ZORA —I was in my office sorting out works that I intended to embark on once I'm back from break. Suddenly, the door was opened, and I turned with tension.No one opens the door of my office and walks in without my messenger informing me beforehand, seeking permission first from me, so I was scared of being in danger.However, the moment I saw Jason entering, I exhaled a deep sigh of relief. "You literally freaked me out," I commented, pouting my lips as I faked a cry, doing that baby girl look, and as expected, he walked closer to me and began petting me."I'm sorry, baby. Pardon my misconduct," he said, hugging me and using his cheeks to brush mine.Nonetheless, I noticed one of his hands was hidden behind his back. "What's in your right hand?" I asked him."Do you want to know?" He responded with a question, leaving me curious while adjourning the hand down to his butt area as I tried to find out."Calm down. It was even meant for you. But you have to close your eyes first so I ca
ZORA —"Are you saying that Daisy isn't my baby?""Ah. No, I didn't mean to say that," I said, realizing my mistake—I had insinuated that Jason is just being foolish by taking care of a child that doesn't belong to him unknowingly."You are the only father Daisy has. I'm sorry for being mouthy. Trust me, I didn't mean that," I went on apologizing."It's fine. So let's go together since you insisted on picking her up. Maybe you're scared of Daisy transferring all the parental love to me."A smug grin tugged on my lips as I found that statement amusing."Let's go then," I said. I picked the car key from the table and led the way while he followed.We sauntered to the parking lot. I was heading to my car when Jason objected. "Are you planning on driving me?""Of course. Anything wrong with that?" I asked him, looking worried."Not at all. But I want us to go with my car. I should drive you with my car," he stated, heading to his car.I had no option but to follow him. Jason always likes
ZORA—I passed my hand across my face, feeling caught. Why the hell is he asking me that? I couldn't talk but clenched my lips."Your silence means that it's true. You still like him," Jason concluded, his tone a mix of anger and disappointment.The world around me seemed to be shattered at those words, and my body trembled with shock. Is someone giving him info about me?It seems he had realized what went on between me and Zayn at Southampton City. Maybe Blake had told him that I visited Zayn at his mansion.I couldn't shake off the fear that was catching me. Even if my relationship with him should end, it shouldn't be like this because Jason doesn't deserve to be hurt."I'm not consenting to anything, Jason. You're just being overly suspicious. I don't have anything to do with Zayn anymore since my project with his organization has ended. Are you convinced now?" I said, faking a victim expression.Jason sighed deeply, shaking his head in regret with a mix of deadpan smile on his lip
ZORA—"Are you certain about what you're saying, ma'am? Have you reached out to all your family members, including extended family, to see if anyone picked her up?" the police officer inquired, frustrating me.I had gone to the police station to file a report after searching the daycare premises with their security personnel but still couldn't locate her.I can't even begin to describe the turmoil I'm experiencing. How could I have lost my five-year-old daughter?My hair was disheveled, and I was barefoot, unable to recall where I left my shoes due to my mental state. I silently prayed not to lose my composure and go insane."Officer, I don't have any close relatives living with me here; in fact, I don't have any relatives at all. I am the only child of my deceased parents, and I live alone with my daughter in this city," I explained."Just a moment," he said before disappearing inside. Upon his return, he delivered the disappointing news, "Unfortunately, we can't take action until tw
ZORA —I was sitting on the pavement outside Daisy's friends — the albino twins' house, waiting for Daisy and her husband to pull up so we could storm in and get clear information about who was the man they told me Daisy left with at the school.While waiting for them, I took out my phone and began logging in to all my social media platforms, searching for blogs to find out if there had been news of a missing girl, but throughout the whole platform, none of the blogs had carried such news today.I let out an exasperated sigh, my gaze downcast with my hand on my jaw.I gazed at my wristwatch. It was already 5:45 P.M., and there was no sign of my daughter being found.I held my head in agony. Gosh, why didn't the person who kidnapped her kidnap me instead? What use will Daisy be to him except he's an organ harvester?"God forbid!" I exclaimed, rebuking that thought. "My daughter can't be harvested."Just then, I heard a honk, and I raised my gaze; behold, it was Blake's car. Finally, th
ZORA—"Not a problem at all," the lady commented and stood up to fetch her kids.She came back a few minutes later holding the kids in both hands."Good evening, Miss Paulson. Did you come with Daisy?" Liam asked excitedly as he saw me, scanning the environment in search of his friend.I bit my lips, swallowing hard. I couldn't answer the question."Kids, Daisy's mom is here alongside her friends. They came so you could help them in search of your friend, Daisy," their father uttered, sitting them down."Mommy, is she missing? What about her daddy?" Sophia, the female one, asked inquisitively."Did you in any way see Daisy today after the dismissal time in your school?" their mother asked them tenderly, holding their shoulders."Yes, Mommy," they chorused in unison."We sat at the usual place we do, waiting for you when her father came and picked her up. He said he's taking her to the ice cream store.""Yes, Mommy. He could have taken us along too, but he was worried about you not fin
ZORA—My throat went dry at her question. It was clearly his voice.I was still battling with my thoughts, debating if it was truly Zayn speaking when he continued, "I bet you're surprised. Aren't you?" He let out a gruff laugh.I was so shocked that I couldn't utter a word."Have you come to realize that you can't keep anything a secret from me? It has dawned on you that I know everything," he laughed once more.What are you talking about, Zayn?" I asked, unable to put everything in order. I was taken by surprise. Never in my entire life would I think Zayn would find out without me telling him.Who snitched on me? Wasn't he thinking Daisy belonged to Jason?"So foolish of you to think you could hide her forever from me without me finding out one day," he said, letting out a deep sigh."For five whopping years, you kept my daughter hidden from me, Zora. Is that how wicked you are? You made me not know I have an heiress somewhere dwelling in your web of lies. It's my turn now—it's my t
ZORA—I watched as the interaction between Daisy and her father was blending, and I couldn't help but keep smiling sheepishly. This was what I had been depriving the two of them of.Zayn didn't even bother talking to me throughout that dinner. The only time he talked to me was when Daisy mentioned something that related to me.Well, I'm not blaming him because I would do the same if it were me. I can't even imagine someone hiding my daughter away from me for five whopping years, so Zayn is right in every one of his reactions.The was going well between the daughter and father, and I was okay with it until Zayn stood up and went to the window, gazing at the city."I hope you're prepared to spend the night here with us because you're not going home with her tonight. The days aren't friendly to be driving home with her by this time," Zayn commented.He was right. It was already the time when a lot of evil happens in Southampton city.The youths of this place rarely work for money but rel
ZORA—I exhaled a breath of relief, helping him to get to his feet. "The fact that you admitted without arguing and promised to keep improving yourself means a lot to me—it shows that you're ready to do that," I said, and he let out a wry smile."Thank you for understanding me. Just with time, I promise you'd forget completely about that fool who goes about snatching people's wives and kids by the...""Excuse me?" I was shocked to my bone marrow. Why does she always refer to Jason as the bad guy who ruins people's relationships, forgetting that he was the one who ditched me away?"Is there a problem? Isn't he what I called him? Why would he have the nerve to claim not only my wife but also my daughter? Who does that?" Zayn wasn't ready to take back his words.I couldn't help but laugh at his statement. The boldness Zayn had to still take me as his wife needs to be studied when he already has another woman with him."Well, you can say all that you care, but stop referring to Jason as a
ZORA —"What happened? She looks so sad. Is she facing a problem?" I heard Zayn's voice question from behind, and my heart sank.I hope he hadn't been eavesdropping on our conversation.I tilted my head and saw him leaning on the wall, staring at us with his hands folded across his chest. From his facial expression, I could tell he had been there for a while listening to us."Um," I tucked my hair behind my ear as I was at a loss for words."Yeah, she's okay, Zayn. Nothing was wrong," I said, using the corner of my eyes to send a warning glance at Daisy so she wouldn't interfere."But I overheard you scolding her; tell me, what is the matter?" He pressed on, looking concerned."I'll tell you later." With this, I grabbed Zora and walked past him, brushing past his body as he refused to move out of the way for us.About two hours later, Daisy had already eaten, and she was with her great-grandma in the downstairs sitting room while I isolated myself in the room, regulating my thoughts.
ZORA —I woke up the next morning and went straight to the window to clear my mind.I felt like I started the day on a bad note as I didn't even bother with my morning routine or check on Zayn, who I had slept next to on the same bed.At the window, I grimaced as I thought about Jason. "He must be regretting ever helping me," I sighed, turning to glance at Zayn to make sure he didn't hear me grumbling."I've created a monster that some innocent woman will have to deal with," I lamented, knowing that I've shattered his trust in women. He might now view all women in the same light because of my foolishness.I remembered how it all began. "I should have listened to him when he warned me about the project Zech Holdings Ltd. called me for."I sighed helplessly, guilt weighing heavily on my mind. If I hadn't come to this city in the first place, Zayn wouldn't have had the chance to start clinging to me and pressuring me for a second chance, which I'm slowly starting to consider.I swallowed
ZAYN —We were all gathered at the dining table during the celebration, but I could see a discomfort on Zora's face. She was clearly scared because of Paige's presence. Not really because she might harm her or anything related to that but because she doesn't want to get into a heated talk with her.I was seething with rage because I never expected Paige to be here and ruin my happiness. The fact that my grandmother had invited her infuriated me even more. Why would she do that?"Zayn, I know you're upset that your grandmother invited Paige, but don't be mad at her. She must have had her reasons," Zora whispered to me.She was worried that things might escalate if tempers flared up."What reason could possibly justify ruining my happiness?" I grumbled, clenching my fists and shooting Paige a look of irritation."I know she was wrong, but please try to control your temper. Don't do anything foolish. If not for anyone else, do it for our daughter. She's too young to witness her daddy get
ZORA—The dinner party turned out to be quite different from what I had anticipated.The house was bustling with Felicia's friends, relatives, some of Zayn's staff members, and other unfamiliar faces. It had been five years since I had last seen many of them, so I struggled to recall everyone. Over the years, new friendships must have formed within the family circle.The sitting room was lavishly decorated, and the spread of food looked inviting. Felicia had gone all out, even bringing in musicians to add to the festive atmosphere. It was evident that she had put a lot of effort into planning the event. I was surprised that so many of the invitees had managed to attend on such short notice.The room was abuzz with conversations and laughter, and some people who recognized me came over to catch up."Zora, it's been almost six years since we last saw you! Are you back for good? We've missed you around here," Catherine, one of Felicia's friends, exclaimed, drawing attention to me. I hesi
ZORA—"Hello Zora, are you in Southampton?" Daisy asked me as soon as I answered her call, making me gasp in shock.Gosh. How did she find out?I sighed, running my hand through my hair as I thought of what to say. For her to phrase the question this way means that someone had told her, so there's no need lying to her."Um... Yes. How did you know?" I responded, stammering.I never thought of telling Daisy about this because I knew she would be mad at me, but it seems that the truth has been revealed."Why would you do that? Zora, it seems like you don't love yourself and your little child, huh?" said Daisy from her end, bringing me back from my reverie of thoughts."Uhm, Daisy, calm down. Everything I'm doing, I do for a purpose.""Purpose?" She countered, letting out a deadpan laugh."What purpose is there in going back to someone who doesn't have your best interest at heart? I can see you've been ensnared by a spell because you can't be doing this with clear eyes," she scolded, her
ZORA—"Grandma is right, Zora. The greatest gift is having you and Daisy back in our lives, and that's what she's talking about," Zayn chimed in, making me sigh in frustration.Why are they making the situation more complicated?Somehow, that statement made me emotional even though I wasn't comfortable with it."Let's go in, please. I'm sorry that I kept you guys outside for so long," Felicia remarked. She held Daisy's hand, leading us inside.Zayn's grandmother and Daisy were deep in conversation as we walked inside, as if they had known each other for a long time, while I swallowed a lump of satisfaction as I watched them."This place is still the way it was," I commented, trying to start a conversation between me and Zayn."Yeah. I know you would be amazed. My grandma likes keeping things the same but never fails to maintain them," said Zayn, joining me in admiring the environment."My sister would be happy to see you. I'm glad she visited," Felicia remarked, turning her gaze towar
ZORA —"Grandma, guess who was with me in the car," Zayn exclaimed joyfully as he got out of the car and walked up to the old lady to embrace her."Who else but your good-for-nothing wife, Paige? She finally came to visit. Hope I'm safe for her visit today," the old lady remarked solemnly."Hell no, Grandma. You know I told you I'd surprise you one day, and that day has finally arrived," he said with a smile, turning to the car where we were waiting. He had instructed us not to get out until he gave the signal and even ordered his security man not to let us disobey his order.I could see him signal his chauffeur, who quickly opened the back door for us to exit.Daisy was the first to step out and went to her dad."Zayn, is she..." She stammered, her words barely audible."You never told me she's the girl you had out of wedlock," Mrs. Felicia commented, disappointment evident in her blue eyes.Zayn chuckled, trying not to laugh too hard to avoid embarrassing the old woman."Daddy, is s
ZORA—"Hurry up. Pack your bag and Daisy's too; we're leaving for Southampton City for the Christmas holiday," he said to me, catching me off guard.My heart sank upon hearing that. "Southampton City? Christmas holiday?" I asked, my forehead creased."Come on, Zayn. I already told you I have an appointment with my boyfriend, so why are you trying to create issues?" I was annoyed, wishing he hadn't shown up."Really? So if I hadn't told you, you wouldn't have known how much you hurt him? You would have the nerve to visit him after what happened here recently?" He questioned me, his words cutting through me like ice, making me realize the mess I had gotten myself into."I really don't like how you treated him, Zayn. He doesn't deserve this.""I know, but I have to stand up for my rights, Zora. You're my wife, and I'm not going to share you with anyone," Zayn replied, his tone serious."Wife?" I rebuked him, my forehead creased as I stared at him disdainfully, not caring that Daisy was p