CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: PROMISES AND TENSION

"What?" I whispered, stunned.

"You heard me," he continued, his gaze piercing. "Just because I don’t talk about him doesn’t mean I don’t know everything. So if you keep defying me, you’ll regret your choice."

I froze, words failing me, unsure whether to speak or move. My mind went blank.

Then I felt Nuala’s hand on my arm. "Just go along with him," she murmured. "Don’t give him a reason to make things worse."

I looked at her, and she lowered her voice even further, speaking almost as a plea, her words laced with concern. "Even if you don’t want to... think about your man. I know you don’t want to be separated from him. Please, brother... do what Dad wants for now."

Just for Zayn... I can’t lose him, I thought, my chest tightening. The thought of being apart from him was unbearable.

I leaned back slightly and faced my father. "You can’t keep interfering with my life, Father," I said, keeping my voice low so Zayn wouldn’t hear. "And you should stop using what is personal to me to threaten me... like you did years ago. You made me believe Nicki collected money from you."

I shook my head bitterly. "It was all a lie. You tricked him to keep him away from me. I blame him for being stupid enough to believe you."

Rogan’s face remained unreadable, as if he did not know about the past. After a long pause, he spoke in a calm, measured tone. "None of that matters now. What matters is what I’m asking of you."

"You won’t end up with a man," he continued, his eyes locking on mine. "So stop wasting your time, Evric. But for now... I won’t take him from you. Just do as I say."

I narrowed my eyes, my voice steady but tense. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Rogan motioned to his assistant. The assistant handed me a file, thick with documents. "Go through this. Additional information will be sent to your email," Rogan explained.

I looked up, seeking confirmation. "Is that all we need to discuss?"

"For now," he replied. "If there’s more, I’ll let you know."

I nodded, keeping my composure. "Okay. Excuse me." I turned to leave and headed upstairs.

As I turned to head back to my room, I caught the sound of Nuala’s voice, clinging to him in that playful, spoiled way only the youngest child could. "But Father..." she protested, her tone teasing, "why do I have to leave? Why can’t I stay here?"

I knew she was trying to bargain, to make him relent, and I could hear the faint reprimand from Rogan, calling me stubborn and insisting she return home. I lingered just long enough to let their conversation fade into the background, letting their voices settle softly in my mind before finally stepping fully into my room.

When I entered my room, Zayn was lying on the bed, engaged in a phone conversation. I dropped the file onto the side table and crawled between his legs, resting my head against his chest. He was still speaking, probably to his mom, but I pouted slightly, letting him know I wanted a kiss.

He glanced down, smiled, and leaned in, pressing his lips to mine. After that brief kiss, I rested fully against him, tilting my head to kiss his chest softly while he continued his call.

A few minutes later, Zayn finished his phone conversation.

"I’m sorry," he said, glancing at me. "I was talking to my mom... she keeps asking me to come home. It’s the same thing every day when she calls."

I nodded. "It’s okay."

He noticed the dullness in my expression and frowned. "Hey... is everything okay? How did your conversation with your dad go?"

I shook my head. "I don’t want to talk about it."

He studied me, his eyes asking questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

Finally, I spoke, lowering my voice so he could hear me without anyone else listening. "He came to talk about me showing my face in public. I told him my performance matters more than appearances. Being in the media will take away my freedom, Zayn. It will force me to do unnecessary tasks."

I kept talking, pouring out the frustration and pain I’d been holding inside. He listened carefully, silently, letting me vent. "I don’t understand why my father won’t see my point... he doesn’t feel my pain."

Before I could continue, he cut in with a gentle kiss. "I understand everything," he murmured, pulling me into a tight embrace. I rested against him, letting his warmth steady me.

We stayed like that for a moment until he made sure I was calm. Then he asked softly, "Do you want me to be realistic with you, Evric?"

I nodded. "Yes."

"Then you have to listen," he said. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Your father is a public figure, respected by a lot of people in the city. He stepped down from his post so you could take over."

I frowned. "I didn’t ask for this, Zayn."

He placed a hand on my cheek. "You promised to listen..." Remember that." I stayed quiet, letting him continue.

"I know you don’t want this," he said gently. "But in situations like this, you’re still the most suitable person for the position. You have to follow your father’s legacy. As CEO, you need to appear with both performance and appearance. I understand why you want to keep a low profile, and you have every right to. But there’s nothing to worry about, as long as your life and decisions are in your hands, your private life matters remain your own.

"I know it will be difficult sometimes, especially because your father is homophobic. If the wrong people find out about your sexuality, it could be hard. But during those days... or any hard days... just run to me. Always run to my arms. I will give you the warmest hug and all the love you deserve."

I looked at him, my voice soft but steady. "Is that a promise?"

He smiled and kissed my forehead. "It’s a promise."

I returned the kiss, whispering, "Thank you, baby."

"You’re welcome," he murmured.

I paused, sensing he might be hungry. "So... what do you want to eat? Should I ask the maid to prepare something, or should we go out?"

He shook his head. "I’ll cook something here."

I grinned, taking his hand. "Come on, then. Let’s go."

When we got downstairs, Rogan had already left. I noticed Nuala sitting on the couch, watching TV, and couldn’t resist teasing her.

"I thought you would’ve packed your bag and gone with your father," I said with a playful smirk.

She rolled her eyes and shot back, "Going with him would’ve been a crime."

Then her gaze landed on Zayn. "Cutie, you’re finally here! I hope you didn’t eat the poison my brother cooked this morning," she teased, grinning.

Zayn stepped away from my side and leaned closer to her. "Do you want me to tell you how it tasted?"

Nuala’s eyes lit up. "Yes! I want to hear it!"

He leaned down and whispered something in Nuala’s ear. I couldn’t catch the words, but her sudden burst of laughter made it clear that Zayn had probably teased me. A pang of sulking ran through me. Not wanting to linger, I turned and walked away, leaving them alone.

Zayn noticed immediately and rushed after me. "Evric!" he called, quickening his pace.