Chapter 35

Zara’s heels clicked sharply against the marble floors, each step punctuating the growing unease in her chest. The dinner had been a spectacle — a lavish affair with far too many smiles that felt fake and far too many eyes that seemed to follow her every move. As Zara mingled with the guests, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of her situation pressing down on her. The engagement was official now, the date set, and nothing about it felt genuine.

She could feel Imani’s gaze on her from across the room. The woman was lingering far too close for comfort, always within Zara’s line of sight, her smirk never wavering. Zara tried to ignore it, pushing down the discomfort gnawing at her. Imani wanted attention, and Zara was determined not to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging it.

Kemi, however, had a different idea. Zara turned toward her best friend just as Kemi spotted Imani. Without hesitation, Kemi marched across the room, her stance filled with determination. Zara watched as her friend approached Imani with a confidence that made Zara’s heart skip a beat.

“Imani,” Kemi said, her voice cutting through the crowd. “Why don’t you stop following my girl around and concentrate on why you’re really here?”

Imani’s lips curled into a cool smile. “I don’t have an issue with you, Kemi. You’re not even worth my time.”

Kemi’s eyes flashed. “You’ve got that right. But if you think I’m going to stand by and let you pull your little games with Zara, you’re mistaken.”

Imani raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “You should be careful who you’re making enemies with, Kemi. It’s not always a good idea to pick fights you can’t win.”

With one final glare, Kemi turned back to Zara, who was trying to suppress a smile. Her best friend always knew how to handle people like Imani. Zara sighed in relief as Kemi rejoined her side.

“That should be the last time she tries anything,” Kemi muttered, but Zara could hear the tension in her voice. “Don’t let her get under your skin, alright?”

Zara nodded, thankful for Kemi’s loyalty. “Thanks. I don’t know how I’d survive without you.”

The evening dragged on, but Zara couldn’t escape the sense of unease that seemed to follow her. Her father, Chief Tunde, and Chief Kareem were speaking in hushed tones, and Zara knew that the discussions surrounding the engagement were far from over. But she wasn’t prepared for what came next.

After the dinner, her father and Chief Kareem found her in the hallway, their expressions grim.

“Zara,” Chief Tunde began, “we’ve agreed that you’ll stay at the Karim mansion for the week. It’s time to get things in order for the wedding preparations.”

Zara’s stomach tightened at the suggestion. Staying at the Kareem mansion? Alone with Regan? It felt like a trap, and she wasn’t ready to walk into it willingly.

She masked her discomfort with a smile, but her voice was firm. “Sure, sounds great,” she said, but inside, she was already plotting how to get through it. “But Kemi has to stay with me. You know, for support.”

Her father’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Kemi? Why would she need to stay?”

Zara shrugged nonchalantly. “She’s my best friend, Dad. It’s not like we’re going on a vacation. I’m sure you can understand.”

Chief Kareem, overhearing the conversation, stepped in. “It’s fine, Tunde. Let her have Kemi stay for tonight. But no more than that.”

Zara’s father didn’t look pleased, but Chief Kareem’s agreement sealed it. “Fine. Just for tonight,” Chief Tunde muttered, clearly annoyed.

Zara nodded, her expression neutral. She wasn’t about to make any more concessions. Staying with the Kareems was a nightmare she wasn’t sure she could endure, but she’d take the small victory of having Kemi by her side for the night.

As the evening wound down, Zara’s thoughts drifted back to Regan. The air between them had been thick all night. He had kept his distance, his coldness only making her more suspicious of his intentions.

But now, with the party winding to a close, they were forced to interact. Her parents made sure they greeted each guest, exchanging pleasantries and maintaining the image of a happy couple.

Zara had barely exchanged a word with Regan since the announcement, but now, he was standing next to her, his presence looming at her side.

“Zara,” Regan said, his voice low and careful, “we can’t keep avoiding this.” His tone was patient, almost pleading. “I know things are tense, but we need to talk.”

Zara didn’t look at him, her eyes fixed on a group of guests across the room. She refused to engage in casual conversation, not when so much was left unsaid. Her silence only seemed to frustrate him further.

“I’m not going to bite, Zara,” Regan continued, his voice a little sharper now. “But we need to talk about what’s going on between us. I can’t stand this distance anymore.”

Zara’s heart was racing, but she didn’t let her anger show. She turned slowly to face him, her expression cold. “Talk? Fine. Let’s talk.”

They walked off to a quieter corner of the estate, away from the watchful eyes of the guests. The tension between them was palpable. Zara crossed her arms, her stance defensive.

“Why are you acting so distant, Regan?” she demanded, her voice clipped. “What’s the deal with Imani? And why all the gifts?

Regan’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t respond right away. Instead, he ran a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated. “Zara, it’s not what you think. There’s nothing going on with Imani. I promise you that.”

But Zara wasn’t buying it. She stepped closer, narrowing her eyes. “Then why does it feel like you’re trying to keep secrets from me? Why the gifts? Why all the tension?”

Regan hesitated, his calm demeanor starting to crack. “I’m not keeping secrets from you,” he muttered, but his voice was strained, almost as if he were holding something back.

Zara pressed on. “Then what is it, Regan? Why are you so cold? Why are you treating me like I’m some sort of inconvenience?”

Regan’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked like he might snap. He was close to saying something, but he caught himself, his lips pressing into a thin line.

“I just… It’s complicated, Zara,” he finally said, his voice low and laced with frustration. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Zara didn’t back down. “Try me.”

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then stopped. His expression shifted, and for the briefest moment, she saw a flicker of something in his eyes — guilt? Regret? But just as quickly, it was gone.

Zara’s heart pounded in her chest. “What are you hiding, Regan?” she pressed. “What is it with you and Imani? Why do you keep deflecting when I ask?”

Regan stood still for a long moment, his eyes flicking to the floor as if trying to decide what to say next. But the words never came.

Zara turned away, her frustration boiling over. “You know what? I don’t have time for this,” she snapped. “You figure it out. Let me know when you’re ready to tell the truth.”

With that, she walked off, leaving Regan standing in the shadows, his face unreadable, his secrets still locked away.