By Zadie Smith Novels & Stories

Flashback “Zade, how do you think I look tonight? Do you think your mom will accept me?” He reaches over and grabs my hand, brushing a kiss across my knuckles as the car climbs the slick, winding road. Rain hits the windshield in sheets as the city lights of Los Angeles blurred below us as we’re headed to La Menu Perfecto, the high end restaurant tucked into the hidden hills of LA and also this will be my first time meeting his parents, Tariq and Janine Smith. My stomach is a mess of nerves, because Zade's world of wealth is nothing like my world of endless bills and living paycheck to paycheck.

If you made it this far into Zach and Leia's story, then it is safe to say you have reached the end. I have had so much fun writing this book, and being able to share it with all of you has been such an honor. I am so happy that we finished this together, and I'm so thankful for all of you who got to go with Zach, Leia, and the rest of the BATB family. I would like to add some dedications, as well.

Listen to dusk till dawn - zayn malik ft sia while reading the middle part of this chapter. "Uhm. I. I" I stammered trying to put my thoughts together enough to form a sentence. "What exactly are you talking about?" I asked instead. "Oh you mean I didn't need to know that you're the daughter of Adewale Smith, one of the richest men in Africa?" He asked the question I already knew he was going to ask. "How.. How'd you. Know?" I licked my lips nervously and avoided his eyes.

Not yet. I turned onto my side, eyes landing on my nightstand. The book I’d finished last two weeks still sat there—Haunting Adeline. It had been a ride, to say the least. Dark, twisted, and completely unhinged. I grabbed the book and traced the cover absentmindedly, my mind still spinning from the way it had ended. And Zade? God. That man was insane, but in the best way. I couldn't even count how many times I had to pause and process the things he said.

Every flash of the camera felt choreographed, every touch practiced, every kiss on the cheek timed for the perfect effect. “You’re all over the blogs,” Dami said, a dry smile playing on his lips as he passed her the tablet as they sat on opposite ends of the big couch. The tablet’s light glowed softly on Zara’s face as she scrolled through the headlines—each one louder and more dramatic than the last. “Adeyemi Empire’s Prince Finally Engaged!” “Zara Hassan: The Woman Behind the Billionaire’s Contract” “Love or Leverage? Social Media Divided Over Zara and Dami’s Engagement”

"Know this—I am not the kind of woman who you'd intimidate into giving you her life story. I do not have a family, and that's all there is to that. If you aren't satisfied, well... there's nothing I can do about it.” To my surprise, he chuckled. "What's funny?" I tried not to be offended. "You want to know what's funny?" His laugh disappeared. "You want to know what's funny? Fine, I'll tell you, Zyliah Smith." My eyes widened. My whole body quivered. I couldn't tell if it was from anger or sorrow. He brought out his phone, pressed a few virtual buttons, and almost shoved it in my face. "...and this just further shows that you're nothing but a liar and a whore.”

I turned the corner, and stopped. He was there. Zade. Leaning back against the garden’s stone wall, shoulders slightly hunched, a cigarette glowed faintly between his fingers. He looked up when he heard me, the faintest flicker of surprise crossing his face before his expression smoothed out again, slipping back into quiet. “Didn’t know you smoked,” I said, voice breaking the quiet as I walked closer. My tone was soft, teasing, but also careful. Zade flicked ash into the grass, the ember flaring briefly against the dark.

I began, letting my voice fill the room. "I am Zara Smith, daughter of Sarah and Joseph Smith. I was gone, but now I am back to take my place as the heiress of Smith Holdings. I may have been gone for a long time, but rest assured, I have not been lazing around." Some members began moving uncomfortably in their seats as though the chair had begun to bite them.

His hard-earned MBA and years of dedication have paid off, establishing him as a respected leader in the field. Meanwhile, Zada has become a celebrated children’s author, her debut book ‘Mirrie the Mythical Horse’ marking the start of her rise to fame. Inspired by her storytelling talents, she continues to capture young readers' imaginations with her enchanting tales and thoughtful messages. Her latest book, praised as a classic in children’s literature, reflects her journey and growth over the years. Sunlight streamed through the windows of their cosy home, casting a warm glow over the morning routine as Liam and Zada hurried to prepare their daughter for her first day of kindergarten admis

It was stained with a dried, dark ink—the exact same silver-black ink from the basement footprints we had seen before. I reached out and pulled the notebook from the recess. The moment my fingers touched the leather, the burning in my chest flared violently, a sharp spike of heat rushing through my veins. I gasped, nearly dropping it. "Zara? What is it?" Adrian asked instantly, dropping to one knee next to me, his hand catching my shoulder. His touch was cold and grounding, helping the sudden heat die down. "Nothing," I lied, my breath shaking as I opened the cover. "It's just... cold."