Chapter 2 - Cracks in the Façade
719 Words
I woke up to the faint aroma of cinnamon coming from the kitchen. My mom had this ritual of baking something sweet every morning. The smell that usually warmed the house wasn't enough today to drive away the fog that hung over my head.
Kian's wonderful smile, Naira's guarded countenance, and Zev's silent worry-all of that did the rounds in my head, forming an unsolved riddle.
"Akira, baby!" my mother called down from downstairs. "Get downstairs." Your dad and I want to talk to you."
I slung on a robe and came down. There they were, at the breakfast table. In between them lay an untouched platter of cinnamon rolls—a rare thing to see. My dad's normally composed face was taut with tension.
"What is it?" I asked, sliding into my chair.
My mom looked at my dad before answering. "It's about Kian."
I froze, my hand clenching around the edge of the table.
"What about him?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear that was creeping in.
"He's. "Ambitious," my dad began slowly. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But we've noticed he's been asking a lot of questions about the family business."
"And the will," my mom added, her voice hesitant.
I frowned, my stomach knotting up. "The will? What exactly are you saying?"
"Nothing definitive," my dad said hastily. "It's just odd." We thought you should know. Are you certain about him, Akira?"
The question started more than it should have.
"I am marrying him," I replied with conviction, even as doubt poked at the corners of my determination. He's just being nosy about my life. Isn't that normal?"
My mother leaned across the table, her hand squeezing mine. "We trust your judgment, sweetie. Just keep your eyes open, okay?"
Later that afternoon, Kian came over for lunch. If he picked up on the tension in the room, he didn't show it.
"My favourite people!" he boomed, flashing his dazzling signature smile as he kissed me on the cheek.
"Kian," my father said to him, his tone polite but cold.
"Uncle Raghav," Kian said pleasantly, sitting across from him. Do not mind, but I wanted to discuss with you something about your renewable energy project. Sounds interesting."
My dad c****d an eyebrow. "Still too early for it to make any sense." There's nothing much to discuss yet."
Kian nodded without seeming concerned at all. "Of course. But if ever you can think of anything to use my skills to help, then count me in."
I caught my dad's fleeting glance in my direction—the unspoken question clear. Was Kian trying too hard?
After lunch, Naira waltzed in with her usual flair. Her oversized sunglasses perched atop her head, and a designer bag swung from her arm.
"Ahh, the happy couple!" she exclaimed, flopping onto the sofa. "You two make me sick, you know that? Too perfect."
Kian laughed, pulling me closer. "It's not perfection, Naira. It's love."
I smiled, but the expression was strained; my face seemed not so convinced.
Naira lay back, her legs spread wide in an over-the-top pose. "Talking of love, Akira, did you give my suggestion for your hen party any serious thoughts? Beach house destination. Think: sun, sand, and just that little bit of chaos."
Kian laughed. "So long as you promise to bring her back in one piece."
"Don't worry," Naira said, the sharp line of her smile creasing her cheeks. "I'll make sure she's ready to walk down the aisle. Eventually."
That evening, I found Zev in his study, surrounded by stacks of old books and half-empty coffee cups.
"You spend more time here than anywhere else," I teased, stepping inside.
He looked up, his expression softening. "Books don't ask questions. They just answer them."
I balanced against the edge of his desk, gazing at him. "What would you do if you thought someone you trusted wasn't who they seemed?"
Zev placed his book down on his table and leaned back into the chair. "I think I'd start by asking why I even trusted him."
I furrowed my brow, taking the words in. "That's cryptic."
"It's honest," he replied. "Trust isn't blind, Akira. It's earned. If you're doubting someone, maybe they haven't earned it."
His words stayed with me long after I left the room.
- Writer
