After the truth

~14~

The ticking sound of the clock did not make Zayad anxiety dissipate. Instead, it made it worse and in turn, he began tapping the sole of his shoes against the white, pristine floors. He could not believe that his father would play him dirty this way. Anger boiled in his heart as his mind kept on playing the same scene of the perfect son and the perfect father.

So he would use him, Zayad Abdul-Mani for his dirty works and when it comes to business smart, he throws him under the bus! What the hell did his brother have that he didn't? The idiot only knows how to look smart and act mysterious. What else?

Zayad rose from his seat, pacing the hallway of the hotel. He couldn't believe he was told to wait outside. What the hell? What were they discussing that it couldn't be said to his face?

I'll handle your mess from here Zay. Apparently, you weren't that good.

Zayad was livid as the memory of Zayn's harsh words and cruel smirk lingered in his mind. Who the fuck did Zayn think he is? Aaargh! Zayad kicked the bin beside the pillar. He ignored the glare the cleaner gave him as he continued pacing. He could feel tears in his eyes but he refused to be lowered to the status of a fool.

"Well, look who it is."

Zayad looked up at the owner of the melodious voice. His eyes widened in recognition. Her red hair was up in a tight, sleek bun with tendrils running down by the side, a stark contrast to the wild hair from their first encounter. She was beautiful and he was staring so hard.

"Turns out you're a spoilt brat." The lady smirked, looking him up and down.

Zayad frowned, hating the way her lips curled up and her eyes twinkled. She had on a black, wide legged jump suit and a bright pink suit that Zayad thought looked good on her. It made her brown eyes pop.

"Fauziyah."

A man as young as Zayad walked out of the room Zayn and his father occupied. He looked exactly like the red-head lady except his hair was darker.

"Yes, brother."  She let out a drawl, her face dropping into a serious one.

"You're late. That's unattractive."

"You're unattractive!" Fauziyah smiled. "I'll see you later, spoilt brat."

Zayad stood there for minutes, his heart went into overdrive. The lady just got here and she was let in but somehow he wasn't allowed to be in there? He was going to make his dad regret his decision.

He loosened his tie, highly irritated. He didn't want to be around here anymore. He was about to leave when he heard his name being called. Zayn walked towards him, his face devoid of any emotions. There was a man behind him as well.

"This is my brother, Zayad Hussain." His voice was clear as day. Zayad bit his lips, annoyed about the slight tantrum he threw minutes ago. He adjusted his tie, and shook firm hands with the man who now stood beside Zayn. A frown marred his face when their father hurried over to them, an angry look in his eyes.

"I'm Ishmael." The man introduced himself.

"I have other things to do at the moment, but regarding the importation of fine jewels, my brother will be handling that." Zayn informed Ishmael. Zayad stood there utterly confused. Why was he putting him in charge.

"No! I will not accept that. Zayad will not be doing any of that. I am the owner..."

"Keep shut old man." Zayn fired, turning to their father. "You keep on gambling with the money you earn, refuse to let your son venture into something that benefits him and then you leave him to do things that could ruin him. You're an old fool. Do not anger me to say more than I have already said!"

Silence.

Zayad blinked. He was stunned to silence. It was surprising that his father was refusing him any real work after all he had done for the man.

"Ishmael, take care of my brother. Do not try anything funny as well or I will destroy you." Zayn smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. "Zay, I'll be leaving now. Take care, we'd talk over dinner some day."

Zayad watched his brother go. Tears filled his eyes. He looked towards his fuming father and realization dawned on him. No matter what he does to impress him, he'll never be enough. None of his siblings will ever be enough.

**********
"Uncle Zayn." Lisa squealed, running over to meet him. He grinned in response, picking her up and tossing her only to catch her again. Her giggles were sweet to the ears, sounding more like chimes.

The little girl gave him one large grin when he dropped her, then her face returned to its tight scowl and fiery eyes. She glared daggers at the young, chubby girl across the room before scooting in her seat.

Zayn shook his head, a knowing smile on his face. He had asked Zayad to bring her over, giving Marwa the time to finish up work successfully. He turned towards his brother, gave him a curt nod and turned away, his gaze steely towards the principal.

"Shall we begin?" He asked. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Mukhlisa give him a toothy smile - she seemed proud.

The chubby girl surprisingly was from a Muslim family and her name, Maryam was a contrast to her personality. She was a child that enjoyed bullying others a lot. Although she had a huge frown on her face at the moment due to the absence of her parents.

"This is Belinda, her nanny. Her parents are out of the country, on a business trip." Mrs Wells offered a stiff smile, beaded sweat dotting her forehead.

Zayn gave the said lady a once over. She was dark skinned, overly quiet and reserved, it seemed.

"Where are her parents?" Zayn bellowed, staring into Belinda's eyes. He was going for the intimidated look.

"My mother is busy flaunting how stupidly rich her husband is while my daddy is occupied with making a lot of money and sleeping around with women." Maryam spat out, sounding very angry. She had a band aid on her nose and her forehead, the product of the deep massage Mukhlisa had given to her.

"I am glad your vocabulary is up to date." Lisa hissed. "Just because you have nasty parents doesn't mean it's alright for you to bully people."

Zayn wasn't alone with mouths wide open, Mrs Wells, Belinda and Maryam herself seemed shocked. This feisty little girl was brutal in all areas.

"And it's not right to speak bad about people's parents." Maryam fired, glaring daggers at Lisa.

"You did that first! It's not my fault your parents are terrible people. I don't have a father but my mum is the best in the whole world."

"Your mum isn't even here!" Maryam spat, tears pooling her eyes.

"She also have the coolest siblings that's why her brother is here and not a nanny that can't even speak for you!"

Maryam glared at Mukhlisa. She was already crying. Lisa seemed startled by the outburst. She thought they were simply exchanging words. Maryam ran out of the office, leaving the occupants in silence.

"I should apologize."