Chereads / The Billionaire's Unexpected Twins / Chapter 17 - Fractured Family Ties

Chapter 17 - Fractured Family Ties

Till this day, Candy refuses to utter a word about what transpired at Zayn's house. It's as if the memory of that incident has cast a permanent shadow over her spirit, rendering her silent on the matter. 

Despite my attempts to broach the subject delicately, she deflects any inquiries with a resolute silence, her eyes betraying a turmoil of emotions she's unwilling to vocalize. Whatever happened in that opulent mansion has left an indelible mark on her, one that she's not yet ready to confront or share.

Confronting Candy about what happened at Zayn's house has been weighing heavily on my mind. As I make my way to work, the anticipation builds with each step. I know I can't let this fester any longer; we need to address it head-on. 

The silence between us has become suffocating, and I can't shake the feeling that whatever transpired that evening has left an irreparable fracture in our friendship. Today, I'll muster the courage to confront Candy and seek the answers we both desperately need. 

It's understandable that Zayn would feel compelled to apologize, but deep down, I know that what happened at his house wasn't entirely his fault. There are so many layers to that night, so many emotions that I'm still grappling with. 

I appreciate his remorse, but more than anything, I just want to move past it all. It's been a heavy burden on my heart, and I long for the day when I can put it all behind me and focus on brighter days ahead. 

Mondays can be a bit slower in the salon. It's like the world needs a little extra time to wake up after the weekend. But that's okay; it gives us a chance to catch our breath, tidy up, and maybe even plan some fun promotions or new styles for the week ahead. 

Plus, a quieter day means we can give each client even more attention and pampering than usual. So let's make the most of it and enjoy the calm before the storm of the rest of the week rolls in! Candy has been avoiding me as usual but today , it ends. I have called her up to my office

It's time to clear the air and have a heart-to-heart with Candy. Calling her up here , my plan is to resolve whatever tension exists between us two. I want to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to listen to her perspective. 

Hopefully, we can work through whatever issues are causing the distance between us and strengthen our friendship in the process. 

There comes my friend. I can feel the tension thick in the air. Taking a deep breath, I start the conversation. 

"Candy, we need to talk. It feels like there's been some distance between us lately, and I want to understand why." 

She hesitates for a moment before responding, 

"Yeah, I've been feeling it too. I guess I just needed some time to process everything that happened at Zayn's house." 

I nod, acknowledging her feelings. 

"I understand, but I want us to be able to talk about it. I value our friendship, and I don't want anything to come between us." 

My poor friend looks relieved. 

"Me neither, Kattie. I guess I've just been trying to figure out how to bring it up." 

The smug that tugs my lips is unstoppable. I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders. 

"Well, now that we're talking about it, let's work through it together. What made you feel that way?"

"You do know that I love and care about you right?"

"Yes I do know that Candy…"

"Zayn's mother tried to bribe me, Kattie. I think your life is in danger at this point. She told me if I manage to split you guys , she is going to make sure that I get richer."

As Candy reveals the shocking revelation, my jaw practically hits the floor. 

"Are you serious?" 

I exclaim, I'm unable to believe what I'm hearing. Candy nods solemnly, 

"I wish I was making this up, Kattie. But Zayn's mother was dead serious. She even showed me a briefcase full of cash as proof." 

My mind is now racing with a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from anger to disbelief. 

"I can't believe she would do something like that. Did she mention why she hates me like that?" 

"She mentioned something like you are just beneath their standards, that you have another man's kids, so you are not worthy of being in a relationship with her son."

"What did you do Candy , what did you say?" 

She sighs…

"I told her where she could shove her money and then I grabbed you and the kids and got us out of there as fast as I could." 

I'm feeling a surge of gratitude towards Candy for her loyalty and bravery. I wonder what could have happened if she wasn't so real with me. 

"Thank you, Candy. You did the right thing. I appreciate you being my best friend."

I sincerely say , getting up from my desk and we share a hug.

I sit back in my chair, absorbing Candy's words. I'm still in shock and I cannot believe this. 

"So, you're saying... Zayn's mother tried to manipulate you into breaking Zayn and I apart?" 

My mind races, trying to process the gravity of this revelation. Candy nods solemnly, her expression mirroring my own concern. 

"Kattie, I'm worried about you." 

She continues, her voice laced with genuine concern. 

"I can't shake the feeling that Zayn's mother will stop at nothing to keep you guys apart. How far would she go to sabotage your relationship?" 

Her words hang heavy in the air, casting a shadow of doubt over my already troubled thoughts. Her concern is palpable. I can sense the weight of her worry, it's reflecting in my own heart. 

"I understand your concern, Candy. But I can't let fear dictate my decisions. Besides, I won't let Zayn's mother intimidate me into giving up on our relationship." 

Deep down, I know that Candy's fears are valid, but I refuse to let them paralyze me. 

"We'll figure this out together. You can go back to work sweetheart. Thank you so much for everything." you assure her, reaching out to squeeze her hand in solidarity. 

As I watch her exit , my mind is racing , it's like these news are finally sinking in , inflicting a newfound fear surrounding everything. Why would that woman have so much hate towards me? I believe I make her son happy , why isn't she noticing that? Doesn't she wanna see her son happy?

As I weigh the options in my mind, I realize that I need Zayn's perspective on this matter. With a determined resolve, I reach for my phone and dial his number, my fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. 

After a few rings, Zayn's voice comes through the line, filled with warmth and concern as he greets me. Taking a deep breath, I summon the courage to share Candy's unsettling revelation with him, knowing that he deserves to be aware of his mother's actions. 

"Zayn, can you come to my office? There's something important we need to discuss, it can't really wait."

"I'm on my way baby , keep calm and collected , okay?"

"Alright my love."

 I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning within me. With Candy's comforting words and Zayn's reassuring promise, a sense of relief washes over me. I manage a small smile, grateful for their unwavering support during this tumultuous time. 

"I'll bring your favorite milkshake to calm your nerves."

"Thanks, my love. I'll appreciate that," I reply, feeling a flicker of warmth in my heart at his thoughtful gesture. As I await his arrival, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope that together, we can navigate through whatever challenges lie ahead.

But this worries me so much. This is his mother we are talking about , I certainly don't want to come between them.

That must be him knocking at my door. I always tell him not to do that because if I'm in a meeting , they'd tell him at the reception. But now I'm the one who called him over , he is supposed to barge in. I like when he does that. 

I waste no time , shouting for him to come in, it feels weird. He has my milkshake in hands , and I smile. 

"Thank you so much, my life saver!"

"You're welcome baby , but what am I doing here?"

That's Zayn for you. Straight to the point. I relay Candy's unsettling revelation to him. His expression shifts from curiosity to concern as I recount the details of our conversation, emphasizing the gravity of Candy's words. 

"Are you serious, Kattie?"

His voice is tinged with disbelief, his brows furrowing in agitation. 

"My mother would stoop that low to break us apart?" 

His fists clench involuntarily as he struggles to contain his rising anger. 

"I can't believe this. I trusted them, I welcomed you into my family, and now they're trying to sabotage us?" 

His tone is laced with frustration and betrayal, his mind reeling with the implications of his mother's actions. 

"I won't stand for this. We need to confront them, set things straight once and for all." 

His resolve is palpable, his determination to protect our relationship unwavering. I'm grateful but I don't want to be the cause of any fight.

"Please calm down Zayn , we can't…"

I couldn't even finish my sentence , he gets up , kisses my head and storms out!