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Chapter 8

Author: Crystal hart
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-26 04:46:40

The morning after the engagement ceremony came too soon. Sunlight spilled across Zara’s room like an unwelcome guest—golden and soft, but to her, it felt harsh, exposing. She lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as the events of the previous day replayed in her mind like a cruel movie on repeat. The music, the forced smiles, the weight of tradition, and—most hauntingly—the muffled conversation she’d overheard between her father and Chief Kareem.

She didn’t want to think about it.

She didn’t want to remember her father’s voice trembling—not with fear, but with unease—as he whispered, “You promised this would never come back to us.”

Zara squeezed her eyes shut, as if that could force the memory out. She didn’t know what they were hiding, and deep down, she feared the answer. But fear wasn’t something she could afford right now. Not when her dreams were dangling by a thread and her freedom was on a timer.

Pushing herself off the bed, she reached for her phone. The one person wh
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  • The reluctant vow   Chapter 270

    It was a quiet night in the Kareem mansion. The twins had finally fallen asleep after hours of fussing, their tiny breaths soft and peaceful in their cribs. The only light in the room came from the small bedside lamp, casting a warm glow across Zara’s tired face.Kemi sat cross-legged on the bed beside her, scrolling through her phone while humming a tune. Zara stared at her reflection in the mirror for a long time, her fingers tracing the faint stretch marks on her belly through her nightgown. Her heart felt heavy.“Kemi…” she called softly.Kemi looked up from her phone immediately. “Yeah?”Zara’s voice was low. “Do I look… different?”Kemi blinked, trying to understand where the question was going. “Different how?”Zara turned to face her fully, eyes glossy. “Just look at me. My stomach isn’t flat anymore, my hips feel wider, my skin looks dull. I used to love looking in the mirror, but now…” Her voice broke a little. “Now I just feel ugly.”Kemi frowned and put her phone aside, si

  • The reluctant vow   Chapter 269

    When Regan walked back into the nursery, the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence. Zara stood near the crib, folding tiny clothes with exaggerated calm, her back turned to him. Her mind was spinning with the words she had just heard — “He has destroyed too many lives.”Regan’s steps were slow, heavy, almost hesitant. He ran a hand through his hair, forcing a yawn to appear casual. “Everything okay?” he asked lightly, setting his phone on the dresser.Zara turned, her expression composed but her eyes sharp. “Yeah, everything’s fine,” she replied. Her voice was soft, almost indifferent, yet laced with quiet curiosity.She smoothed out a little white onesie and placed it neatly beside the others before asking, “What did your mum mean by that? About your father?”The question landed like a dart — quick, direct, and impossible to dodge.Regan froze for a second, the muscles in his jaw tightening just slightly before he turned to face her. “What?” he asked, feigning confusion.

  • The reluctant vow   Chapter 268

    The mansion had fallen into a quiet lull after the call. Zara had just put the twins down to nap when Regan stood abruptly, muttering something about needing “a better network connection.” He picked up his phone, forcing a small, distracted smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.“I’ll just step outside for a bit,” he said quickly, avoiding Zara’s gaze.She nodded slowly, pretending to be busy straightening the blanket around one of the babies. But her mind was sharp and alert. Something about the way his tone had shifted during that video call had unsettled her. The warmth that filled the living room moments ago had been replaced with an invisible tension — something unsaid, something heavy.As Regan disappeared down the corridor, Zara’s curiosity grew stronger than her restraint. She stood, hesitated for a moment, and then followed quietly — her bare feet making no sound against the marble floor.The air in the hallway was cooler. Regan had stepped out toward the garden, his back to

  • The reluctant vow   Chapter 267

    The afternoon sun poured gently through the tall curtains of the Kareem mansion, casting soft golden hues on the marble floor. The atmosphere was peaceful — the kind of calm that came only after long weeks of chaos and sleepless nights. Zara sat on the couch in the living room, dressed in a simple pastel robe, her hair tied up in a messy bun. One of the twins rested against her chest, sleeping soundly, while the other lay beside her in a soft white bassinet.Regan walked in quietly from the hallway, still wearing his loose home T-shirt and joggers, scrolling through his phone. The faint sound of a ringtone broke the silence. He glanced at the screen and froze for a moment before a slow smile spread across his face.“It’s Mama,” he said softly, his tone brightening with excitement.Zara’s head lifted instantly, her tired eyes lighting up. “Really? A video call?”“Yes,” he said, already swiping to answer. “She must’ve missed her grandchildren too much.”Zara giggled lightly. “Then let’s

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    The next morning came quietly, sunlight spilling through the tall glass windows of the Kareem mansion. The air smelled of baby lotion and new beginnings — laughter from the twins’ nursery, Regan’s soft voice humming a lullaby, Zara’s gentle smile as she fed one of the babies.Everything looked peaceful. Almost too peaceful.But behind closed doors, peace was only a thin layer — fragile, temporary.Downstairs, inside his private study, Chief Kareem sat behind his large mahogany desk, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. His tone was cold, clipped, and far from the cheerful grandfatherly act he’d shown at the hospital.“I’ve given you more than enough time,” he said, his voice low and hard. “Find out where she is. I don’t care how long it takes.”There was a pause on the other end. Whoever he was speaking to mumbled something, clearly nervous.“I don’t want excuses,” Chief Kareem interrupted sharply, his hand gripping the edge of the desk. “She’s become a problem. If she resurfaces aga

  • The reluctant vow   Chapter 265

    The afternoon sun bathed the Kareem mansion in soft gold as the convoy of cars rolled in through the iron gates. Balloons and ribbons lined the driveway, fluttering in the warm breeze. The moment Zara stepped out of the car, a cheer rose from the staff and a few invited guests gathered in front of the grand entrance.Chief Kareem stood proudly at the center of it all, dressed in a flowing white agbada that shimmered under the light. His usually stern face was softened with what looked almost like genuine joy. Beside him were Zara’s parents, their faces glowing with pride, and a few family friends and business associates who had come to welcome the new mother and her twins home.Kemi carried one of the babies gently, while Regan held the other, his arm brushing against Zara’s as they walked side by side into the house. The sweet scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingled with the faint aroma of food being prepared in the kitchen. The walls were adorned with congratulatory banners —

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