Broken

Chapter 46: Final serve

Fatima is on the tennis court in her backyard, focusing intensely as she hits tennis balls one after another. The portable tennis ball tosser on the opposite side of the court shoots them at her in perfect rhythm. Her body moves fluidly, precise and powerful with every swing.

Zac comes walking onto the court, leaning casually against the wall as he watches her.

"After all this," Fatima says between swings, her voice calm but determined, "we're going on vacation." She smashes another ball, sending it flying over the net.

Zac chuckles, arms crossed. "I just spoke to the judge," he says, eyes never leaving her.

Fatima pauses, her racket resting at her side, and looks over at him. "What did he say?" she asks, her curiosity piqued but her tone cool, masking her anticipation.

Zac pushes himself off the wall and strolls over to the portable tennis ball tosser. With a quick flick of a switch, the machine powers down, the steady whirring sound fading to silence. He steps closer to the net, standing opposite Fatima now.

"He's willing to dismiss the case," Zac says, his expression serious. "But we still have to show up to court tomorrow. Just to show we stayed until the end, that we were devoted to the process. It's the only way to avoid any more media attention on us."

Fatima nods, taking in the information. "I guess that's fair. One last appearance, and then we're free of all this," she says, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Exactly," Zac adds, "and after that, vacation time."

"Oh yes!" she smiles.

Zac laughs, shaking his head as he glances down at the ankle monitor strapped around Fatima's leg. "But first, we gotta get this ankle monitor off of you," he jokes.

Fatima groans dramatically, "Yes, please! I've been dying to get rid of this thing."

Zac reaches out, gently touching her ankle with a playful smirk. "I've got a feeling you won't be missing it."

"Not at all," Fatima says, rolling her eyes. "Can't exactly stroll into a five-star resort with this strapped to my leg."

Zac grins, stepping closer. "Don't worry. We'll get you free, and then it's margaritas by the beach."

Fatima smiles, leaning into him. "Sounds like a plan."

"We'll, a margarita for me. You get juice," Zac teases, a playful glint in his eyes.

Fatima chuckles, shaking her head. "Whatever you say, daddy," she teases back, her voice dripping with humor.

His expression quickly shifts, more serious but with a smirk lingering on his lips. "You better stop," he says sternly, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her flush against him.

Fatima lets out a small laugh, her body melting into his. "Do you know how much I love you?" Zac asks, his voice low and sincere, his gaze locking onto hers.

She smiles, a softness spreading across her face. "I think I have an idea," she replies, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pulls him closer, their foreheads almost touching.

Zac leans in, his heart swelling. "You mean everything to me, you know that?" His voice is tender, filled with affection.

Fatima's eyes shine as she replies, "And you mean everything to me too, babe."

"Both of you," Zac says softly, placing his hand gently over her abdomen.

Fatima smiles, her heart swelling at the gesture. She places her hand over his, looking up at him with warmth in her eyes. "We love you too, baby," she says, her voice filled with emotion.