Shimmer Between Us

Chapter 16 :Webs and Shadows

The night after the confrontation, Mr. Donalds remained in his study, pacing in slow, measured steps. His jaw was tense, the report from the secret guard still ringing in his mind. Every word confirmed what he dreaded...that Zora was becoming a deeper presence in Kamari’s life. He had summoned Kamari earlier, trying to test his son’s reaction, but Kamari had guarded his expression carefully.

Now, Mr. Donalds’ mind spun with calculations. He picked up his phone, scrolling through a contact he rarely used. With a quiet exhale, he dialed the number.

“Jenny,” he said curtly when she answered, “we need to talk. It’s about the girl.”

Jenny’s voice softened into faux innocence. “Oh, Mr. Donalds, I’ve been trying… you know, to win Kamari’s attention. But he’s...he’s different. Cold. I even…” she trailed off in a calculated pause, “…I even tried to tempt him, but he wouldn’t allow it. Tell me, what should I do?”

Mr. Donalds’ lips curled into a smirk she couldn’t see. “You’ll have an opportunity soon. But for now, stay patient. I’ll handle it.”

Unbeknownst to them, Kamari’s mother had been standing at the bottom of the stairs, listening closely. When the call ended, she waited a beat before phoning Jenny herself.

“Jenny,” her voice was firm but layered with warmth, “everything is under control. My husband has spoken to Kamari. You’ll see a change soon. Just… give it time.”

Jenny, ever the actress, let her voice crack faintly. “I’ve done everything possible to make him look my way, but he doesn’t even notice me. What did I do to deserve this?”

The mother’s tone softened into sympathy. “Don’t worry, dear. It’s all under control now. Get some rest.”

When the call ended, Jenny’s lips curled into a sly, victorious smirk. She turned, and there he was Frank, lounging shirtless against the headboard, a cigarette between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily in the dim light.

“Finally,” Frank exhaled, “you’ve got Kamari’s family right where you want them. Once they sign that contract with your father, you’ll end the marriage.”

Jenny’s eyes gleamed with ambition. “All I need is Domino Core Group in my hands. And that little girl who calls herself Zora she’s about to learn what hell feels like for daring to be with Kamari.”

Frank’s voice hardened. “Do it quickly. You know I don’t like your attention on anyone else.” He pulled her close, crushing his lips to hers. Jenny giggled, the sound mixing with the faint crackle of his cigarette. The room blurred into heat as their scheming dissolved into passion.

The next morning, Zora awoke to a sharp gasp.

“Oh no…!” She glanced at the clock. Thirty minutes late.

“s**t!” She scrambled from bed, barely managing to brush her teeth and splash water on her face. Throwing on the first clothes her hands found, she bolted out of her room.

By the time she reached the lecture hall, her hair was still damp, her breathing uneven. The heavy thud of her footsteps echoed in the quiet room, drawing every pair of eyes toward her.

The lecturer looked up slowly from his notes, his expression laced with annoyance. “Zora… late again.”

She tried to speak, words tumbling over each other. “Sir, I..”

But he raised a brow, a half-smirk curling his lips. “What’s the excuse this time? Overslept? Too busy… eating?” A ripple of laughter erupted from the students.

Zora’s face burned.

“You know,” he continued, “it’s not just about being fat, it’s about having an inferiority complex. But perhaps that’s why you can’t even manage to be on time. Please, leave my class.”

Her vision blurred as she gathered her things. Each step toward the door felt heavier than the last. The laughter followed her into the hallway, digging into her skin like invisible claws. Alone, she pressed her back to the wall, willing herself not to cry but the sting was too sharp to swallow.