The reluctant vow
“Marry him or forget that you were ever part of this family”
“So I’m just a pawn now?”
“No zara,you are the price we pay for peace “
Zara Tunde had one dream: to model for the world’s biggest fashion houses and one day walk the runway in Paris. She was ready to chase that dream—until her father shattered everything with a single demand: marry Regan Kareem, the son of a man she despised, or lose everything, including her family.
But Zara wasn’t going down without a fight. On one condition, she agreed: the marriage would last only one year. If love didn’t happen by the end of the year, they would walk away. No strings, no regrets.
Regan Kareem, the enigmatic son of the powerful Chief Kareem, wasn’t looking for love either. He had his secrets—some dark, some dangerous. He saw the marriage as a means to an end, a way to fulfill family expectations and cover truths that could destroy his father’s empire.
What started as cold tolerance slowly ignited into something neither expected. Beneath the mansion walls, deals were made, lies unraveled, and eyes watched from the shadows. When Zara begins to uncover a past linked to her own pain—the disappearance of her baby sister years ago—everything she thought she knew crumbles.
In a world where loyalty is tested and betrayal hides behind perfect smiles, Zara must decide what matters more—revenge or love.u
Because in this vow, someone’s not making it out unscathed.
Baca
Chapter: Chapter 177LUXURY LAW FIRM OFFICE – DAYThe office was elegant and understated—glass walls, fine wood finishes, the faint scent of leather and ink. Rain tapped lightly against the tall windows overlooking the city skyline.Nathan sat opposite a suited man in his late forties—MR. AKINDE, calm and experienced, flipping through a printed document on crisp legal paper.MR. AKINDE(reading aloud)“…and hereby, both parents shall retain legal custody, with Amira Nathan Agozie,residing with her father for forty percent of each month and with her mother for sixty, pending reassessment in twelve months…”Nathan nodded slowly, fingers steepled under his chin.NATHANI don’t want to take her child away. I just want it documented. Protected. Amira deserves stability. Something her mother clearly can’t provide right now.MR. AKINDE(looking over his glasses)Then we keep it simple and focused. This isn’t about revenge. It’s about structure. The court won’t entertain character assassinations. But they’ll resp
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-19
Chapter: Chapter 176SHOOT VENUE – LATERThe afternoon sun bathed the shoot location in warm amber light. A gentle breeze swayed the white drapes set up around the open-air venue, fluttering like silk against the backdrop of city sounds muffled in the distance. The once buzzing set was now winding down—lights being dimmed, props being gently packed, and makeup artists wiping down their kits.Zara stood near the center of the set, still glowing with the calm pride of a job well done. Her last outfit—a soft ivory silk gown that framed her baby bump with understated elegance—clung gently to her form as she sipped from a bottle of water, talking with the lead photographer and glancing over at Kemi, who stood off to the side reviewing photos on her tablet.Then, the soft purr of a familiar engine cut through the background noise.A sleek black car pulled in quietly through the side gate of the venue. Heads turned. Conversation slowed. Some of the crew looked on with curiosity, others with familiarity. But Zara
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-19
Chapter: Chapter 175BACK AT THE KAREEM’S MANSION—REGAN’S ROOM – SAME TIMEThe room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn just enough to dull the sharpness of the midday sun. A soft mechanical hum from the ceiling fan turned overhead, blending into the quiet, almost meditative stillness.Regan lay sprawled on the bed, one arm flung over his forehead, his temples still pulsing with a dull ache. His shirt clung to his back slightly—heat and unease rising in waves. The remnants of his coffee cup sat on the nightstand, untouched since Zara left.A knock broke through the stillness—soft, measured, almost rehearsed.He blinked against the haze behind his eyes, dragged himself upright, and crossed the room. With a weary sigh, he unlocked the door and opened it.There she stood.Imani.Draped in a silk robe the color of dried rose petals, her dark eyes scanned him not with concern, but with something heavier—something dangerous and deliberate. She stepped forward before he could speak, brushing past him into the room
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-19
Chapter: Chapter 174REGAN & ZARA’S ROOM – SHORTLY AFTERSoft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden lines across the floor. The air smelled faintly of cologne and freshly laundered sheets. Zara stood near the dresser, adjusting the belt of her wrap top, her hands moving with practiced ease as she checked her reflection in the mirror.Behind her, Regan sat on the edge of the bed, his shoulders slouched, elbows resting on his knees. His fingers moved to his temples, massaging them slowly, a faint crease forming between his brows.ZARA(turning halfway)You okay?Regan didn’t answer immediately. He blinked, like he was trying to focus on something that kept slipping away.REGAN(low, almost murmured)I don’t know… I just feel off. A little dizzy. Like I stood up too fast… but it won’t go away.Zara’s expression shifted instantly, worry creeping into her eyes. She walked over, kneeling slightly to meet his gaze. Her hands reached for his wrists, lowering them gently from his face.
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-17
Chapter: Chapter 173LATE NIGHTThe garden glowed under the soft silver wash of moonlight. Crickets sang quietly in the bushes, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves overhead, rustling through the night like a whispered secret. A small round table sat tucked beneath the shady canopy of a creeping bougainvillea. Its lantern flickered faintly, casting a warm golden hue over Zara and Regan as they sat together—barefoot, relaxed, wrapped in the stillness of the night.Two steaming mugs rested between them, the subtle aroma of chamomile drifting up like comfort in the air. Zara curled one leg beneath her as she took a sip, her loose hair falling over her shoulder. She looked peaceful—settled in a way that came only after months of storm.REGAN(softly)You’re going to shine tomorrow. I can already see it.ZARA(smiling)I still get butterflies. Every time. But it’s the good kind now.REGANThose are the best kind. Means you still care.She looked at him for a long beat, her eyes warm.ZARAI do. About everyth
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-17
Chapter: Chapter 172ZARA’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOONThe afternoon light filtered softly through the white curtains, casting delicate patterns on the tiled floor of Zara’s bedroom. The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the space with a gentle rhythm, matching the slow, measured rise and fall of Zara’s breath. She lay curled up on her side atop the bed, her body tucked beneath a lightweight throw, eyes fixed on her phone screen as her thumb moved lazily from post to post.The stillness of the room wrapped around her like a fragile cocoon, broken only by the occasional chirp from her device.Her phone buzzed suddenly, cutting through the silence. The screen lit up with a familiar name—Kemi.Zara’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile. The warmth in her eyes stirred something that had been lying dormant all morning. She swiped to answer, voice still drowsy but brightening.ZARA(grinning)Hey, manager of the year.A burst of laughter rang through the receiver, followed by Kemi’s lively voice, infused wit
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-06-17
Masuk
