Zerah When I opened the front door, the smell of soup drifted through the air. Warm, savory, comforting. I stepped inside quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone. My shoes clicked softly against the wooden floor as I made my way toward the kitchen. There she was, my mother, standing at the stove, her frail back to me. Her hair, now more white than black, was pulled into a messy bun. She stirred the pot slowly, humming a familiar lullaby. Something about the scene made my throat tighten. "Mama?" She turned around at once, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. "Zerah. You're home." I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I walked straight into her arms. The moment she held me, all the composure I’d held onto since this morning crumbled. I cried. Her arms tightened around me. "Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart. Let it out. I’m here." The tears wouldn’t stop. I didn’t say a word, just held onto her like a child. Her hands stroked my back, slow and patient. No questions, no pressure, jus
Zerah My jaw clenched but I knew this was inevitable. As I spun around, already knowing who it was, I’d already braced myself for what would come next but in the end it still felt jarring. Ryker stood there like a statue, arms crossed, gaze cutting through me like a blade. There was no point pretending surprise. “You don’t listen,” he said, voice low. “I told you to stay out of my way.” “I didn’t come looking for you,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “I was just walking.” He scoffed. “You’re always just walking, aren’t you? Always just conveniently appearing wherever you shouldn’t be.” “I didn’t realize breathing was against your rules,” I shot back. His eyes narrowed. “Don’t play coy with me, Zerah. You knew exactly what you were doing the moment you stepped into this building.” “I’m working, Ryker. Not everything is about you.” His lip curled slightly, and he took a step forward. “You think this is work? Sitting in meetings with Nathan? Tagging along to look import
Zerah“Nathan, I can just meet you there,” I said, clutching my bag a little tighter as I walked beside him in the parking lot. He unlocked his car with a chirp and turned to me, smiling. “Come on, Zerah. We’re heading to the same place. It’s silly to drive separately.” “I just— I don’t want to impose.” “You’re not imposing. Look, you’ll save gas, and I’ve got snacks.” He grinned wider. “Unless you’re worried I’ll talk your ears off?” That made me laugh despite myself. “You might.” “Then that’s a risk you’ll have to take.” He pulled open the passenger door with a flourish. “Milady.” Rolling my eyes, I got in. “You’re impossible.” “Yeah, but I’m charming.” I nodded, even though my stomach was tied in knots. I had no idea what to expect. The last thing I wanted was to walk into another meeting with Ryker in it. But there was no avoiding it now. Nathan had insisted I join him, and I couldn't exactly say no.The ride was mostly quiet, save for Nathan humming to a soft indi
ZerahAfter what felt like an eternity, the evening chill had already seeped into my skin when finally headed back into the house. Immediately I entered the living room I met both of my boys chattering, the previous worry they showed before gone.Warmth filled me at the sight, waves of love and anxiety. I couldn't lose them. They were my one reason for living, and my only consolation from the hurt of those years. Time passed quickly. Shortly after dinner, I tucked them into bed before heading into my room a heavy weight of exhaustion filling me as I collapsed onto the bed.My heart still ached however, the memory of Ryker the incidents today filled my mind. This was all my fault. If I had just declined Nathan's offer, I could have remained in City Z where my life was normal and safe. But I was here now. Back in a city with so many painful memories, and on my first day back, I had run into the one person I had hoped never to see again. And as it turns out, I worked for him. I
Zerah This was my fault.My heart fell. Without even so much as a warning, my worst fear had unexpectedly happened.Less than a few hours ago, I’d rushed out of the office after receiving a call that my mother was in the hospital. Immediately I thought the worst and flew into a panic, barely noticing anyone as I left.It was only after getting to the hospital that my fears were eased. As it turned out, although she was still in shock, she had simply suffered a small fall and had a few simple scrapes and bruises. Because of the shock she was going to have a simple night stay in the clinic. After talking to her, I left to pick Ryan and Micah from school and had told them everything, assured that she would be discharged by tomorrow.I was confused when midway through dinner I received a knock on the door, but hadn’t expected to see Ryker of all people at my doorstep. Seeing him at my doorstep, so close to the children I wanted to keep him away from made me panic. As a result I desp
RykerMy jaw clenched against the silence as I leaned against the door. Minutes had passed and anyone could come in. It would be uncouth if someone caught me in the ladies bathroom. Yet despite that, all I could think of is HER. Something bitter swelled up in my chest at the reminder of the look on her face but I tamped it down instantly. Why should I feel guilty?And my thoughts were disgusting? How dare she say that when everything I'd said was true? She had approached me for money back then afterall? And now she was hanging on Nathan's arm like it was a lifeline.I shouldn't have come here in the first place. Zerah was nothing to me and I could care less about what she thought. I only approached her to protect Nathan. Yes, that was it.Ignoring everything else, I stepped out and returned back to the party. When I found them, Nathan and Alyn were still talking but there was no sign of her. Sidling up next to Alice I met the empty space beside him,“Where's your date?” I said in