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Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Family Ties

Chapter 6 : Family Ties

Julia had hoped to use that quiet morning moment to finally bring up Zara's love life.

The last time she asked about David, Zara had dodged the question.

Something wasn't right Julia felt it deep in her bones.

She never liked David much to begin with. There was always something off about him.

But Zara had looked happy at first, and so, she stayed silent.

Still, she swore if that boy ever broke her daughter's heart, he wouldn't know what hit him.

Sighing, she made her way downstairs to make sure breakfast was set. But as she entered the living room, her steps halted.

There he was.

A.J.

Her late husband's younger brother, holding a wrapped gift with a grin on his face.

"Heyyy, Julia," he said, arms out like this was a normal pop-in. "It's been a while. I just thought I'd drop by and say hello. Got something for Zara."

He lifted the gift slightly, flashing a smile.

Julia's expression shifted instantly. Guarded. Cold. Unreadable.

"At least you could've called ahead," she said flatly, eyes narrowing for a second before softening barely.

A.J. couldn't quite tell if she was pleased or pissed. That was always how it was with Julia.

"Hey Uncle, what's up?" Teejay strolled in casually, dressed in his signature white tees and joggers.

"Young man!" A.J. grinned. "You're taller every time I see you. How's it going?"

They shook hands, exchanging a brotherly pat.

"I'm hanging in there," Teejay said, stretching to grab a muffin from the tray on the coffee table.

"College is chewing me up though—final year's no joke."

"Keep your head in the game, man," A.J. said, grabbing a muffin for himself.

"What about you, Uncle?" Teejay asked, grinning slyly. "Still got the ladies flocking?"

A.J. laughed, tossing his head slightly. "Come on now, you know I'm hot cake. No woman can resist all this charm. I'm irresistible, and modest too."

Julia rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, already regretting not taking a different route to the kitchen. She turned to leave.

Just then, the rhythmic sound of heels clicked against the stairs.

Zara appeared, dressed in a soft pink, floral gown that stopped just above her knees.

The silk hugged her curves delicately, cinched at the waist with a gold belt.

Her brown skin glowed against the blush tones, and her long curls were swept to one side.

She looked effortlessly radiant.

"Uncle A.J.!" she beamed, rushing over to him.

"Zara, my beautiful girl!" he stood and wrapped her in a warm, affectionate hug.

It had been months since they'd seen each other in person.

"I've missed you so much," he said, still holding her shoulders. "You're even more stunning than the last time I saw you. How are you doing?"

Zara gave him a soft smile. "I'm managing... but I'm definitely better now that I've seen you. We so have to catch up."

Julia watched from behind, arms folded, her lips tight but silent.

The room felt a little warmer, but beneath the surface, the air still buzzed with unspoken history.

Goodbyes

"Speaking of catching up," A.J. said, reaching for a small luxury box on the side table, "I brought you something."

He handed the sleek, matte-black box to Zara, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

Zara opened it and gasped.

"Oh my God!" she shrieked, holding it up.

A gleaming Patek Philippe Grandmaster wristwatch sat nestled in the velvet-lined box, its polished gold frame catching the morning light.

"Uncle… this is insane! It's so expensive!" she said, her voice filled with awe. "Thank you so much! What would I ever do without my favorite uncle?" She threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

Teejay crossed his arms, pouting.

"Nice one, Uncle. Totally ignoring your favorite nephew. It's obvious Zara's the favorite child."

Zara grinned proudly, already fastening the wristwatch.

"Please. Last time, you got the latest PS5. Now it's my turn."

"Don't worry, young man," A.J. said with a chuckle, patting Teejay's back. "I've got something big for you too. When you graduate."

"It better be a Lamborghini." Teejay muttered with mock seriousness, biting into a muffin.

Julia stood quietly in the kitchen, overhearing everything. Her hands moved methodically as she rinsed a glass, but her expression remained unreadable.

"Uncle, I've got to run—I'm already super late," Zara said, snapping the watch on her wrist. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you again. You're the best."

"Bye, angel," A.J. smiled warmly. "Have a great day."

Julia emerged just in time, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel.

"Zara, you're leaving already? Without breakfast?"

"Ugh, Mum—I'm late! I'll just grab a muffin."

She snatched one from the tray, heels clicking toward the front door.

"This daughter of mine," Julia muttered, watching her speed out.

"Is it just me, or is she never on time?" Teejay said with a half-smile. "Always running behind."

"She got that from her mother," A.J. teased, nudging Julia slightly.

A brief silence followed. Then Teejay chuckled softly, taking another bite of his muffin.

Julia simply rolled her eyes and turned back toward the kitchen, irritation flickering across her face. The atmosphere had shifted—but no one dared acknowledge it.

Zara pulled into the company garage, her sleek black Porsche humming softly as it glided into its reserved spot. The early morning light danced on the windshield as she stepped out, pink Stanley cup in one hand, designer tote slung effortlessly over her shoulder.

She made her way into the building, heels clicking confidently on the marble floor, and stepped into the elevator. Her reflection stared back at her in the polished metal—a vision of elegance and control.

But the moment the elevator doors slid open, her breath caught.

There he was.

David Woods.

The man who had ghosted her.

The man she had once imagined a future with.

He stood right in front of her in a tailored navy suit, face slightly tense, as if he'd expected this moment but still wasn't ready for it.

David—junior associate at Cross Law Firm. Her boyfriend of two years.

The man who had suddenly vanished from her life with half-baked excuses and radio silence.

"David," her voice cut through the air—stern, cold, and yet laced with emotion.

He blinked, guilt flashing in his eyes.

"Zara… how are you?"

His voice was low, but it trembled just a bit.

Zara's jaw clenched.

"Oh, I'm fantastic," she said, sarcasm dripping from her tone. "I mean, after you decided to ghost me without warning, life's just been perfect."

"Zara, can we not do this here? Not now."

She took a step forward, the elevator doors beginning to close behind her.

"See, that's exactly my problem with you. You never want to do anything 'here' or 'now.' You keep running instead of taking accountability for your bullshit."

David looked away.

"What is wrong with you, David? What the hell is going on? You think you can disappear for two months and then stroll back into my life like nothing happened?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, eyes avoiding hers.

"Listen… it wasn't intentional. I've just had a lot going on. I needed time to clear my head"

Zara let out a bitter laugh.

"Men," she muttered. "You think 'clearing your head' is a license to vanish? You think that's how relationships work?"

She stepped closer, voice lowered but sharper.

"If something was wrong, David—you should've talked to me. Be a man and communicate. Don't act like a scared little boy and call it healing."

The elevator chimed—it had reached David's floor.

He glanced back at her, guilt written all over his face.

"Zara… we'll talk later, okay? I have a client waiting. I'm sorry."

He stepped out without waiting for a response.

Zara stood there in stunned silence, watching the man she used to love walk away like a stranger.

"Wow," she muttered to herself.

"Who the hell am I even dating?"

The elevator doors closed slowly, trapping her in the silence he left behind.

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