Chapter 13

Zaria 

I walk through the glass doors with my hands clasped in front of me, nerves fluttering restlessly in my stomach. It has been a few days since I last saw Dad, and after everything that has happened, I am not sure what kind of reception I am about to get. Last night still feels heavy on my chest. Samantha standing in my living room, her arms crossed, her voice firm as she told me she would take my place at work. That she would deal with Tristan King herself.

I decided to let her have her way because I was too tired to fight anymore.

This morning, I let myself sleep in for the first time in weeks. I even cooked lasagna, the kind Dad used to love before hospital food became his reality. I was just about to sit down and eat when Anita called.

Her voice had been calm as she told me my dad was asking to see me. She also mentioned that they were aware Samantha is now working in my place. That part made my stomach twist.

So here I am, walking into the place that always seems to drain me emotionally before I even reach his room, wondering what exactly they want from me. Wondering if this is another disappointment waiting to be handed to me with folded arms and sharp words.

“Good morning,” the receptionist says warmly when I reach her.

“Good morning, how’re you?” I reply, returning the smile even though it feels a little tight.

“I’m fine, Miss Buckley. Your father is awake. You can go in.”

I thank her and turn toward the elevator. By the time I reach his floor, my chest feels heavy, but my face is calm. I push the door open quietly and walk in.

Dad is sitting up on the hospital bed, a tray balanced in front of him. Anita sits close by on a chair, a cup of tea in her hands. I notice how they look stressed and unhappy.

They both look up when they notice me.

“Good morning guys,” I say softly, walking in.

I lean down first to kiss Anita on the cheek. She smells like her usual perfume, comforting and familiar. Then I turn to Dad, bending slightly to kiss his forehead the way I always do.

Before I can, his hand comes up to stop me from leaning in. The rejection hits me hard. It feels like running into a wall you did not see coming. I straighten slowly, my throat tightening as heat creeps into my cheeks. I try not to let it show, but it stings more than I expect. 

“Dad, what’s…wrong?” I ask quietly.

His eyes harden instantly.

“It’s been a week,” he says sharply, staring at me like I have personally betrayed him. “A whole week, and you haven’t done a single thing to help me get my company back. Instead, you decided to push your sister to work for that bastard in your place.”

The words hit me one after the other, but I say nothing.

Anita sighs and reaches out, resting her hand on his arm. “Maybe it’s not such a bad thing,” she says gently. “I’m sure Tristan still has feelings for my daughter.”

I almost laugh at that, but I don’t say anything. I keep my mouth shut, even though she could not be more wrong. They have no idea how cruel Tristan really is. They talk about him like he’s some solution we just have to tolerate, when he’s the very thing tearing our lives apart. I wish I could protect them from the damage he’s causing, but it’s clear now that they no longer believe I can. Whatever faith they once had in me is gone.

Anita tilts her head slightly, studying my face. “By the way, have you seen the headlines this morning?”

I shake my head. “No. I’ve been avoiding the internet since Dad’s heart attack.”

“You should check when you get the chance,” she says, glaring at me. What trouble have I caused again for goodness sake?

My father continues to glare at me as if he has a lot to say but is forcing himself to stay quiet. I can’t sit under that look anymore. Not today. Not when I already feel like I’m failing at everything.

I push my chair back and stand. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“I want to get something to eat,” I reply, already stepping away. I don’t wait for a response. I leave the room before he can say anything else that will make me feel worse.

When I reach the cafeteria, I walk up to the counter and order a sandwich and a juice, my mind still spinning with everything I’m trying not to feel. I’m about to turn away when someone says my name.

“Zaria?”

I freeze for a second before slowly turning around, recognizing the voice. It’s Jasper. He looks a little different from last night. He’s wearing a Jean jacket and pants, his blond curly hair looks tussled and he looks very handsome. I suddenly remember how Tristan threatened Jasper last night. Heat rushes to my face, embarrassment washing over me as I realize how that scene must have looked from the outside. My fingers tighten around the edge of my tray, and suddenly I feel exposed, like everyone can see right through me. Jasper smiles, completely unaware of how tense I am.

“Wow,” Jasper says, rubbing the back of his neck with a small laugh. “I’d say fate wants us together but you kinda don’t look happy to see me...”

I clear my throat, forcing myself to relax. “Sorry. I just… didn’t expect to see you here.”

“That makes two of us,” he replies easily. “Well, My grandma’s been admitted here for a few weeks now.”

My brows lift. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Is she okay?”

He nods. “Yeah, she’s stable now. She insisted on staying longer than necessary though. Typical her.” A fond smile crosses his face. “She’s also one of the owners of the hospital, so she gets away with a lot.”

“Oh, she owns the hospital?”

“One of them,” he confirms. “She likes to remind everyone of that fact, especially the doctors. I come by almost every day just to make sure she’s behaving herself.” Despite myself, a small laugh escapes me. It feels strange, laughing so easily after everything weighing on me, but it’s not unwelcome.

“I didn’t realize you were… hospital-adjacent,” I say lightly.

He grins. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet.”

There’s a brief pause, not awkward, just quiet. He shifts his weight slightly, studying my face with a look that makes my stomach flutter in a way I’m not prepared for. “Listen,” he says, lowering his voice a little. “I was wondering… would you be interested in going out with me sometime later this week? A proper date. No loud music, no dancing if you don’t want to.”

I hesitate for half a second, instinctively thinking of everything that could go wrong. Tristan. My family. The mess my life has become. Then I remind myself that I’m allowed one good thing. One moment that isn’t dictated by fear or obligation.

I smile at him. A real one. “Um..yeah. I’d like that.”

His face lights up immediately. “Really?”

“Really,” I confirm, nodding. “Just don’t take me somewhere too fancy.”

He chuckles. “I’ll try not to, beautiful.”

As he pulls out his phone to exchange details, I smile at myself, hoping I can have a good time with this sweet man.

***