CHAPTER 6

ZENDAYA'S POV

Victor's face had gone from red to purple, his carefully controlled mask slipping.

"This is absurd!" Victor's voice cut through the silent chaos. "Convenient doesn't even begin to describe this. An engagement announced at the exact moment she's about to lose her position? You expect us to believe that?"

"I expect you to believe the truth," Malachi replied calmly, his hand still resting on my shoulder. The weight of it felt both grounding and terrifying.

"Then prove it," Victor challenged, crossing his arms. "When did this engagement happen? Why keep it secret? Why announce it now?"

Malachi didn't miss a beat. "We've been in a relationship since college. Long-distance for the past four years while I was in Europe completing my education and working for my father's company. We kept it private because of the distance and because Zendaya was focused on her recovery from the accident."

I sat frozen in my wheelchair, my mind racing. What was he doing? Why was he lying for me? And why did part of me want so desperately for it to be true?

"That's ridiculous," Victor scoffed. "If you've been together since college, why didn't anyone know? Why didn't Adrian know?"

All eyes turned to my brother.

Adrian stood there, clearly as shocked as I was. I could see the confusion in his eyes, the questions forming. But then something shifted in his expression—understanding, maybe, or decision. He straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat.

"Actually," Adrian said slowly, "I did know. About their feelings for each other, at least."

My heart stopped. What was he doing?

"I've known for years that there was something between them," Adrian continued, warming to the story. "The way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching. The tension between them. I'll admit, I wasn't thrilled about it initially—Malachi is my best friend, and the thought of him dating my sister was... complicated. But over time, I came to see that they were good for each other."

Victor's jaw tightened. "Then why the secrecy?"

"Because it was none of anyone else's business," Malachi answered smoothly. "Zendaya and I are private people. We didn't see the need to broadcast our relationship, especially with the challenges we were facing—the distance, her recovery, my responsibilities in Europe."

"And the engagement?" Mr. Richardson asked, leaning forward with interest. "When did that occur?"

"Three weeks ago," Malachi replied without hesitation. "I proposed when I returned to the States. We were planning to announce it after Zendaya settled into her CEO role, but circumstances have forced our hand."

I needed to say something. I couldn't just sit here in silence while Malachi spun this elaborate lie. But what could I say? If I contradicted him now, I'd lose everything—the CEO position, my chance to prove myself, my opportunity to take back what I'd given up for Derek.

"Zendaya?" Mr. Richardson addressed me directly. "Can you confirm this?"

Every eye in the room fixed on me. Victor looked triumphant, clearly expecting me to crack. Adrian looked encouraging but anxious. And Malachi—Malachi looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite read. Trust me, his eyes seemed to say.

I took a breath and made my choice.

"Yes," I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Malachi and I are engaged. He's telling the truth about our relationship. We've kept it private because that's what we both preferred, but we're together. We're committed to each other."

The words felt strange on my tongue—not quite lies, but not quite true either. Because part of me had always been committed to Malachi, even when I'd tried so hard not to be.

Victor slammed his hand on the table. "This is a farce! You're making this up to manipulate the board—"

"Mr. Morrison," Mr. Richardson interrupted coldly. "Unless you have actual evidence of deception, I suggest you control yourself. These are serious accusations."

Victor's mouth snapped shut, but his eyes promised murder.

Mr. Richardson turned back to us. "Well. This does change things considerably. Mr. Hayes, your family's business reputation is impeccable. Hayes Industries is one of the most successful companies in the country. Your involvement would certainly... alleviate concerns about Ms. Morrison's inexperience."

I bristled at that but kept my mouth shut.

"However," Mr. Richardson continued, "we would need certain assurances. Guarantees that this isn't simply a business arrangement designed to secure the CEO position."

"What kind of guarantees?" Adrian asked warily.

"The wedding must take place within three months," another board member announced. "And Mr. Hayes must take an official position within Morrison Industries—perhaps as co-chair or senior advisor. That way the board can be confident that Ms. Morrison will have the support and guidance she needs."

What? Get married to Malachi in three months?

No. No. This was going out of hand. I– I can't get married to Malachi. No, not him.

And what do they mean by ‘The guidance she needs?’  As if I were a child who couldn't be trusted to run the company alone.

I opened my mouth to protest– tell them this was all a lie but then I looked at Adrian, he was smiling, hope blooming in his eyes.

I remembered how he had told me that he could now pursue his dream of being a doctor now that I was interested in stepping in.

I could not destroy that dream. I can't be that sister. No.

So I swallowed my pride and nodded. "Those terms are acceptable."

"Malachi?" Mr. Richardson prompted.

"Three months is reasonable," Malachi agreed. "And I'd be honored to take an advisory position at Morrison Industries. I believe Zendaya and I can lead this company to unprecedented success—together."

The board members began conferring among themselves in low voices. I sat rigid in my wheelchair, barely breathing, waiting for their decision. Beside me, Adrian had gone pale but maintained his supportive expression.

Finally, Mr. Richardson stood. "Very well. Given these new circumstances, I propose we hold another vote. All in favor of appointing Zendaya Morrison as CEO, with Malachi Hayes as senior advisor, and with the condition that they marry within three months?"

Hands rose around the table. This time, twelve out of fifteen board members voted yes.

"The motion passes," Mr. Richardson announced. "Congratulations, Ms. Morrison. You are now CEO of Morrison Industries."

I should have felt triumphant. Victorious. Instead, I felt like I'd just stepped into a trap of my own making.

Victor stood slowly, his smile so fake it looked painful. "Congratulations to you both. I'm sure you'll be very happy together."

The venom in his voice was unmistakable, but he shook Malachi's hand and nodded curtly at me before leaving the boardroom, his shoulders rigid with barely contained fury.

The other board members filed out, offering their congratulations and welcomes. Within minutes, the three of us were alone—me, Adrian, and Malachi.

The silence stretched out, heavy and suffocating.

Adrian looked between us, his expression shifting from confusion to realization to something like anger. "Okay. Someone better start talking. What the hell just happened?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Malachi stepped forward. "Adrian—"

"No," Adrian interrupted, holding up his hand. "Just... no. I backed you up there because I could see Zendaya was about to lose everything. But now I want the truth. Are you two actually engaged, or was that complete bullshit?"

I looked at Malachi. He looked at me.

And neither of us had an answer that wouldn't destroy everything.