All Chapters of The reluctant vow: Chapter 211 - Chapter 220

They met the investigator two days later in a quiet corner of a small, unremarkable café in Ikoyi. He introduced himself only as Mr. Damilare, a tall, composed man with watchful eyes. He shook Zara’s hand with a firm grip and got straight to business.“I’ve been briefed,” he said, lowering his voice. “You’ve received untraceable emails, possibly from someone with significant resources. You believe this is tied to the Kareem Foundation and the disappearance of someone named Zainab T. Is that correct?”Zara nodded, sliding a folder across the table — screenshots of the emails, the anonymous photo, and the copies of old foundation documents Kemi had dug up. “This is everything we have so far. I need you to trace where these messages are coming from. Who’s sending them. And if possible, find any lead — any — that connects to my sister.”Mr. Damilare flipped through the papers quietly, occasionally nodding. When he finally looked up, his expression was serious. “I won’t lie to you, Mrs. Ka

But out loud, she kept her tone soothing. “Look, even if he is keeping something from you, it might not be bad. Don’t jump to the worst-case scenario, okay? You deserve peace — and so does that baby. Focus on your health. Let him talk when he’s ready.”Zara let out a long, defeated sigh. “I’m trying. I really am.”“I know you are.” Kemi’s voice softened even more. “And no matter what happens, you’re stronger than you think. Don’t let your fears eat away at you before you even know the truth.”The line went quiet for a few seconds, the only sound the faint rustle of wind through Zara’s open window.“Thanks, Kem,” she whispered finally. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”“Always here, babe. Always.”When the call ended, Zara set her phone down and stared blankly out the window. The city skyline shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, cars weaving through streets that seemed so alive — so normal.But inside her chest, the unease still twisted and burned. Kemi’s words had been comfortin

Zara stood before the mirror, fussing with the sleeves of the soft cotton dress she’d slipped on. It was simple and loose — perfect for a casual outing, she thought. But Kemi’s immediate reaction was a dramatic eye roll.“No, no, no. Absolutely not.”Zara frowned. “What’s wrong with this?”“It’s too casual,” Kemi said, hands on her hips like a stylist on a mission. “You look like you’re going grocery shopping, not stepping out into the world.”Zara raised an eyebrow. “We’re just going out to chill, remember? Fresh air? Maybe a smoothie? What’s with the fashion policing?”“Yes, but,” Kemi said, drawing out the words, “you haven’t been out in weeks. People might see you. And you’re Zara Kareem now — the city’s most talked-about mum-to-be. You owe it to yourself to look your best.”Zara groaned softly, but part of her knew Kemi was right. It had been so long since she’d cared about how she looked beyond comfort. “Fine,” she sighed, turning toward her walk-in closet. “But you’re helping m

The night sky over Lagos shimmered like a velvet canvas dusted with a thousand stars. The lights of the grand hall dimmed again, and the chatter of hundreds of guests softened into a low hum as they were guided outside into the sprawling gardens. A hush of anticipation swept through the crowd, the kind of collective stillness that comes before a storm of joy.Zara stood in the center of it all, wrapped in the gentle embrace of Regan’s arm. His other hand rested tenderly on her belly — their belly — where life kicked and fluttered beneath her skin. The soft night breeze tugged at her gown as she leaned into him, her heart drumming wildly.“Are you ready?” Regan whispered against her ear, his voice trembling with both nerves and excitement.Zara let out a shaky laugh. “I don’t think I’ve ever been ready for anything like this.”The crowd began to chant, their voices rising in unison.“Ten… nine… eight…”Each number echoed in Zara’s chest like a heartbeat. The sound of fireworks being pr

The sound of laughter floated through the grand dining room long before Zara stepped in. The long mahogany table, usually reserved for formal dinners and corporate meetings, had been transformed into a joyful family feast — a spread of everything from steaming yam porridge to fresh fruit platters, golden pancakes, and soft moin-moin wrapped in banana leaves. The air smelled of home, of celebration, of love.“Ah, here she is! Mama Twins herself!” Chief Kareem announced with a dramatic flourish as soon as Zara entered the room.Everyone burst into applause. Her mother was already dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, and her father was grinning so wide his cheeks looked like they might ache. Even the usually composed Chief Kareem looked softer than usual — his stern, authoritative aura replaced by the glow of a proud grandfather.“Good morning, everyone,” Zara said, her cheeks flushing as she made her way to the table. Regan, already seated beside his father, stood and pulled out a chai