and lowers to one knee. The delighted gasps of people surrounding us is drowned out by my crying.
“You don’t have to run any more, Aisha Hamed,” he begins. “Let me protect you and love you always. Marry me.”
I say yes immediately and squeal in delight as this tall, stocky, handsome man slides the ring onto my finger. Then I give him the biggest, most sweetest, loving kiss I ever have which is packed with hope, trust, and a promised happily ever after. The crowd are recording us on their mobiles, and I no longer have to be afraid to be seen, to be somebody, to be me.
Holding hands I walk with Elias down the street toward our new life, and a promising future. Now the World is my oyster. I can co-own a bakery with Lori. Explore London until my heart’s content. Get a dog with Elias, maybe. Get married and discuss starting a family. The opportunities are endless.
Studying Elias, we share big, happy smiles. This is it. This really is the beginning. Nothing can burst my bubble.
As we continue on our way, a Police officer strolls toward us. Gone is the anxiety. I grin at him and even go so far as to wave hello, which is reciprocated. So I’ve been given five years to remain in the UK. After this I can apply to settle here permanently which I’m optimistic about.
In the car, I can’t stop looking at my gorgeous fiancé. He holds my hand for almost the entire journey to our home. Our place which we’ll fill with a billion memories. Leaning over I switch on the stereo and Rue De Silva, ‘Touch Me,’ plays. Elias takes a massive breath and I notice a change in his posture. He licks his lips and then turns to me.
“This was the song that was on when Kaley was killed,” he confides in me.
I lean forward quickly to switch the radio off, but he tells me not to.
“It’s okay. She just wants me to know she’s watching.” He smiles and the sparkle appears in his eyes.
I mentally tell Kaley I’ll look after Elias and I truly mean it. I remember when I first met him. The attraction was instant. I felt that connection. I doubted a man even as brutal as Elias could protect me from my past. But he did. I made him a better man, broke down his walls, and helped him to love again, including himself. He helped me fight for the life I wanted, for my identity, and to be happy. He saved me so I could finally be free. I didn’t think it was possible, but love really did conquer all. We saved each other.
THE END.
S.valentine grew up in the West Midlands, England. She enjoyed a career in a solicitors firm, following a diploma in Law, and a pass in English language and literature. In 2015, she decided to focus more on her lifelong passion of writing. Her other interests include reading, sightseeing, taking far too many photographs, and watching TV shows / films. She’s also a social media addict and loves connecting with new people.
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Romance
The Fantasy Series - Standalone Novellas
Vengeance - (Biker Romance)
Traitor - (Kingpin Romance)
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Her Confession
Their Confession
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Driven
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