Chapter 36

Later that evening, Zara found herself in her room, sitting on the bed, her thoughts racing. She couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that there was more to Regan’s behavior than he was letting on. It wasn’t just the coldness between them now, or the gifts from Imani that still made her stomach turn; it was everything. The way he avoided answering her questions, the way he acted like everything was fine when she could see the cracks forming around him.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Kemi stepped inside, looking every bit the comforting friend Zara needed at that moment. She glanced at Zara’s furrowed brow and knew immediately that something was bothering her.

“You okay?” Kemi asked, sitting next to her on the bed.

Zara let out a sigh, leaning back against the headboard. “No, I’m not. Everything is just… complicated. I don’t even know where to start.”

Kemi raised an eyebrow. “Well, why don’t you start with Regan? You’ve been avoiding him all night.”

Zara shook her head. “I’m not avoiding him. He’s the one who’s distant. He keeps deflecting everything. I ask about the gifts from Imani, I ask why he’s been so cold, and all he does is give me vague answers. I can’t trust him, Kemi.”

Kemi thought for a moment before responding, “Maybe there’s something he’s hiding. But you’ll never know unless you confront him directly. It’s like you’re stuck in this weird dance with him, and it’s only going to get worse.”

Zara looked at her friend, her eyes filled with frustration. “I can’t keep doing this. I need answers. But the more I push him, the more he pulls away. It’s like he’s got some kind of wall up, and I don’t know if I can break through it.”

Kemi placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a supportive squeeze. “Listen, I get it. You’re not wrong for wanting the truth. But maybe you should stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Sometimes, you have to trust people to come to you with their own problems.”

Zara paused, taking in her words. “You’re right. But it’s hard when I feel like I’m the only one trying to hold things together. Everything just feels like a game to him.”

Kemi smiled softly, her expression knowing. “Maybe it’s not a game, Zara. Maybe he’s just as lost as you are in all this. You’re not the only one who’s confused. I know it feels like you’re doing this alone, but you’re not.”

Zara let out a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing just a little. “I just… I want more than this. I want more than just an engagement out of obligation.”

Kemi nodded, understanding completely. “You deserve more, Zara. You deserve to have a choice. Not just a future that’s already been set for you.”

Zara smiled at her, grateful for the support. It was exactly what she needed.

Kemi paused before changing the subject. “So, what about your dreams? You still planning to leave for Paris once this engagement stuff settles?”

Zara’s heart fluttered at the thought of her modeling career. “Yeah, I still am. But it’s not just about me anymore, is it? It’s about my family. My father… I’m stuck between my own dreams and the responsibility I feel toward them.”

Kemi nodded, her voice soft. “I get that. But don’t forget who you are in all this. You have your own dreams too, and they matter. Don’t let anyone take that from you.”

Zara smiled, her resolve strengthening. “Thanks, Kemi. I needed to hear that.”

Kemi grinned. “Anytime, girl.”

As the night wore on, Zara and Kemi talked long into the evening, their conversation moving from Zara’s modeling aspirations to their future plans. They discussed everything from their career dreams to the families they were born into, and even the idea of traveling the world together once things settled down. Kemi was a reminder that, despite everything that was happening, Zara still had control over her own future.

Later, as they settled into bed, Kemi asked with a teasing smile,

“I saw ur dad talking to u like he was trying to force the words into your ear ,So, what’s the deal with Chief Tunde’s warning? What does he know that you don’t?”

Zara paused, the question bringing her back to the conversation she’d had with her father earlier that day. Her father’s warning had been as sudden as it was unsettling.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Zara replied, her voice quieter now. “But he’s been acting differently lately. He told me to be careful, that there’s a lot I don’t understand about Regan and his family. That I shouldn’t trust everything that seems perfect.”

Kemi raised an eyebrow. “That sounds like a big red flag. What exactly did he say?”

Zara hesitated, her eyes flicking to the window. “He said I don’t know everything about the Kareems. That they have secrets. Secrets I’m not supposed to know, but I will. I don’t know what that means, but it feels like a warning, Kemi.”

Kemi’s expression turned serious. “Sounds like your dad is trying to protect you. But from what?”

Zara shook her head. “I don’t know. And that’s what scares me. He’s always been protective, but this feels different. I don’t think it’s just about Regan or his family. I think there’s something bigger at play here.”

Kemi nodded slowly. “Whatever it is, you have to be careful. You can’t just ignore something like that.”

Zara sighed, feeling the weight of her father’s words pressing on her. “I know. But what do I do with it? I can’t just stop everything because of a warning. I have to figure out what’s really going on with the Kareems.”

Kemi smiled softly. “And you will. You’re strong, Zara. You’ll figure it out.”

As the lights dimmed, Zara couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change. She wasn’t sure how, but she knew one thing: she wouldn’t stop until she uncovered the truth.

And with Kemi by her side, maybe, just maybe, she could take control of her own future.