The sky blushed in shades of gold and rose as the sun dipped low, painting the Kareem mansion’s garden in a gentle, amber light. The air smelled faintly of jasmine, and the gravel crunched softly beneath their steps as Regan and Zara strolled side by side, fingers loosely entwined.Neither spoke for a while, letting the evening’s calm settle over them like a warm blanket. The last few weeks had been a storm; now, this moment felt like the eye — still, fragile, and precious.“I can’t wait to see their face for the first time,” Zara murmured, her free hand resting protectively over her belly.Regan glanced down at her, his expression softening. “I’ve been thinking about… after. Once the baby is here, maybe we could spend a few months somewhere quiet. No noise, no trouble — just us.”Zara’s lips curved into a smile. “Somewhere peaceful sounds perfect.”They spoke of little things — a nursery painted in warm creams and gold, family dinners, the way they would balance their dreams with par
Next morning The morning air at the Kareem mansion was crisp and gentle, carrying with it the faint scent of freshly watered jasmine from the balcony garden. Zara sat curled into the cushioned wicker chair, a soft blanket draped over her legs, her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of chamomile tea. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, painting golden patches across her silk robe, and for the first time in days, her mind felt… unburdened.Her phone vibrated against the small table beside her, its cheerful ringtone breaking the quiet. She glanced at the screen and smiled instantly — Kemi.She swiped to answer, bringing the phone to her ear.“Madam Kareem!” Kemi’s voice exploded through the speaker, brimming with playful energy. “Guess what’s happening in exactly one week?”Zara chuckled, already knowing where this was going. “Let me guess — you’re finally learning how to cook without burning the kitchen?”“Ha-ha, very funny,” Kemi shot back. “I’m talking about your maternity sho
The office was unusually loud that afternoon — phones ringing, printers whirring, and the low hum of chatter. Imani sat at her desk, fingers drumming against her phone instead of typing. She had been staring at Nathan’s name in her contact list for almost ten minutes.The urge to hear his voice was almost physical.Finally, she inhaled deeply and pressed “call.”The dial tone stretched in her ear. Once. Twice.On the fourth ring, his voice came through, flat and cautious. “Imani.”She closed her eyes, savoring just hearing him. “Nathan… please don’t hang up.”“I’m listening,” he said, but there was no warmth.Her throat tightened. “I made a mistake. I—I let anger and pride ruin everything. I should’ve trusted you, stood by you… but I didn’t. I pushed you away when you needed me most, and now I just—” her voice cracked, “I just want us back.”Silence.When he spoke again, his tone was firm. “Us? Imani, there is no us. You made your choice. You made it more than once.”“I know, but I’ve
The late afternoon sunlight spilled into the room, painting the walls in soft gold. Regan sat on the bed with his back propped against the headboard, his arm draped lazily around Zara’s shoulders. She lay curled against him, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a rare kind of peace — the kind that felt fragile, like any sudden sound might shatter it.They’d spent most of the day together like this, talking about nothing and everything.“So,” Regan said, brushing his thumb absently over her arm, “have you thought about names yet?”Zara smiled. “I have a list. But I’m not telling you yet because I know you’ll veto half of them.”“Me? Never,” he said, pretending to look offended. “As long as it’s not something like… Sparkle or Thunder.”She laughed, swatting his chest lightly. “Relax. No fruit names either.”He grinned, then reached down to rest his palm gently on her growing bump. “Boy or girl, I just want healthy. But… I still want to k
Study Room: Curiosity ReturnsLater that afternoon, the house had fallen into a sleepy hush. Sunlight filtered in through the high windows, spilling shadows across the marbled floors. Somewhere distant, a door closed gently. Regan’s voice had echoed down the hall earlier — something about needing to step into a call with an investor. Zara had nodded absently from the top of the staircase, her thoughts already drifting elsewhere.She found herself walking again — aimlessly at first, trailing her fingers along the smooth walls of the Kareem mansion. But as her bare feet padded toward the east wing, her steps slowed. The door to the study stood slightly ajar, like it had been waiting for her.Something pulled her — not loudly, not urgently. Just a whisper of unfinished business.Zara pushed the door open with her fingertips.The scent of aged leather and paper greeted her. The same stack of books that had fallen earlier remained slightly off-kilter on the floor near the shelf. A half-fin
Morning PeaceThe morning sun filtered softly through the gauzy white curtains, casting a golden hue across the spacious bedroom. The warmth crept across the bed like a whisper, touching Zara’s cheek before she stirred beneath the soft ivory sheets.She shifted slightly, her brow furrowing, then relaxing again as her hand brushed against warmth — his warmth.Regan.His arm was still around her, possessive yet gentle, his chest rising and falling behind her in a steady, comforting rhythm. She could feel his breath against the curve of her neck, not asleep but silent — watchful.Zara’s lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, she just lay there, letting herself feel. The stillness. The safety. The fact that she wasn’t waking up in chaos or fear, but in peace. Something she hadn’t known in what felt like years.She turned slowly, eyes meeting his. He was already awake, eyes on her, soft and unguarded.“Good morning,” he whispered, voice thick with affection.“Morning,” she murmured back,