A Perfect Reminder
703 Words
Khan felt the world tilt around her. The doctor’s words rang in her ears, but all she could focus on was the weak rise and fall of Mei’s chest.
Expensive. More aggressive treatment. Not enough time.
She had known this day would come. Had braced herself for it.
But knowing didn’t make it any easier.
"Khan…" Mei’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it pulled her from the storm in her mind.
She turned to her sister, forcing a smile. "I’m here, Mei. It’s going to be okay."
Mei’s lips wobbled. "You always say that."
"And I always mean it," Khan whispered, squeezing her hand.
Behind her, Liam shifted, his presence warm and steady. "Doctor," he said, his voice controlled. "What are the next steps?"
The doctor hesitated. "There’s a treatment trial overseas. The success rate is promising, but the cost—"
"I’ll handle it."
Khan’s head snapped up. "Liam—"
He didn’t look at her, his gaze fixed on the doctor. "Send me the details. I want Mei to get the best care available."
Khan’s breath caught.
The doctor nodded. "I’ll have the information sent to you shortly."
As he stepped out of the room, silence settled between them.
Khan turned to Liam, her heart pounding. "You don’t have to do this."
Liam finally looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "I know."
Her throat tightened. "Then why—"
"Because she’s your sister," he said simply.
Khan stared at him, words failing her.
Liam had no reason to care. No obligation to help. And yet, he was doing it anyway.
And for the first time since their marriage began, she felt something shift between them.
Something dangerous.
Because if she wasn’t careful, she might actually start trusting him.
And that was a risk she couldn’t afford.
The drive home was quiet, but not tense.
Khan kept glancing at Liam, trying to make sense of him.
He wasn’t the man she had thought he was.
At first, she had seen him as cold, distant, nothing more than a businessman caught in an arrangement he didn’t want.
But now…
Now, she wasn’t sure what to think.
As they entered the penthouse, Khan finally broke the silence.
"You didn’t have to do that," she said softly.
Liam loosened his tie, glancing at her. "I know."
"Then why?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Because I can."
Khan frowned. "That’s not an answer."
Liam studied her for a long moment. "Maybe not."
She narrowed her eyes. "You enjoy being mysterious, don’t you?"
The corner of his lips twitched. "Keeps things interesting."
Khan rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the tiny smile tugging at her lips.
Then, just as quickly, reality crashed back down.
This wasn’t real.
Liam wasn’t her husband in the way that mattered.
And if he ever found out the truth—the real reason she agreed to this marriage—it would destroy whatever fragile trust was beginning to form.
She couldn’t let that happen.
So she did the only thing she could.
She built her walls back up.
"Liam," she said, her voice steady. "Thank you. But this doesn’t change anything."
His expression flickered, but he gave a small nod. "Understood."
Without another word, he turned and walked away.
And Khan told herself that was for the best.
Even if it didn’t feel like it.
The next morning, Khan woke to the sound of her phone buzzing.
Groaning, she reached for it, her eyes barely open.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
A slow, familiar chuckle came through the line.
Her stomach twisted.
"Good morning, Khan," Harold’s voice dripped with amusement. "I hear Liam has been quite generous with his money."
Khan’s grip on the phone tightened. "What do you want, Harold?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just a reminder."
Her pulse pounded in her ears.
"Enjoy your little moment of comfort," he continued. "Because it won’t last."
The line went dead.
Khan lowered the phone, her heart hammering in her chest.
She had almost let herself believe things were getting better.
But Harold had just reminded her of the truth.
This was far from over.
And if she wasn’t careful, she was going to lose everything.
- Writer
