Novel-novel oleh Nour El

“You’re home this late?” Zayne asked.Elmy, who had just finished a call with her assistant, immediately turned toward the voice. Zayne was standing not far from her car. Honestly, she hadn’t noticed him arrive. She glanced back at the black Mercedes parked away from the garage. No wonder, she thought.“Working late?” Zayne asked again.“I had to check a lot of design drafts, so I couldn’t leave earlier,” Elmy replied, rubbing her tense shoulders. Zayne didn’t bother with small talk. They walked in silence. The only sound was the click of her high heels against Zayne’s Oxford shoes.Elmy sneaked a glance. Zayne was beside her, carrying a black bag, his jacket slung over his shoulder. She swallowed hard, suddenly nervous walking so close to him.To steady herself, she quickened her pace. Elmy gripped the strap of her bag as she felt Zayne’s cold gaze nearly pierce through her back.“What’s the rush?” Zayne called from behind.“I just want to rest quickly,” Elmy replied, opening the fro

“I’ve already drafted the contract,” Zayne said suddenly from behind, darting past the dining table. Sunny followed him, looking down, hands clasped nervously. She seemed unsettled.The coffee Elmy sipped from her cup tasted more bitter than usual. Yesterday, they had agreed to postpone the divorce until Zayne’s goal was achieved. He had told Sunny about the arrangement they made. Elmy had no doubt Sunny would accept the offer. She needed money, and anything tied to money would feel right when you were under that kind of pressure.Zayne sat across from her, pouring coffee from the pot into his cup. Elmy peeked over the rim of her cup and realized they hadn’t looked at each other since last night. Like strangers sharing a roof, yet living under one.But this morning, they were gathered at the dining table. Silence. No one initiated conversation. Only the clinking of spoons against mugs, or the sizzle of eggs being fried by the housemaid. Zayne sipped his coffee solemnly. Sunny, sitting

Zayne exhaled. “Sunny is just the past. Why are you bringing her into our problem?”“If she’s just the past,” Elmy said weakly, then stared sharply at Zayne, “then why did you break your promise to me just to bring her into our house?”Zayne’s normally cold face flushed red. He didn’t refute her words. He stayed silent.“Since when did you decide this?”“Since you said you needed an heir.”“Why Sunny? Wouldn’t it be easier if you just did it yourself?” Zayne whispered.Elmy fell silent. A bitter smile curved her lips. Is this how Zayne really sees their marriage? So simple, apparently.“As you said, Sunny is in trouble,” Elmy paused for a moment. “We can help her. In return, you get an heir.”Elmy bit the inside of her cheek hard. Her eyes never left Zayne’s expression, including the disbelief her husband now displayed. He must think she’s gone insane.Instead of resisting, Zayne only pressed his fingers hard against the sockets of his eyes. He groaned softly and ran his neatly-styled

“You’re letting Sunny stay in our house?”Elmy honestly wouldn’t have minded if Sunny wasn’t Zayne’s past or someone he’d had a romantic relationship with. But the reality was the opposite. Seeing that woman in their kitchen this morning had made Elmy stop eating. Instead of breakfast, she had chosen to head straight to Zayne’s office and storm in.“Just temporarily,” Zayne replied shortly, without looking away from his computer screen.“Zayne!”Elmy’s breath quickened. Her face flushed. How could Zayne make a decision like this on his own? Both of her hands clenched into fists. This anger wasn’t just about Sunny being in their house, it was the fact that Zayne never once discussed anything with her.“Be a little mature. Sunny’s condition isn’t good,” he explained.Elmy gaped in disbelief. It felt like an invisible dagger had pierced her chest. “So?”“Her family’s in debt, her house was seized by loan sharks. She needs money right now. Just try to understand,” Zayne pleaded, his voice

“Today is my mom’s birthday. You’re coming, right?” Elmy asked softly, her eyes following every move Zayne made at his desk. He didn’t even glance at her, too absorbed in his work and the world he had built for himself.“My mom said she wants to see you.” Elmy clenched her fingers tightly. “Could… you spare a little time to come to the celebration?”Zayne’s fingers froze on the keyboard. His light brown eyes now looked at Elmy. Cold. Even behind his frameless glasses.A huff escaped Zayne’s lips. Reluctantly, he replied, “I’ll come after I take care of something.”Elmy nodded and pressed her lips together. Slinging her shoulder bag back over her shoulder, she turned and left Zayne’s office.On her way to the Jordyn family residence, Elmy saw the house decorated with luxurious ornaments. A large birthday cake sat in the living room. Golden ribbons adorned every pillar, and her mother, Isabella Jordyn, stood waiting with outstretched arms.“Mom looks beautiful in that dress,” Elmy said,