Chapter 5 She's back

 Year Later

It has been a year since Zenab fled from her pain. She had hoped that her wounds would heal, but she was wrong. Healing had eluded her, and closure was nowhere to be found. Instead, something darker had taken root inside her.

As the Uber driver navigated the familiar streets, she was reminded of the reasons she had escaped this forsaken country in the first place. Memories of the pain and humiliation she endured a year ago flooded back, particularly the sting of Dave's betrayal.

"I hate this city," Red murmured in disgust, voicing Zenab's own sentiments.

Within minutes, they arrived at the hospital. Zenab paid the driver and stepped out, taking a moment to steady herself as she gazed at the towering building.

The hospital served only werewolves and was hidden away in a secluded area, protected by werewolf government officials who helped keep it off the radar.

If she were honest, Zenab hadn't intended to return. Yet when her godson was diagnosed with a tumor, she couldn't ignore his needs. Jaymie had called her, distraught and panicked, which compelled Zenab to act.

She would do anything for them, so when both Jaymie and Jayson pleaded for her presence, she left everything behind.

Upon entering the hospital, Zenab located the elevators, remembering the floor and room number Jaymie had shared. Given that this was the same hospital where Emerald was born, she felt familiar with the layout.

Minutes later, she stepped into Mason's room. He lay on the bed, engrossed in cartoons, despite being scheduled for surgery soon. His calm demeanor and laughter were comforting in such a tense situation.

In stark contrast, Jaymie appeared tired and worn. Balancing the demands of managing their branch while caring for a sick son was clearly exhausting her. This was another reason Zenab had come—to help with the company while Jaymie tended to Mason.

"Aunty Zenab, you came!" The excited shout jolted her from her thoughts.

Jaymie's eyes flew open, and Zenab could see the happiness and relief reflected in them.

"Hi, baby boy," she greeted Jayson, kissing his forehead before stepping back. Turning to Jaymie, she opened her arms wide, and Jaymie practically collapsed into them, sagging with relief.

"Hi, Claire bear," Zenab said soothingly.

Jaymie sobbed, "Oh gosh, Zenab, you have no idea how much I've missed you. Talking on the phone isn't the same as having you here with me."

"I'm here now, and I will be for as long as you both need me," Zenab whispered softly, rubbing her back in comfort.

Jaymie finally let go, wiping her tears away, and stared at Zenab, as if scrutinizing her, studying her intently.

"There's something different about you, but I can't quite pinpoint it," Jaymie said, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Zenab responded with a small, tight smile. Jaymie had no idea just how much Zenab had changed.

She redirected her attention to Jayson as they both took their seats.

"How's my favorite godson doing?" she asked.

"Aunty," he replied, dragging out the word, "I'm your only godson."

Zenab grinned at that; he was right, after all.

"I've missed you a lot. I'm glad you're here." The smile on his face tugged at her heart.

Zenab always tried her hardest not to think of Emerald; the pain that accompanied those thoughts was something she wanted to avoid.

"Well, I'm here, and I brought you lots of presents," she said cheerfully.

"Really? That's so cool! I've been a good boy. The doctor says I'm a very brave pup, and once I'm completely healed, I'll get an ice cream treat. My choice!"

The calmness and joy in his voice were infectious, and for a brief moment, Zenab forgot that her heart was frozen. She relaxed into the moment, chatting with him.

At ten years old, Jayson had a unique outlook on life, filling her in on everything she had missed—especially about his new best friend, Justin, who came to visit every day.

At that moment, Zenab turned to Jaymie, seeking clarification. Jaymie nodded, confirming that the child in question was Miles's son. They continued to engage in lighthearted conversation.

After spending about three hours with them, Zenab decided to cut her visit short; she needed to head to the office to catch up on work.

As she left the room, she unexpectedly came face-to-face with Dave, the last person she wanted to encounter.

"Zenab?" he asked, uncertainty in his voice as if he were seeing a ghost.

She did not respond, simply shooting him a cold glare. There was nothing left to discuss.

Just as she was about to walk past him, a small body collided with her. Tiny arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her down to see the top of Emerald's head.

Shit! She was not ready for this. Emerald was her daughter; Zenab loved her deeply, but the weight of the reunion felt overwhelming. She was still trapped in a dark place, unable to reconcile the pain and love locked within her heart.

Zenab desperately wanted to embrace her daughter, but fear held her back. She was terrified of rejection, afraid that Emerald might push her away or still harbor feelings of hatred.

The echoes of Emerald's cruel words reverberated in her mind, refusing to fade. Zenab remembered the harsh accusations of being an evil witch and the other nasty names she had called her, as well as the threat to pray to the goddess for punishment.

With a heavy heart, she gently untangled herself from Emerald and walked away without a word. It made her feel like a monster to leave her daughter like that, but the painful memories shackled her, leaving her unable to escape the darkness within.

In her haste to get away, she collided with someone.

"I'm so—" she began to apologize but froze in her tracks.

Standing before her was Miles, looking as beautiful as ever, as if she hadn't shattered Zenab's life a year ago.

"Zenab? Oh my god, it's you! Long time no see! How have you been?"

Zenab stared at her as if she had lost her mind. Was this woman being serious right now?

"Is something wrong with you?" Zenab asked, completely puzzled.

The woman looked confused. "No, why?"

"It seems you think we're friends. Let me clarify: we are not, and we never will be. You took everything from me, and now I'm back to return the favor. Karma is a ruthless force, and I will be your personal tormentor. I will destroy you, Miles, until there is nothing left of you. By the time I'm finished, you'll wish you were dead," Zenab threatened, her voice chilly and menacing.

With that, she bumped shoulders with Miles, leaving her shaken and stunned.