Bound by Fate

Prologue

Bound by Law: the law of order

Fifty years ago, the Law of Order was established to dictate every aspect of a citizen’s life, including the most personal—their spouse. At age 20 for girls and 25 for boys, the law chose a partner. The government claimed it was to maintain genetic order, ensure a healthy birth rate, and cultivate intelligence within society. The law promised peace, prosperity, and harmony—a perfect balance for all. But beneath the facade of societal control, darker intentions lurked.

To the people of Linga town, it was a sacrifice worth making for a harmonious society, but for Tara Marin it was a cruel prison. Tara Marin is a vibrant and passionate 20-year-old woman. She had been expecting her pairing letter for weeks. Her thoughts, however, were not on the unknown man who might become her husband. They were on Lucas, her childhood friend, the boy with whom she had shared secret moments, stolen kisses, and whispered dreams. Although Lucas was from a poor background in Linga (the outcasts), she still hoped the law could match them together.

In Linga, the looming power of the Kinan family cast long shadows. Adam Kinan, a man of immeasurable wealth and influence, had everything a man could desire—except one thing. He is married to Ava, but he wanted Tara Marin as a second wife. Through the help of Tara's father and that of his close ally, Minister Amir Jad, Adam found a way to bend the law to his will, using his vast fortune to suppress any opposition.

Tara sat at the edge of her small wooden desk, staring out the window at the sprawling hills beyond. She was meant to receive her pairing letter any day now, the official decree that would bind her to her future husband. For weeks, the village buzzed with rumors about the prominent families. But nothing could have prepared her for the unexpected.

A knock echoed through the small, worn door.

“Tara, may I come in?” It was her father, Mr Marin, his voice gruff yet strangely distant.

“Of course, Father,” she replied, turning to face him, her heart uneasy.

He entered, not alone. Behind him was Minister Jad, his cold, calculating eyes scanning the room. Tara stood up, startled by the minister’s presence.

“Tara,” her father began, not meeting her gaze. "There's something important we need to discuss. "We need to discuss your future” he added.

Confused, Tara stepped closer. “My future? "Is this about the pairing?” she asked hesitantly, already sensing something was wrong.

“Yes, it is,” Amir interjected smoothly, stepping forward. “The law has made a special arrangement for you, it has determined that you will marry Adam Kinan.”

Her heart stopped. “What?” Her voice trembled. “What? But I— I don’t even know him! The law—"

“The law,” Jad interrupted, a thin smile forming on his lips, “is flexible when necessary." In this case, it has deemed you a perfect match for Mr. Kinan. Your father has agreed.”

Tara’s eyes darted towards her father, searching for some sign of protest, but his face remained hardened, conflicted.

“Father? You agree with this? You’re going to let them—"

Marin’s fists clenched, but his voice remained steady. “Adam Kinan is a powerful man, Tara. This... this is an opportunity for our family. You’ll be taken care of.”

“I don’t care about his wealth!” she snapped, her voice rising with desperation. I won’t marry him. I can’t. It’s not right!

Jad’s eyes darkened as he stepped closer. “It’s not about what you want, child. It’s about the law, about preserving order. Adam Kinan is a man of great status, and you will fulfill your duty.”

“I won’t be a pawn!” Tara shouted, stepping back as tears filled her eyes. I don’t love him. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be!

Her father sighed heavily, finally meeting her eyes. “Tara... sometimes, we don’t get to choose. Sometimes, the law chooses for us.”

Tara shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest. “I’ll run away. I’ll disappear before I let them take me.”

Jad chuckled darkly. “There’s nowhere to run, girl. The law will always find you.”

Tara’s defiance flared, but deep inside, fear gnawed at her. She had heard stories—whispers of what happened to those who disobeyed the law. But could she truly submit to this fate, to a life controlled by a man she didn’t love?

As Jad turned to leave, he gave a final, ominous warning. “Prepare yourself. Soon, Adam Kina will come for you, and the ceremony will proceed as planned. Resistance will only make things worse.”

Tara watched helplessly as the minister exited, leaving only her father behind. Silence hung between them.

“How could you let this happen, Father?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Marin’s face softened, though he still couldn’t meet her eyes. I’m doing this for you, for all of us. You’ll see. One day, you’ll understand.

But Tara knew she never would.she knew she had to find a way out.

Because love, true love, was worth fighting for—even in a world bound by destiny.