Karma stood in the middle of the decorated hall, her eyes not blinking. People around her moved quickly, but time had stopped inside her. The sound of wedding songs suddenly stopped, then whispers rose and all eyes turned toward the door... the police had entered.
Yazan was pulled out from among the crowd amid screams and shock. As for Karma, she froze… her white dress lost its color, and the air around her became suffocating. She stood alone, among everyone… receiving stabs from every direction, though none were visible.
As for Yazan's family, his mother cried in agony, repeating: "My son could never do this… my son is innocent!"
His father tried to stay composed and began calling every lawyer he knew.
Yazan's younger brother, Zaid, was the most composed. He quickly put on his coat and said: "I'm going to the station… we need to find out what really happened. Don't worry… I'll handle it."
Everyone moved in silence, hearts trembling with unrest.
In the visitation room, Karma sat on the metal chair, her fingers trembling, her eyes fixed on the transparent glass that separated her from Yazan.
Yazan entered in detention clothes, his eyes tired, but his voice still held remnants of confidence.
When Karma saw him, she quickly said: "Tell me there's an explanation… tell me you're not a criminal."
Yazan quickly replied: "I'm not a criminal… but clearly someone planted that bag among my belongings. I'm sure it's not mine."
Karma asked: "Who could do this? And why?"
Yazan said with confidence: "You'll find the answer… I'm sure."
Then he gave her one last look and said: "If you really love me, don't leave me here for long."
The visit ended, and Karma left the station, her mind clouded… the first person that came to her mind was Anas, and she went to him immediately.
When she arrived, Anas welcomed her as if he had been expecting her. He said coolly: "I heard what happened… of course, I'm sad, but I'm not surprised."
Karma said, her voice trembling: "Was it you who did this?!"
Anas said: "I just thought Yazan wasn't right for you… but I can help him get out."
Karma asked: "How?"
Anas smiled: "By marrying me tonight… in the same hall… but the groom will be Anas, not Yazan."
Karma fell silent, feeling as if she had fallen from a mountain. She left Anas's villa and walked aimlessly, her hands trembling, her eyes tearful.
The streets were lit, but she saw nothing. The sound of cars, people's footsteps everything had become blurry…
As if she were alone in this world.
She sat on a curb near the river, placed her face in her hands. The time was approaching nine.
Karma said to herself: "If I agree… Yazan will be freed, but I'll lose everything. If I refuse, Yazan will stay in prison… and he'll lose everything."
She wiped her tears, stood up quietly, and took out her phone:
"Prepare everything… I agree."
At exactly ten o'clock in the evening, in the same hall, the same dress… but the groom had changed.
Anas stood confidently, and Karma was beside him, pale, her eyes fixed only on the ground.
The officiant began speaking, congratulations filled the hall… but they never reached Karma's ears. She signed the contract, as if signing her defeat…
Anas held her hand and looked at her with great joy, but she didn't return the look. As for the guests… they were divided some were shocked, others congratulated. But no one knew what was burning inside the bride's heart.
After the marriage ceremony ended, and while congratulations flew through the hall like sparks of fire, Karma quietly slipped away... she couldn't hear anything, couldn't see anything, as if she were inside a bubble, isolated from the world.
She left the hall with heavy steps. Outside, Anas stood beside the car, waiting in silence.
Karma stopped for a moment, took a deep breath, and wiped her face as if trying to regain her composure.
She looked at him briefly, said nothing, and he didn't need an explanation.
He opened the door for her in silence, she got in, and he too remained silent.
The car drove off, and with every meter it moved… Karma felt she was drifting further away from herself, not just from the place.
To be continued…