Broken

Chapter 26: The shadows of control

Fatima sat at the dining table, her mind adrift in thoughts. The morning sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a soft glow on the opulent surroundings. Lana entered quietly, placing a cup of coffee in front of her.

"Thank you, Lana," Fatima said, her voice soft. Lana nodded and retreated to the kitchen, leaving Fatima alone with her thoughts. She glanced around the lavish dining room, the elegance and wealth surrounding her feeling oddly hollow. Despite all the power and money she had amassed, there was an emptiness that lingered—a void she couldn't seem to fill.

Zac's words from their last conversation echoed in her mind: "Maybe the kids can come too..." Maybe he was right. The idea of bringing new life into her world, someone to love and share her life with, seemed like a distant but comforting possibility. She sighed, feeling the weight of her solitude.

Just then, Jada appeared, walking into the kitchen and taking a seat across from her. She wore high-waisted Levi's jeans and a cropped navy Nike hoodie, her long, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders.

"Don't look so down, Tima," Jada said with a reassuring smile.

Fatima blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She shut her eyes tightly, willing herself to stay grounded. When she opened them again, the chair across from her was empty. Jada's voice had been nothing more than a figment of her imagination, another haunting reminder of the past. She was alone once more, the ghosts of her memories lingering in the corners of her mind.

With a weary sigh, Fatima rested her elbow on the table and propped her cheek on her hand. She picked up the cup of coffee Lana had brought her and took a slow sip, trying to steady herself. The warmth of the drink provided little comfort against the cold reality of her isolation. As she sat there, she couldn't shake the feeling that, despite all her accomplishments, something essential was missing from her life.

Fatima's phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. She looked down to see Zac's name and picture lighting up the screen. With a slight sigh, she set her cup of coffee down and picked up the phone, pressing it to her ear.

"Yes?" she answered, her tone neutral.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Zac said immediately, his voice full of sincerity.

"Why?" she asked, a hint of curiosity mixed with mild irritation.

"Because I promised you I'd see you last night and I didn't..." Zac admitted, sounding genuinely remorseful.

"I'm glad you know," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with disappointment.

"I was working and I fell asleep on the couch. I really am sorry," he explained.

"It's fine," she said, shaking her head slightly as if Zac could see her.

"Let me make it up to you," he offered.

"How?" she asked, looking up as Lana approached with her breakfast.

"Thank you, Lana," Fatima said, acknowledging the meal.

"Oh, tell Lana I say hi!" Zac said cheerfully on the other end.

"I'm not doing that," she responded, picking up her fork.

"And why not?" Zac asked, a playful tone creeping into his voice.

"Because I'm mad at you," she said, trying to maintain her stern demeanor.

Zac chuckled, his voice dropped to a playful tone as he said, "Well, if I had known missing one night would get you this riled up, I would've made sure to keep you busy in other ways... You know, keeping your mouth full."