LOGINMATTHEWI kept staring at the news feed on my phone airing Zara's Victory against Ronnie and Alberta. She did an amazing job and according to the news article and more. She got Ronnie to divorce his wife, her stepsister Becca immediately. I wonder what that's about?” I tucked my phone in my pocket as Evans and his security team along with some FBI agents walked into the conference room. One of the Agents pressed a little remote in his hands and the glasses that covered the conference room went frozen.“Hey, bro,” Evans shook my hand. “Did you see the girls won,” he said, happily.“Yes, I saw. So that means there is nothing stopping you from proposing,” I said and he sighed.“You are right,” she said, nervously. “I'm on it.”“Come on man, you have done this before. Don't be nervous,” I said to him.“I know I have. But this is different. Vic is different and special. I don't want to screw this up.”“You won't,” I tapped his back. “Anything you need. I'm here for you.”“Well, do you k
ZARAWe all walked into the courtroom, waiting for the Judge. I turn to see Alberta fidgeting under the table. She has no idea why I'm putting Ronnie in the witness box. But she's about to find out.“All rise! The honorable Judge Cynthia Parks residing” The bailiff announced.“Please be seated,” she said, taking her seat. “Are we ready for the closing statement?”“Yes, your honor,” Alberta quickly stood up. I scoffed and got up on my feet.“Your honor, the Plaintiffs will like to ask Mr. Phillips to get the witness stand,” I said and Alberta grind her teeth.“Were you aware of this Counselor Green?” Judge Park asked.“Yes, your honor. I was told right before we walked into the courtroom,” she said.“But you were told,” Judge Park scoffed, and Alberta nodded. “Don't ever try the stunt you were about to pull in my courtroom ever again. Or I'll hold you in contempt.”“Apologies, your honor,” Alberta sat down.“Mr. Phillips” Judge Parks called out to Ronnie. “Take the witness stand.”Ron
ZARA“What is this?” I asked, firmly. Looking at both Becca and Lydia Chen. “I know this is unorthodox…” Lydia Chen said.“unorthodox?” Maria cuts her off. “If anyone finds out about this you'll be barred.”“I know that,” Lydia said. “Don't you think I know that?”“I don't care what you think,” I said to her. “I'm not betting my case and the lives of my clients on your thoughts.”“Zara, please listen,” Becca said and I turned to her.“Why will I listen to you Becca?” I asked, and she stayed quiet. “Girl, speak,” I said with gritted teeth.“You are right, you shouldn't listen to me,” she said. “You don't have to but I'm begging you for Jaymee sake. Please….”“Jaymee?” I looked at her confused.“Yeah,” she smiled a little. “That's your niece's name and Hazel's cousin.”“Huh huh,” I turned around but Maria stopped me. “I have hurt you a lot, Zara,” she sniffed. “I have brought you pain and suffering when I shouldn't have.”“Shouldn’t have?” I repeated. “Becca, you shouldn't have. You d
ZARALately it's been like I'm in a dream. I didn't think moving in with Matthew, despite the security risk, would be one of the best decisions.Our late night talks on the bed together, or our frequent morning work. What about when I walk into the kitchen to see him preparing breakfast for Hazel, our daughter.My friends were right. I love being with Matthew. He makes me feel safe, seen, alive even whenever I'm with him.Despite the pains and challenges that we have faced, I'm grateful. Because it led us to this moment.pllllWith Matthew on the bed with me, a blanket over us and we are just looking deep into each other's eyes. There are no words.Just calmness, stillness, peace, love and most of all happiness.“I don't want us to ever lose moments like this,” Matthew whispered, holding my face.“Me,” I touched his hands, smiling. “Do you think we'll be the same as we grow?” I asked after seconds of silence.“That's still a long way off,” he brought me closer to his body. “And even if
ZARAThe sound of laughter and soft jazz filled the reception hall beside the cathedral. Everything looked perfect, white drapes, soft peach lighting, and tables filled with food and fresh flowers. Maria and Daniel couldn’t stop smiling as people congratulated them.I stood near the dessert table, watching Hazel and Annabel dance in circles, giggling and throwing petals at each other. It was the kind of happiness you could bottle up and keep forever.“Looks like a successful day,” Matthew said, coming up behind me with two glasses of juice.“It is,” I said, taking one. “Maria deserves every bit of this joy. It's been too long.”“She does,” he nodded, then leaned closer. “You do too.”I smiled, but before I could answer, Evans appeared beside us. His usual grin was gone. He looked… worried.I saw Krystal walking towards us as well. She had the same look as Evans, and I felt like my happiness was about to be short-lived.“Hey, can I steal Matthew for a minute?” he asked, glancing at
ZARA“Is everything ready?” I asked as I walked through the walkway in the middle of the Cathedral. “Yes,” the event planner I hired for Maria twins' dedication said to me.“Oh okay,” I exhaled, looking around for any mistake her or her team would have made.“Ms. Zara,” she called my name and I turned to her with a little smile on my lips. “You hired us because we are the best, right?”“Yeah,” I nodded.“Then go have fun and enjoy your godchildren's dedication. My team and I got this,” she said and I sighed.“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to….”“It's okay,” she interrupted me softly. “Clients do this all the time and it's my job to keep reassuring you that I'm on point.”“You better be,” I said and we both chuckled, and she walked away from me.“Wow,” I heard Matthew's voice and I turned. “You have really outdone yourself babe.”“Everything looks beautiful mama,” Hazel said.“Yes, Aunt Zara you did a good job,” Annabel said, dragging Hazel with her. “Let's get flowers.”“Be careful!” Lisa







