Broken

Chapter 25: Unsaid complications

Zac's phone rings, interrupting the moment. He answers with a casual, "Hey, Cortez. What's up?" As he listens, Fatima watches his expression shift from relaxed to concerned. "I'll be right there," Zac says before ending the call. He slips his phone into his pocket and turns to Fatima. "Are you okay?" she asks.

"Yeah, just one of my cases that I'm working on," Zac replies, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"Promise?" Fatima asks, her eyes searching his.

"I promise," Zac says with a reassuring smile. He leans in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead before heading out. Fatima watches him leave, feeling a mix of emotions.

Once Zac is gone, Fatima takes a deep breath and starts tidying up her office. She grabs a bottle of Gucci perfume from a nearby table, spritzing it around the room. She opens a few windows to let in fresh air and begins picking up the clutter and documents from the floor.

As she's busy rearranging her desk, Daniel bursts into the office, his eyes widening at the scene before him. "About time you see me. What the hell happened in here?" he asks, surveying the disarray.

"Nothing," Fatima replies, not looking up from her task.

Daniel raises an eyebrow but shrugs it off. "I have a few interviews set up for you," he announces, sitting down as he watches her clean.

"For when?" Fatima asks, still focused on her work.

"Today," Daniel says.

"What?" Fatima turns to face him, her surprise evident.

"Yes. I love the glow; you look great already. The glow signifies growth," Daniel says, smiling approvingly.

Fatima frowns, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in her plans. Daniel stands up, "It's in 30 minutes," he says before heading out.

As the door closes behind him, Fatima looks around her office, realizing she's left with little time to prepare. Her mind races with thoughts of her earlier activities with Zac. She's not sure how she'll manage to look presentable and professional for the interviews given her current state.
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Fatima sits in the makeshift green room, surrounded by her makeup team and hairstylist, each fussing over her appearance. Daniel and Brandon stand nearby, watching the final preparations. Daniel, ever the professional, checks his notes and then turns to Fatima.

"Are you ready?" he asks, his voice calm but tinged with concern.

"I never am," Fatima replies, a hint of resignation in her tone. "But I still do it." Her eyes dart around, reflecting her growing impatience with the constant touch-ups.

"Okay, enough now!" she scolds, her voice sharp. The team steps back immediately, sensing her frustration.

"Jesus!" she mutters under her breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Daniel steps closer, lowering his voice. "Are you okay?"

Fatima takes a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. These types of interviews always irk me. They always ask the most unpredictable questions," she admits, her anxiety seeping through her usually composed exterior.

"Remember to shape the narrative. You are a remarkable businesswoman, and your company is strong and stable." Brandon says placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder as they all head toward the stage. Fatima walks out confidently, her heels clicking against the floor, and takes her seat at the center of the long table. The lights dim slightly, and the cameras focus on her. A hushed silence falls over the room, broken only by the murmurs of the assembled press.