Zen’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel as he drove, the low hum of the engine the only sound in the car. His eyes were focused on the road, but his mind wandered back to the little boy and girl he had met before. There was something about their situation that had gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He tightened his grip on the wheel as he neared their neighborhood, determined to see what was happening.As he approached the street where their small, rundown house stood, Zen slowed the car. His gaze locked onto a bull dozer, its engine rumbling as workers prepared it to tear the house down. A chill ran through him. This was worse than he expected. He pulled over quickly, parking the car at the curb. The scene before him was chaotic, with the rumble of the machinery drowning out the sound of the kids’ voices.He stepped out of the car, his boots crunching on the gravel, and made his way toward the house. The kids were standing
Zen glanced at his watch, noting it was exactly 2 PM. He turned to the children, their faces etched with uncertainty. “Listen, I know your uncle and aunt aren’t coming back. I’ve seen enough to know they’ve abandoned you, but I won’t abandon you.” The little boy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What do you mean? They said they would come back!”Zen shook his head, kneeling to meet their gaze. “They might have said that, but it’s just a lie to keep you calm. Sometimes adults make choices that aren’t right, and we have to be brave enough to face the truth.”Suddenly, a car pulled up behind him, cutting through the moment. The engine’s low growl faded, and a familiar face emerged. It was Keisha. The workers who were getting ready to demolish the house stopped what they were doing, turning their attention to her.Zen stood up, keeping his eyes on the workers as they moved uneasily. “I’ll have to tell you to leave now with your machinery,” he said firmly, pointing toward the bulldozer. One
The cab bounced along the uneven streets, jostling the occupants in the back seat. The children’s uncle and aunt laughed heartily, their voices loud and carefree.“Can you believe those kids? Always a pain in the ass!” the uncle chuckled, leaning back comfortably against the seat. “I’m just glad we finally got rid of them. Moving to another city? Perfect. No one will find us.”The aunt grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Right? We can finally live our lives without those two getting in the way. No more babysitting nightmares!”As they spoke, the uncle glanced out the window, his smile fading slightly. “Hey, we’ve passed the corner before, haven’t we? Why does it feel like we’re just going in circles?”He turned to the driver, frowning. “Hey! This isn’t the way to the bus stop, is it?”The driver, a middle-aged man with a thick accent, looked back at him in the rearview mirror. “No, no, it’s not. Just taking a shortcut.”“A shortcut? This doesn’t look like a shortcut!” The uncl
As they strolled down, Zen and Rosalia moved in easy rhythm, lingering a little with each step.“Thanks for tonight,” Rosalia said softly, looking over at him. “I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable… it’s been a while since I’ve had that.”Zen met her eyes, a gentle smirk on his lips. “I get it. It’s rare to find someone you can just talk to… without worrying about what you’re saying.”She nodded, glancing down. “Sometimes it feels like people only listen so they can say their part, you know? Like they’re just waiting for their turn to talk.”“I can’t really say, I haven’t been around people for that long,” Zen said, nodding. “But you—when you’re around someone who actually listens, it’s different. And I mean, Rosalia… you’ve got a lot worth saying.”She laughed a little, looking back up at him. “Maybe… maybe I just got used to keeping things in. Sometimes it’s easier not to say too much.”“Until tonight?” Zen asked, smiling as he caught her eye.“Until tonight,” she echoed, her vo
“Tom!” Nia called out, drawing his attention, her voice sounding urgent. She didn’t even glance at Rosalia, who was standing beside him, her eyes fixed solely on Zen.Zen looked up, surprised to see her approaching. “Nia?” he asked, standing as she reached their table. “What happened?”Nia huffed, folding her arms across her chest as she tilted her head, clearly savoring the moment to vent. “You won’t believe what just happened,” she began, her tone laced with annoyance as she jerked her thumb back toward a waiter who was lingering nervously by the kitchen entrance, clearly aware he was in trouble. “That waiter back there? He decided to make a judgment call on my financial status. Apparently, my card didn’t go through, and he assumed I couldn’t pay.” She paused, letting out a short, sarcastic laugh. “He even suggested I… ‘pay’ another way. Like I’d be desperate enough to trade favors for dinner.”Zen’s face shifted from mild surprise to something much darker, his jaw tightening as he
Zen’s gaze locked onto Silas, his expression calm but his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity. “So, this is how you like to handle things? Thought you’d finally stand up to someone, Silas?”Silas sneered, but there was a flicker of fear in his eyes. “You think you’re something cause you managed to pull a fast on me with pure luck—”Zen’s smirk widened. “I think we both know luck had nothing to do with it.” He took a step closer, hands relaxed at his sides, his presence radiating an authority that made everyone in the room hold their breath.“Stay back,” Silas snapped, his voice wavering as he tried to maintain his composure.Zen chuckled softly. “Oh, now you’re worried?”Silas glared, but his posture had shifted, more defensive than before. He glanced around, seeking support, but the others kept their eyes on the floor, unwilling to meet Zen’s gaze.“I don’t have time to play with you, Silas,” Zen murmured, his tone almost bored. “But maybe a quick reminder wouldn’t hurt.”He mov
The night was cool and crisp as Zen stepped onto the deck of his yacht, taking in the gentle sway of the water beneath him. The lights from the city reflected off the waves, casting shimmering patterns on the boat. Just ahead, leaning against the railing with a glass in hand, Sinclair turned, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted Zen approaching.“Thought you’d never make it,” Sinclair teased, raising his glass in greeting.Zen smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t want to keep you waiting too long.” He looked around, taking in the luxurious setup. “But tell me, when are you finally going to get your own yacht, Sinclair? This ‘borrowing’ act is getting old.”Sinclair laughed, an easy, carefree sound. “Who says I don’t have my own?” he replied, eyes twinkling with mischief. “In fact, I have more yachts than a three-year-old can count. I just happen to like *this* one the best.”Zen raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “So, you’re telling me you’
Zen’s eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft morning light spilling through the window. He turned his head and spotted Keisha, sitting across the room with her arms folded, watching him with a casual smile. Her presence caught him off guard.“Morning, sleepyhead,” she said with a smirk.Zen blinked, then let out a sigh, rolling onto his back. “I overslept,” he muttered, a bit annoyed with himself. “Not like me at all.”Keisha raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Even the mighty Zen has his off days, it seems.”Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, then looked at her with suspicion. “How did you get in here? I lock my doors every night.”She held up a shiny key, dangling it between her fingers with a playful grin. “Spare key. Thought you’d remember I keep one.”Zen sighed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Of course you do.” He ran a hand through his hair, then fixed her with a curious stare. “Since you’re here, Keisha… explain your schedule to me.”Keisha blinked, clearly t