“The one in land and air transport. Planning to launch small and large aircraft with domestic and international reach.”
“Yes.” Dad’s voice sharpened. “And I agreed our company should be an investor. New stations, new airports, new rail lines, all being built. But do you know what the Minister offered me in return?” Dad fixed his stare on Zaeem. “They promised the billboards in every new airport and station would go to INDTV. The licences and the ad spaces will be ours if we back the construction.”
With trembling hands, I covered my ears.
“That’s why they can’t ruin this with their lunatic abroad,” Dad added, sipping again. “Better to bring them here, make them take part.” Phone, carpet. I lifted my head. Curtains— “After all, they’re my sons. My heirs. Not—”
“Dad.” Zaeem cut in, his voice rough.
Of course… I knew this would happen.
“Meet theperson I already contacted, Zioh! How long are you going to stay trapped in thisdefect?Your talent could be wasted just because of this!”I shook my head, over and over, breathed—I needed to breathe—
Dad pressed on, his voice booming. “Tell me, would they be better off staying in the UK? Ten years there, look at what they’ve done! Look at them now!”
Zaeem reached out, snatching the glass away from him. “It wasn’t all their fault. They’ve been through a lot, and you know their condition, so please give them some space. Trust me, all they need is time. They’re doing fine—”
“I know,” Dad interrupted. His voice cracked with something sharp. “And I’m always proud of my blood. Zioh’s a success as an architect, and he makes me proud.”
He stood then, walking towards the door. “And I’ll keep trying to find a way to open his defective mind. He’s my son.” Dad paused, his gaze heavy on Zaeem. “I’ve already lost the woman I love, and I nearly lost my mind with her. I can’t lose my children, too.”
His words struck as if they meant to still my heart. My body stiffened, and my fingers dug into my palms as I stared at the old man, wishing the vodka he drank would turn to poison. And then he left, leaving Zaeem alone, frozen in the empty office.
Exhaling, I tried to steady myself. But just as I reached to close the app, a low mutter escaped Zaeem, followed by the insistent ping of a text.
His shoulders tensed, and his breath quickened. “That damn girl…” he whispered, weary.
My breath hitched, and I pressed my AirPods, hoping my brother’s voice would replay. I couldn’t move for a second, as though time itself had stopped.
Girl.
Don’t tell me—
Before I knew what I was doing, I was already moving and racing down the hall, storming into my dad’s office. Iroughly opened the door, and Zaeem’s head snapped up, his eyes wide, then dropped to my hand as I clutched my phone tight.
He let out a long breath.
My voice trembled, urgent. “Is it her?” My eyes darted to his phone.
Zaeem shook his head. “I gave you access to that app. But do you really want to turn into a stalker with it?”
I ignored him, stalking closer, my chest hammering. “Is it her?” I demanded again.
Silence grew heavier, and he looked at me.
Snatching his phone from his hand, I read the text he received.
My head roared. My ears felt full.
Preston:I’m sorry, sir. I’m at Mr Zioh’s penthouse. I came because they said there was a prospective buyer, but the woman’s here again. She says she won’t leave unless Zioh meets her.
Zaeem:Make up an excuse. She mustn’t find out that Zioh isn’t in the UK.
I read it, over and over, my fingers tightened around my brother’s phone until my knuckles turned white. My body trembled as the cold crawled into every inch of me.
How—?
A strong hand gripped my shoulder. “Hey. It’s alright,” Zaeem murmured, trying to steady me as I stumbled. His eyes searched mine, desperate. “I’ll sort this, all of it. That’s why I need you and Zeraiah here for now. Okay?” I stood there, shaking. “I promise,” he whispered. “This time I’ll finish it.All of it.”
