Broken

Chapter 6: "Are you okay?"

Fatima descended the grand staircase of her mansion with the grace and poise of a queen. The soft clinking of her Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets echoed in the spacious hallway, a subtle reminder of the life she had built for herself. As she reached the bottom step, she adjusted the delicate jewelry around her wrist and placed her cream white mini Kelly Hermes bag on the chair beside her. The bag was a perfect accessory, exuding an aura of sophistication and success.

Lana, the ever-efficient housekeeper, swiftly entered the dining room with a tray in hand. She placed a bowl of Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries in front of Fatima, who nodded in acknowledgment. The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the room in a warm glow, creating a serene atmosphere.

Jada was already seated at the table, scrolling through her phone. She looked up and offered a soft "Good morning," her tone neutral.

Fatima settled into her chair, picking up her spoon. "Good morning. How are you feeling today?" she asked, her eyes briefly flickering with concern as she studied her younger sister's face.

Jada shrugged, setting her phone down. "Okay, I guess," she replied noncommittally. "I'm gonna go do some shopping if that's fine by you."

Fatima nodded, taking a bite of her yogurt. "Yeah, just take Jose with you," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Jada groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Oh my god! You and these damn bodyguards," she muttered under her breath.

Fatima sighed, setting her spoon down with a soft clink. "Jada, don't start," she warned, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

Jada raised her hands in mock surrender. "It's for our safety, and you know that," Fatima continued, her expression stern. "We've been over this a thousand times."

"Okay, Jesus!" Jada exclaimed, her tone edged with frustration. She slouched in her chair, clearly annoyed.

Fatima shook her head.

"You need to loosen up a little," Jada suggested, her voice softening. "Maybe get yourself a man. Maybe some dick will cheer you up."

Fatima's eyes widened in shock at her sister's bluntness. "Excuse me?" she retorted, her tone sharp as she stared at Jada.

Jada raised an eyebrow, meeting Fatima's gaze with a smirk. "You heard me," she said, nonchalantly continuing to eat her breakfast.

Fatima shook her head and chuckled softly, taking another spoonful of yogurt. "You're impossible," she said, her voice carrying a hint of affection despite the tension.

Jada crossed her arms, a frown creasing her forehead. "Says the woman who works 24/7 and barely has time for herself," she shot back, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Fatima's expression hardened, the playful glint in her eyes fading. "I do what I have to," she replied coolly. "We both know what happens when we let our guard down."

Jada looked down, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the tablecloth. The unspoken tension between them hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the scars they both carried. Fatima reached across the table, placing her hand gently over Jada's.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice softening. "I just want to keep you safe."

Jada looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "But sometimes it feels like l'm in a prison."

Fatima sighed, her grip on Jada's hand tightening slightly. "I know it's hard," she murmured. "But it's the only way I know how to protect you."

Jada sniffled, blinking rapidly to hold back her tears. "I just wish things were different," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.