Broken

Chapter 51: The weight of secrets

Lana appeared at the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. "Lunch is ready," she announced with a smile.

Fatima, Zac, and Khalid stood up, heading toward the dining room. As they entered, Fatima gestured to Lana. "Lana, this is Khalid," she introduced.

Lana's eyes lit up as she looked at him. "He looks just like you," she remarked, her smile widening.

Khalid cleared his throat, glancing at Fatima briefly before speaking. "I'm her son," he revealed.

Lana's eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god! No wonder you're so handsome," she exclaimed. "I'm Lana, call me grandma—"

"Lana," Fatima scolded gently, raising a brow.

Zac couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. Khalid laughed lightly, feeling the warmth in the room. "Can I just call you Lana for now?" he asked with a grin.

"That's also fine," Lana agreed, her excitement bubbling over. "Sit—oh my god! I have to make a dessert then. How about pecan pie?" she offered, her tone eager.

Khalid's eyes lit up. "That's my favorite dessert."

"It's your mom's favorite too," Lana added, a proud smile on her face.

"Lana, please. Slow down," Fatima said with a sigh, her expression softening as she looked at the housekeeper.

"Sorry," Lana replied quickly, making a motion to calm herself, though it was clear she was still buzzing with energy.

Khalid sat down, his gaze shifting to Zac. Before Zac could take his seat, Fatima gently placed her hand on his arm. "You wanna tell me about your dad?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

Zac ran a hand down her back, letting it rest briefly on her ass. "After lunch, baby," he whispered, the tension in his voice evident.

"You sure?" Fatima asked, her eyes searching his face.

"Yeah... there's a lot happening right now," Zac admitted, a tired smile tugging at his lips.

"Okay," Fatima nodded, her worry not quite abated. She gave him a soft peck on the lips before Zac pulled out her chair for her to sit.

Khalid, observing their closeness, leaned back in his chair and asked, "How long have you two been together?"

Fatima and Zac exchanged a look before Fatima answered, "Four months."

Khalid nodded thoughtfully as he reached for his glass.

Lana clapped her hands together, her excitement palpable as she looked around the dining room. "Pecan pie it is, then!" she declared. "I'll get started on that right away after you finish lunch."

Khalid chuckled, clearly feeling more at ease as Lana's warmth began to settle into the room. "Thanks, Lana. I appreciate it."

Lana gave him a playful wink. "Anything for the boss's son," she said, then hurried off to the kitchen, already humming to herself as she mentally planned the dessert.

Fatima watched her go, then turned back to Khalid and Zac, her expression softening as she sat down. The dining room, usually filled with a quiet elegance, now buzzed with an undercurrent of emotion. Fatima gestured to the food on the table, a variety of dishes that Lana had clearly gone all out for. "Please, help yourself," she said, though her mind still seemed distracted by everything that had unfolded earlier.

Khalid picked up his fork and glanced around at the spread, still absorbing the reality of where he was, who he was with, and what had just been revealed. "You two seem happy," he said, a slight edge of curiosity in his voice as he eyed Zac and Fatima.