Broken

Chapter 31: Less talk, more pleasure

As Fatima and Zac headed into the dining room, they found the table beautifully set with elegant dishes and warm, ambient lighting. They took their seats, and Lana entered with a serene smile, carrying a tray of steaming food. She carefully plated their meal, presenting a dish that Zac had never seen before—a fusion of flavors and ingredients that hinted at Fatima's refined taste and the kitchen staff's skill.

Zac glanced at the dish with curiosity, then back at Fatima, who seemed lost in thought. Lana served them both, then quietly exited the room, leaving them alone. Zac picked up his fork and took a tentative bite. As the flavors exploded in his mouth, his eyes widened in surprise and delight.

"Wow," he muttered, barely containing his excitement. "This is amazing! What is this?"

Fatima gave a small, distracted smile. "It's a special recipe Lana and I worked on. A mix of African and Asian cuisine. I'm glad you like it."

Zac nodded enthusiastically, taking another bite. "Like it? I love it. This is incredible," he said, savoring the unique blend of spices and textures. But as he continued to enjoy the meal, he couldn't help but notice the distant look in Fatima's eyes. She was barely touching her food, her mind clearly elsewhere.

He placed his fork down and grabbed his napkin, wiping his mouth. His attention shifted fully to her, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong?" he asked gently, leaning forward slightly.

Fatima shook her head, forcing herself to refocus. She couldn't let him see her anxiety, the storm brewing inside her. "Nothing, just... work," she lied, trying to sound casual. "It's been a busy day, and I've got a lot on my mind."

Zac didn't look convinced. He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Fatima squeezed his hand, appreciating the sentiment but feeling the weight of her secrets like a noose around her neck. She couldn't tell him everything, not without risking everything she had worked so hard to build. The thought of being vulnerable, of exposing her past, was terrifying. She knew she had to find a way to deflect, to keep him from prying too deeply.

"I know," she replied softly, looking down at their joined hands. "It's just... complicated. My company, my family, everything. It's all so tangled up."

Zac nodded, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "I get that. But I want to understand, to be there for you in all of it. I just need you to be honest with me."

Fatima felt her chest tighten, the walls closing in. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I know," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked up, meeting his concerned gaze. "But some things... some things are better left in the past. You have to trust me on that."

Zac's eyes searched hers, trying to read the emotions she was hiding. "It's hard to trust what I don't know," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and longing. "But I want to. I really do."

Fatima felt a pang of guilt. She hated the thought of deceiving him, of keeping him at arm's length. But the truth was too dangerous, too messy. She had to protect herself, even if it meant keeping him in the dark.

"I appreciate that," she said, forcing a smile. "And I promise, I'll share what I can when the time is right. But for now, can we just enjoy this dinner? No more heavy topics."

Zac hesitated, then nodded, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, no more heavy topics," he agreed, picking up his fork again. "But this conversation isn't over."

Fatima nodded, grateful for the reprieve. "I know," she said, picking up her own fork and taking a bite. The food tasted bland compared to the tension swirling inside her, but she forced herself to eat, to focus on the present moment.