Shimmer Between Us

Chapter 15 : Shadows in the hall

Kamari’s footsteps were slow as he stepped into the house that night, his mind still tangled with Zora her shy smile, the way her eyes lingered on him for just a second longer than necessary, and that fleeting kiss that felt like it had been carved into his very soul.

The hallway was quiet. Too quiet.

He reached for the staircase, his fingers brushing the wooden banister, when a voice broke the silence.

“Where have you been all day?”

Kamari froze. The room to his right the living room was dark, curtains drawn. He hadn’t even noticed anyone there. Slowly, his eyes adjusted, and the silhouette of his father emerged from the shadows, seated in his armchair like a watchful predator.

Kamari swallowed. “Out,” he said flatly, trying to move toward the stairs.

“Out with her?” The tone was calm, but the weight of accusation was sharp.

He didn’t reply.

“I heard Jenny visited you today,” Mr. Donalds continued, leaning forward. “Your mother says you barely acknowledged her. I warned you before, Kamari you will marry Jenny. It is not up for discussion.”

Kamari halted mid-step. “And if I don’t?” His voice was low, but there was steel in it.

“You will. I will never allow you to throw away this family’s legacy on some… low-class girl you barely know. I won’t have the Donalds name mixed with people beneath us.”

That word beneath. Kamari’s fists clenched at his sides. “You know nothing about her.”

“I know enough,” Mr. Donalds said sharply. “Enough to know she will ruin you. And I will not stand by and watch it happen.”

“Maybe I’m tired of living for your approval,” Kamari shot back. “Maybe I want something for me for once!”

The tension spiked like static in the air.

Before the argument could spiral further, a soft voice broke in. “Dad?”

Kamari’s sister stood in the hallway, eyes darting between them. “Please… stop. This isn’t worth it.”

But Mr. Donalds’ gaze didn’t waver. “Go to bed, Ariana. This is between me and your brother.”

“But Dad,” she pleaded, “I know Kamari is in love”

“I said go to bed!” The words cracked like a whip. “I have everything under control. I will not see this family’s name destroyed while I’m alive.”

Ariana hesitated, then reluctantly turned away, her eyes lingering on Kamari for just a second sympathy etched in her expression before retreating upstairs.

Kamari’s chest rose and fell with restrained fury. Without another word, he stormed to his room, the slam of his door echoing through the hall.

He dropped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. The darkness around him seemed heavier than before, but his mind wasn’t on the fight anymore.

It was on her.

The way Zora’s lips had felt beneath his earlier, the innocence in her gaze, the quiet strength in her voice. She wasn’t just someone he liked. She was someone who made the rest of the world fade.

His father could threaten. His mother could scheme. Jenny could plot.

But Kamari knew one thing for certain no matter the cost, no matter the battles ahead he would make Zora his wife.

And this time… he would fight for it.

If you want, I can make the next chapter follow the father’s side, showing him making plans against Zora right after this scene so the tension stays hot. That way, the reader feels both sides of the brewing war.