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Chapter 33
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MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 34
LIAM'S POVI didn't turn my gaze away from her until she vanished out of sight. Long after the outline of her figure dissolved outside my sphere of vision, that ache in my chest refused to let go. She was gone; again. I fisted my hands deeper into my pockets to keep myself from running after her. But what good would that have done? She'd already made up her mind."Liam," Lena's voice cut into my reflections, soft tentative. "Are you ok?"I exhaled hard, turning to her belatedly. "What do you think?"One step closer; soft steps, yet resolute. I could feel her gaze on me, but I couldn't turn to her. My head was too full of Zara, her face, her words, her damn loyalty to Kai. Twisting inside me, that knot of frustration refused to loosen."I know it's hard," Lena whispered; she sounded a lot surer now. "But maybe this is for the best. Zara's… she's with Kai now. You need to move on."‘Move on.’ I could have laughed. Like that was so easy. How was I supposed to move on when every single t
Last Updated : 2024-10-05MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 35
ZARA'S POVI stood in the nursery, a sea of pastel colors all around me. The room was almost ready for the baby, but that mix of excitement and anxiety still had me folding and arranging the tiny clothes in the drawers. Every little piece made it all a little fresher. This wasn't just a dream anymore, I was going to be a mom."Zara!" Kai yelled from the other room, breaking my concentration.I checked the time. Just mid-morning, he was home from work already. I couldn't help the curve upwards in a smile. "Yeah? I'm in the nursery!"He stepped inside, leaning against the doorframe with that too-wide-to-ignore grin. "Need any help?”"No, I'm good, just trying to make everything perfect." Then I turned to him, and for a second, something glittered in his eyes, the excitement or mischief. "And you…what's got you so happy."He shrugged, looking around the room. "Just thinking how much I love it here, and how lucky I am."I snorted softly, the warmth of his words wrapping themselves around
Last Updated : 2024-10-06MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 36
ZARA'S POV"Just make sure you eat on time, okay?" Kai returned casually, though his eyes were dead serious. Since the minute I had asked him about his hushed conversation with Madam Tess in the kitchen, he had dismissed me. He leaned down and planted a soft kiss upon my forehead, and the smell of his cologne enveloped me, a smell that made me feel so safe, so secure."Of course! I'll just get some fruits first" I replied coolly, trying hopefully to show in my eyes just how concerned I was."Good. I'll catch you later." He grinned at me and slipped out the door, leaving me with a swirl of thoughts and questions.Later that afternoon, knowing the rest of it was going to be ultra-quiet, Lena phoned me and asked me whether I wanted to dine with her and my father. "Just a simple dinner," she said, "just family." And my first reactions were rather apprehensive, my mind still faced so much uncertainty, but it crossed my mind that I would just go with the flow; at least that would do some go
Last Updated : 2024-10-06MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 37
LENA'S POV.I frowned across the room at how Kai threw an arm across Zara's shoulders as they laughed together. In the radiant lights, sparkling like stars, her face was like one standing out, it reached in and yanked my heart down. She could be this happy lapping up the glow of everybody's admiration. Did she even know what she had?"Lena!" My father's voice cut into my thoughts, dragging me back to the reality of the party. "Are you all right? You look a bit pale.""Yeah, just… enjoying the atmosphere." I forced a smile, though my eyes did stay around Zara. "It's quite a party, right?"He nodded, none wiser over my inner turmoil. "Your sister deserves this after everything she has been through."Everything she has been through? It was like I was the only one who didn't matter,"Of course," I said, not showing how it really felt.In an instant, I spotted Liam was across the room off near the drinks table, eyes glued on Zara. And me? Wasn't anyone supposed to care that I, too, had been
Last Updated : 2024-10-06MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 38
Zara's POVThe sun was just about setting, sending golden rays on the horizon. I fell back against the plush seat of the convertible and immediately, the wind began playing with my hair. On one side lay the endless ocean; on the other side of the road, hills were clothed in lush greenery. It could only get better because Kai had really gone all out to make my birthday unforgettable and now this trip.“You're quiet," Kai said, his voice low, his hand lying atop mine. "Too much sun? Or just enjoying the view?"I smiled, twisting my head to meet his gaze. "Just… taking it all in. You've really outdone yourself, Kai. The party, the car, it's overwhelming."He gave a small, satisfied grin. "Nothing is too much for you, Zara.”The husky voice saying my name wrung emotion into my chest. I flipped my hand over and laced our fingers together. This felt right. For the first time in a very long time, I wasn't thinking about anything else but this moment. All tensions and complications between us
Last Updated : 2024-10-07MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 39
Kai's POV“Sir. Mr Klein and Ms Lena are here to see you.” Dean, my assistant said, through the intercom."Let them in," I replied, laying down the pen in my hand.Mr Klein walked in with Lena at his heels. I could sense something brewing, the minute they stepped inside. Mr. Klein's expression was unreadable, and there was something cold about the way he scanned the space before he set his gaze on mine. Lena then flashed one of those well-practiced smiles, though it never really reached her eyes."Kai," Mr. Klein said; his voice deep, formal as it always was. "I hope we are not disturbing you.""Not at all," I said, rising to shake his hand. "It is a surprise. I wasn't expecting a visit."Lena flashed me a smile; something danced in her eyes that I couldn't quite place. "We thought we'd drop by.”I waved my hand toward the chairs in front of my desk. "Please, have a seat."They sat down, Mr. Klein smoothing his suit jacket before easing back in the chair, with his hands folded neatl
Last Updated : 2024-10-07MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 40
Zara's POVI sat on the rim of the bed; my phone felt heavy in my hand. The message from that unknown number stared at me from my screen, calling out to me. I got another one last night. It had been swirling in my insides, urging me to meet him.*I have vital information about your past to which you must know the truth. Meet me at Café Verity at 3 PM.*Time dragged its feet toward that hour, and with every passing minute, my anxiety grew into something more, a need to know the truth, feeling coupled with the overwhelming fear of what that truth could be. My heart pounded, thinking of what lay beyond those swinging café doors.Mrs Adler?" Madam Tess' voice called from the hallway, drawing me from my reverie. I could hear him moving about in the living room, shuffling papers reminding me of what faced me."Yeah, just a minute!" I hollered back, taking a deep breath. Of course, I wouldn't say a word about this meeting to anyone, not even Kai. I had promised myself I wasn't uttering a wo
Last Updated : 2024-10-09MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 41
ZARA'S POV.I lay in the bed with Kai fast asleep beside me. But my head felt weighted down by a leaden blanket. Shadows danced upon the wall, whirling and spinning mirroring the storm brewing inside my head. Jacob's words were in control of my head, echoing endlessly as they refused to fade into the night. My biological father-the actual word that rattled me, shook to the very core of my existence. How could I trust a complete stranger who showed up from nowhere, claiming to have ties with me?I recalled the whole imagery of his eyes, looking into mine for some understanding, or was it a spark of belief? He claimed that my entire life had been a lie, woven with deceit, an intelligent web of lies devised between My father and Kai. And now, how was I to fight that thought with my love for Kai?I lay amongst this sea of confusion, paralyzed, with my insides screaming to shake them off.The morning came quickly. And I barely had a wink of sleep. Kai was still sleeping soundly and I quiet
Last Updated : 2024-10-09
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MARRIAGE PACT 87
Zara's POVThe world contracted, and I breathed shallowly; all the little noises around me sounded muffled. And then, in the eye of my brain was Kai's smirk, the cruel confidence etched in his features-because it reminded me just what futile position I find myself in with him: he has my son, and he knows that.Teeming with warmth from the multitude of members, with facial masks of confusion and curiosity while the room filled in, my stepfather Mr. Klein finally reached an upright pose, his mask of control mixed with charm upon his face, though it was faintly shaded over by some unease which danced through his eyes.Kai let out this calm, yet strong and clear voice from the back: "Now that is off our back, let us resume."He turned to Mr. Klein, who gave him less than a nod of acknowledgement. My stepfather moved forward; his voice was like silk-slow, cultured, calculated. "Ladies and gentlemen, please-I do apologize for this misunderstanding just now. It was about something very perso
MARRIAGE PACT chapter 86
Zara's POV Thick as the air you breathe, tension lay heavy in the room with all the threats flying around. Michael stood firm beside me, his very presence of us against them. Mr. Klein and Kai sat before us, the sharp glint in their eyes keen and calculating. Here's the deal," Michael said, even but icy. "You come clean about everything-illegal deals, murder, cover-ups-or we take it to the press." Klein let out a low, insidious chuckle that succeeded in raising the hairs on the back of my neck. "You've got a lot of nerve, boy. You have any idea what you're up against? "Don't test us," I said, cutting in-the edge of my resolve, lacing my tone. "We have all the evidence against you: documents, recordings, eyewitnesses. Your empire will fall, and for the first time, you will pay for your crimes." Kai leaned back in his chair, curling his lips a little. "And you are above the law, is that it? You just think nothing's going to come your way due to your little crusade?" I met his gaze
MARRIAGE PACT chapter 85
Zara’s POV The thick silence of the room, after all the board members had been dismissed, made the air almost unbearable. Those who remained were those that counted toward this confrontation: Kai, Michael, Jacob, Mr. Klein, Lena, and me. I felt the weight of their gazes upon me-Lena in her confusion, Jacob in his calm resoluteness, Michael in steadfast support, Mr. Klein in feigned nonchalance, and Kai piercingly amused. Kai was the first to speak, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “Well, Zara, it seems you’ve set quite the stage. What now?” I took a step forward, my pulse racing but my expression calm. “Now, the truth comes out—every last piece of it.” Mr. Klein leaned back in his chair, the smirk concealing something more unease in his eyes. "Truth is such a subjective concept, don't you think?" I turned my back to him, turning to Lena instead. She looked just so lost, so totally bewildered by everything that had happened. My heart was out for her, but this wa
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 84
Zara's POV Thick with tension, suffocating, the room slowly filled with members, reporters, and the unmistakable weight of anticipation. Michael sat beside me, calm and collected as expected, yet practically humming with energy. This was it—today was the day. Across the room, Mr. Klein's smug confidence had fallen to a more guarded expression. Kai sat beside him, leaning back in his chair with an unsettling calm, his calculating gaze flicking between Michael and me. But it wasn't Kai or Klein that unsettled me the most. It was Lena. She stood beside her father, a mask of confusion etched upon her face, her eyes darting in my direction for some sort of explanation-one that for now was impossible for me to provide. Whispers of reporters murmured their questions, as cameras poised for a shot of every moment in action. I pulled the folder laid across my lap just a little tighter. It was heavy-heavier than the words of my mother. Michael leaned closer into me; his voice low, "You ready
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 83
Kai's POV I sat in my study-the soft glow of the lamp on my desk, the only light in the room. It was dead silent, with only the irregular tick of the clock on the wall breaking the stillness. My eyes flickered toward the envelope that lay on the desk, its edges slightly shaking under the weight it carried. Madam Tess entered quietly, carrying a tray with a glass of scotch. "The envelope from Ethan arrived earlier today," she said in that still, calm tone of hers; though her eyes told a whole different story. "Leave it there," I said, nodding toward the desk. I sounded colder than I knew, but the disposition to soften it just wasn't there. I nodded, setting down the drink and envelope, before beating a retreat for the door. A glance over my shoulder before I went did seem in order. "Whatever it is, sir, I hope it brings you clarity." Clarity. A commodity I hadn't enjoyed for years. It glowered at me, a silently hurled challenge. My hand moved to it much more slowly, sliding the kn
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 82
Zara’s POV "We’re almost there," Michael said, his voice steady, yet laced with determination. He leaned forward, spreading the documents across the table in his study. "This evidence alone could take Klein down, but combined with yours, Zara, it’s irrefutable." I nodded, my eyes scanning the papers in front of me. My fingers danced over the old recorder on the table-the same one that had captured a truth I wished I could forget. "It's been three years, but hearing it again." I trailed off, shaking my head. "It still feels unreal." Jacob leaned forward, his voice finally coming deep into the corner, a frown on his face. "Whatever the pain, that recording is the nail to the coffin, Zara. It blindsides both Klein and Kai. I looked toward him with those grooved lines on his features. Years of unjust accusations the world had thrown at this man, my source of strength, and yet some window of ache in the eyes reminded me of exactly what this was all about:. "They silenced her," I whispe
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 81
Kai's POV "Say that again, Ethan," I growled, my fingers clamping onto the edge of my desk. My jaw clenched as I waited for him to repeat words that had already set my pulse racing wildly. The silence had stretched long, but when the words did come, Ethan sounded distinctly uncomfortable. "The boy. He was born in New Zealand two years ago. His birth certificate lists Michael Hartmann as the father." My fist came up onto the desk before I could catch it. It made a resounding thud that bounced back into the silent room. "You're telling me Zara gave birth to a boy and didn't feel that was something important enough to mention to me?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," Ethan replied evenly, though I could hear the hesitation in his voice. "The child is with Michael's cousin. I have the address." I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply, trying to restrain the storm inside me. She lied to me. She told me he was dead. My mind coursed through the possibilities. What kind of twisted game was
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 80
Michael's POVThe glow from my laptop screen cast faint shadows across the darkened study. I leaned back in my chair, the weight of the discoveries pressing hard upon my chest.How deep does this go?For weeks, I had tracked every transaction with Mr. Klein's name on it, using his business partnership as cover in investigating his accounts. And what I'd found wasn't illegal; it was explosive: shell companies, offshore accounts, bribed officials-a web of corruption. And right at the center of it? Kai.A knock on the door yanked me from my reverie. Zara stepped inside, her expression grim."Any luck?" she asked, her voice soft yet urgent.I gestured toward the screen. "More than I bargained for."She closed the door behind her and went closer, crossing her arms. "What did you find?"I turned the laptop toward her. "See for yourself."Her eyes moved down the documents, while her furrowed eyebrows deepened further with each passing second.“Offshore accounts in dummy names,” I began, “Tra
MARRIAGE PACT Chapter 79
Zara's POVMichael’s voice was low, but the tension in his words cut through the air like a blade. “I don’t care what your agenda is, Kai. Whatever game you’re playing with Zara, it stops now.”I stood frozen, unseen by either of them, near the door of the conference room. Neither had noticed me step back inside after fetching my file. I pressed my back against the wall, angling for the confrontation without a sound.Kai was annoyingly calm, the arrogance dripping from every pore. "Game? I don't think you understand, Michael. This is no game to me. I have unfinished business with Zara. You're in my way."Michael let out a harsh snort foreign in nature. "Whatever unfinished business you think you have with her is of no relevance. She moved on. You should know how to respect that.”“Moved on?" Kai's laughter was low and cold. "That's what she told you? You really are a kidder, Michael. Zara is a master of concealing the truth. If you think you know her, you're living in dreamland."With
