บททั้งหมดของ The reluctant vow: บทที่ 171 - บทที่ 180

ZARA’S BEDROOM – AFTERNOONThe afternoon light filtered softly through the white curtains, casting delicate patterns on the tiled floor of Zara’s bedroom. The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the space with a gentle rhythm, matching the slow, measured rise and fall of Zara’s breath. She lay curled up on her side atop the bed, her body tucked beneath a lightweight throw, eyes fixed on her phone screen as her thumb moved lazily from post to post.The stillness of the room wrapped around her like a fragile cocoon, broken only by the occasional chirp from her device.Her phone buzzed suddenly, cutting through the silence. The screen lit up with a familiar name—Kemi.Zara’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile. The warmth in her eyes stirred something that had been lying dormant all morning. She swiped to answer, voice still drowsy but brightening.ZARA(grinning)Hey, manager of the year.A burst of laughter rang through the receiver, followed by Kemi’s lively voice, infused wit

REGAN & ZARA’S ROOM – SHORTLY AFTERSoft morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting golden lines across the floor. The air smelled faintly of cologne and freshly laundered sheets. Zara stood near the dresser, adjusting the belt of her wrap top, her hands moving with practiced ease as she checked her reflection in the mirror.Behind her, Regan sat on the edge of the bed, his shoulders slouched, elbows resting on his knees. His fingers moved to his temples, massaging them slowly, a faint crease forming between his brows.ZARA(turning halfway)You okay?Regan didn’t answer immediately. He blinked, like he was trying to focus on something that kept slipping away.REGAN(low, almost murmured)I don’t know… I just feel off. A little dizzy. Like I stood up too fast… but it won’t go away.Zara’s expression shifted instantly, worry creeping into her eyes. She walked over, kneeling slightly to meet his gaze. Her hands reached for his wrists, lowering them gently from his face.

SHOOT VENUE – LATERThe afternoon sun bathed the shoot location in warm amber light. A gentle breeze swayed the white drapes set up around the open-air venue, fluttering like silk against the backdrop of city sounds muffled in the distance. The once buzzing set was now winding down—lights being dimmed, props being gently packed, and makeup artists wiping down their kits.Zara stood near the center of the set, still glowing with the calm pride of a job well done. Her last outfit—a soft ivory silk gown that framed her baby bump with understated elegance—clung gently to her form as she sipped from a bottle of water, talking with the lead photographer and glancing over at Kemi, who stood off to the side reviewing photos on her tablet.Then, the soft purr of a familiar engine cut through the background noise.A sleek black car pulled in quietly through the side gate of the venue. Heads turned. Conversation slowed. Some of the crew looked on with curiosity, others with familiarity. But Zara

NATHAN’S APARTMENT – NIGHTThe hum of the ceiling fan circled through the room like the ticking of a quiet clock. Nathan sat cross-legged on the floor, files and devices sprawled out in front of him—an open laptop, two phones, a small stack of printed documents. A single dim lamp cast a golden glow over the table beside him.He stared ahead in silence for a long moment, jaw clenched, then reached forward and pulled a manila envelope closer.FLASHBACK: INT. DR. HAKEEM’S OFFICE – MONTHS AGOThe office was cool, sterile, polished . Certificates lined the walls. Dr. Hakeem sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled nervously as Imani sat across from him, legs crossed, her voice low and sharp.IMANII don’t care how you do it. The results must say Regan Kareem is the father.DR. HAKEEMYou realize the legal implications of falsifying paternity—IMANI(slicing in)You realize the financial implications of losing the Kareem family’s goodwill?Dr. Hakeem swallowed hard. He tapped the desk ligh

The atmosphere in the room was thick—like smoke that refused to clear. Silence clung to every surface. Imani sat on the edge of the armrest, clutching Amira like a lifeline. Chief Kareem stood by the window, his gaze hard and unreadable as he stared into the night. Regan paced, hands on his waist, fury still simmering beneath his skin. Zara sat quietly in the corner, her arms folded, expression unreadable.Then a knock.GATEKEEPER (O.S.)Sir… Dr. Hakeem is here.Everyone froze.CHIEF KAREEM (without turning)Let him in.Footsteps approached. And then—Dr. Hakeem entered, slightly hunched, nervous energy clinging to him like a second skin. He removed his cap and held it respectfully in both hands, his lips twitching as he tried to summon words that wouldn’t feel inadequate.He stopped just past the doorway, eyes scanning the room—landing last on Imani. Her eyes widened, lips parting slightly in panic.DR. HAKEEMGood evening… sir. Ma. Everyone.No one responded.CHIEF KAREEMTalk.The c