Chapter 5 A Friend

Over the years, Beckett and Samira had slowly grown distant. Their meetings became rare, reduced to brief encounters that happened only once in a while. Each time he saw her again, Beckett noticed the same thing. The lively spark that once defined Samira had dimmed.

He still remembered the woman she used to be. In those years, she carried herself with strength and brilliance. People couldn't ignore her presence. The idea that her name might one day be linked to weakness felt impossible to him.

The thought lingered in his mind. "Precarious."

That word didn't belong to the image he had always held of her, and he struggled to accept it.

Beckett didn't know the exact truth behind her marriage to Declan. Still, the rumors that circulated were enough to make him suspicious. Without pushing her to reveal more, Beckett spoke with quiet sincerity.

"You know, Samira, taking a different path for a while doesn't change who you are. Your talent is remarkable, and it's never too late to return to where you left off. Don't forget, you were the student our professor admired the most. He made that clear throughout his entire career."

Samira formed a faint, bitter smile and answered in a low, amused voice, "If he heard you say that, he'd probably laugh and tell you it was just like choosing the tallest among dwarfs."

The mention of that brilliant but demanding professor brought a different expression to her face. His comments had always been sharp and merciless. Her smile softened slightly.

"I saw in the news that he was attending the ceremony too. Do you know how he's been?"

"He's doing well," Beckett replied. "Still irritated with us, his former students, since we keep giving him reasons to roll his eyes."

A quiet laugh slipped from Samira. Yet her chest tightened with nostalgia. Memories returned of the years she spent under that strict guidance, working tirelessly through the night to perfect research papers and articles.

"Come back, Samira," Beckett said with firm conviction.

Samira tightened her hands around the coffee cup. She drew in a long breath before giving a small nod.

"Alright."

From an early age, artificial intelligence had been Samira's true passion. It wasn't simply a field she studied. It was a world that fascinated her completely, a place where she truly thrived. Yet because of her love for Declan, she had set aside that dream and stepped away from it for almost seven years.

Returning now wouldn't be easy. After so much time away, the road ahead would be filled with obstacles. Still, she believed that with enough determination, she could find her place again.

"Do you have any idea when you'll start?" Beckett asked with curiosity.

"I still have a few projects I need to finish..." Samira admitted. "It might take some time."

"That's fine," Beckett replied easily. "There's no need to rush."

They continued talking for a while longer until Beckett glanced at his watch.

"A friend introduced me to an algorithm expert," he explained. "He's a real prodigy who just came back to town. We have a meeting scheduled soon. Since you're here, why don't you join us?"

Samira gently shook her head, her tone polite but firm.

"Not this time. I don't know your team yet, and I'd rather wait."

"As you wish," Beckett said with a friendly smile.

He soon excused himself and left. When Samira lifted her gaze, she saw Brielle Whitmore, Declan's sister, walking toward her. Samira recognized her immediately. She had seen Brielle's face in the media many times, though she never expected to encounter her here.

"Hello, Brielle," Samira greeted politely.

Brielle studied her for a moment before responding. Her brows drew together slightly as she looked Samira up and down.

"What are you doing here?" she asked at last.

"I came for the Starlight University anniversary celebration," Samira explained.

Brielle looked momentarily surprised, as though she had forgotten that Samira was also one of the university's graduates. The event mainly welcomed professors, current students, and notable alumni. In her mind, Samira had always been just an ordinary graduate, someone without any remarkable achievements.

Still, Brielle didn't dwell on that thought. She had come with a specific purpose. She wanted to make sure Samira wouldn't do anything that could damage the Whitmore family's reputation. Thinking about her son, she spoke without hesitation. "Cain told me he misses your cooking. I'll have my driver bring him to your place later with Declan."

Cain, Brielle's son, was two years older than Kylie. With parents on the verge of separating and a mother constantly absorbed in her career, the boy had grown temperamental and rebellious. Although he enjoyed Samira's cooking, he never treated her with respect. To him, she seemed more like a household servant than an aunt.

For years, Samira had quietly accepted that role. She constantly went out of her way for Declan and tolerated the boy's lack of respect. Now that she had decided to end the marriage, she no longer felt obligated to keep making those sacrifices.

"I'm sorry, Brielle. I'm busy tomorrow," she answered calmly.

She had already made up her mind. It was time to close that chapter and direct her energy toward her career instead of family duties that gave her nothing in return.

Brielle stood there, stunned. Samira had always been accommodating in the past. She had never turned down a request, especially one coming from the Whitmore family. After a moment, Brielle convinced herself that Samira must be extremely busy to let such a chance slip away. Even so, the irritation on her face remained clear.

"Declan and Kylie aren't even here. What could possibly be so important?"

A faint, bitter smile appeared on Samira's lips. Brielle's remark stung, though it wasn't entirely wrong. For years, her world revolved around Declan and Kylie alone. She had pushed aside her own ambitions and lost herself in the roles of wife and mother.

That part of her life, however, had come to an end.

While they were still speaking, several people approached and greeted Brielle warmly.

"Mrs. Whitmore!"

They had come looking for her. One of them glanced at Samira with curiosity and asked, "Mrs. Whitmore, who is this?"

Without hesitation, Brielle answered in a cool voice.

"A friend."

She didn't even mention the family connection. The alumni gathered for the event didn't press the matter any further. A few of them still cast curious glances at Samira, drawn by her quiet elegance. Brielle soon left with them, leaving Samira standing there alone.

In the past, such indifference would've deeply hurt her. Now, it only stirred a faint sadness. Unbothered, she picked up her bag and walked away.

Later that evening, Declan and Kylie returned from their trip. The little girl had fallen asleep before the plane even landed. Declan carried her gently to her room.

As he walked past the master bedroom, he noticed the door slightly open. The room lay in darkness. After placing Kylie in her bed, he realized Samira wasn't there.

The butler arrived with their luggage and offered an explanation.

"Mrs. Whitmore left for a business trip."

The news caught Declan off guard. Samira rarely traveled for work, especially not for something that would keep her away for two weeks. He frowned slightly but said nothing more. The question that crossed his mind faded quickly, slipping away in quiet indifference.