CHAPTER 5
743 Words
The compound gate clicked shut behind Zara as she slipped out, her hoodie pulled low and her steps quick and deliberate. The sky was dimming, streaked with soft pinks, but there was nothing gentle about the fire in her chest.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
KEMI: Babe hurry! Light’s perfect now. You don’t want to miss this golden hour.
KEMI: Got the outfits ready. Bring that face card.
Zara sighed, typing back quickly.
ZARA: I’m coming. Don’t ask me how I got out. I’ll explain when I get there.
She hurried down the street, sneakers slapping against the pavement. The whole day had been a ticking bomb. Regan roaming her house like he belonged there. Her mother casually dropping the bombshell that he’d be staying over for the weekend—alone. Not with his father. Just him.
Nobody had thought to mention that to her.
By the time she reached Kemi’s place, her mind was spinning. But stepping into her friend’s bedroom, temporarily converted into a makeshift studio, brought her a flicker of relief.
Kemi beamed from behind her phone camera. “Look who finally showed up! I was two minutes from filing a missing person’s report.”
Zara dropped her bag and collapsed onto the edge of the bed. “You will not believe the day I’ve had.”
Kemi handed her a pair of black heels. “Try me.”
Zara groaned. “So, not only did Regan show up unannounced, but apparently, he’s sleeping over for the whole weekend.”
Kemi’s jaw dropped. “Wait—what? At your house?”
“Yes! Just him. His dad went back home. But Regan’s staying, like it’s normal. Like we’re friends. Like this is all fine.”
Kemi blinked. “Your parents are mad. They didn’t even tell you?”
“Nope. I had to find out by walking into the kitchen and seeing him… shirtless.” She shuddered. “It was like something out of a weird dream.”
Kemi cackled. “You sure it wasn’t a dream you secretly liked?”
Zara shot her a look.
“Okay, okay,” Kemi said, holding up her hands. “So, what did he say?”
“He came to my room later. Said he’s not into the marriage either. Offered me some deal—act like everything’s fine, go through with the wedding, and then live separate lives quietly.”
Kemi frowned. “Do you trust him?”
“I don’t even know him,” Zara snapped. “But it gets worse. He heard me on the phone with you earlier. About the email.”
Kemi’s eyes widened. “Wait—how?”
“He was eavesdropping. Or maybe the door was slightly open. I don’t know. But he walked in, mentioned modeling, and then told me not to forget my shoot tonight. Smirked and walked away like he owned me.”
Kemi’s brows drew together. “What is his deal?”
Zara shook her head. “I think he’s watching me. Keeping quiet on purpose. Waiting to see how far I’ll go. I don’t like it.”
Kemi crossed her arms. “Then we’ll give him something to watch.”
She handed Zara a hanger with a fitted satin dress. “Put this on. I’ve cleared my phone storage, cleaned the mirror, and prepped the lighting. It’s time to build that portfolio.”
Zara nodded, pushing everything else out of her mind.
They got to work quickly.
With her makeup lightly touched and the satin clinging to her frame, Zara stepped in front of the mirror. Kemi adjusted the curtains for better light and lifted her phone.
“Okay,” Kemi said, voice firm. “Chin up. Own the space. You’re not the girl hiding in her room anymore. You’re the girl they’re going to regret underestimating.”
Click.
Pose.
Click.
Zara turned slightly, her eyes hard but poised.
Click.
Each flash was more than a photo—it was proof. That she wasn’t going to fold. That she was still fighting. That this dream hadn’t died just because her parents were trying to script her future.
By the end of the shoot, Zara’s heart had settled. Her breathing was calm. Her spine straightened. She glanced at a few of the photos on Kemi’s phone and smiled.
“You’re a star,” Kemi whispered.
Zara looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Not yet. But I’m getting closer.”
- Writer
