Traps
621 Words
Khan barely slept that night. Even after the doctors assured her that Mei was stable for now, the fear refused to leave her. She sat by her sister’s bed, holding her frail hand, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest.
Liam had stayed for a while before eventually stepping out to give them space. When he returned, he brought coffee and a warm blanket, setting them beside her without a word.
She had thanked him softly, but the weight in her chest only grew heavier.
Because now, more than ever, she knew she couldn’t go through with Harold’s plan.
By morning, Mei was awake, and though she was weak, she smiled when she saw Khan still sitting by her side.
“You should’ve gone home to rest,” Mei murmured.
Khan squeezed her hand. “You’re my home.”
Mei’s lips wobbled, and she blinked away tears. “I’m sorry for making you worry so much.”
“Don’t be.” Khan brushed her fingers through Mei’s hair. “Just focus on getting better, okay?”
Mei nodded, but her gaze flickered past Khan’s shoulder. “Your husband is here.”
Khan turned, finding Liam leaning against the doorframe, watching them with quiet patience.
“Hey,” he said, pushing off the wall and stepping inside.
Mei smiled. “Morning, Liam.”
He smirked slightly. “You look better than last night.”
“Must be my pretty face,” Mei quipped weakly.
Khan let out a small laugh, grateful for the light moment.
But it didn’t last.
Because just as Liam opened his mouth to say something, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his expression hardened.
Khan frowned. “What is it?”
Liam exhaled sharply. “Harold wants to see us. Now.”
A chill ran down Khan’s spine.
She should’ve known this peace wouldn’t last.
Back at the Carter estate, Harold sat in his grand office, fingers steepled, expression unreadable.
Vivian stood by the window, arms crossed, watching silently.
The moment Liam and Khan entered, Harold’s sharp eyes landed on them.
“You took your time,” he remarked coldly.
Liam didn’t bother with pleasantries. “We had more important matters to handle.”
Harold’s gaze flickered to Khan. “Yes, I heard about your little sister’s condition.”
Khan’s stomach twisted. The way he said it—it was like he was reminding her of the debt she owed him.
Liam’s eyes darkened. “Get to the point, Harold.”
The old man sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve done well keeping up appearances so far, but I need more.”
Khan stiffened. “More?”
Harold’s lips curled. “I want the world to believe in this marriage. And that means you two need to be seen together—a lot.”
Liam’s jaw clenched. “We’re already doing that.”
“Not enough,” Harold countered. “There’s an event this weekend. A gala. The biggest socialites, media outlets, and business elites will be there.” His gaze locked onto Khan. “I expect you to be the perfect wife, Khan.”
Khan’s fingers curled into fists.
Liam took a step forward, shielding her slightly. “We’ll attend.”
Harold smirked. “Good.”
As they turned to leave, his voice stopped them.
“Oh, and Khan?”
She turned reluctantly.
His smile was slow, calculated. “I hope you remember our little deal.”
Her breath caught.
Liam frowned. “What deal?”
Harold chuckled. “Nothing to concern yourself with, Liam.”
But Liam’s sharp gaze darted between them, suspicion growing.
And Khan knew… it was only a matter of time before he found out everything.
- Writer
