Broken

Chapter 52: Even through sorrow

Zac stands up as his attention locks onto Fatima walking into the hospital. She looks around the waiting area, her gaze searching until it lands on him. Without hesitation, she makes her way over, her face soft with concern.

"Hey, you good? How's your dad?" she asks, wrapping her arms around him as she looks up at him.

"He's still in surgery," Zac says, his voice tight. "Doctors haven't said anything yet."

Fatima nods, her fingers gently brushing against his cheek, offering silent comfort. "He's going to be okay," she says softly, her eyes holding his.

"I hope so," Zac murmurs, his frustration and worry clear in his expression.

"Where's Khalid?" he asks, his tone shifting slightly as he glances past her.

"He stayed with Lana. I told him I'd be back soon," Fatima replies, and Zac nods.

"My mom went to the bathroom," Zac says, his jaw tightening as he shifts his weight from one foot to the other. "I know this is bad timing, but if you hadn't told me to come, I wouldn't have known my dad went into cardiac arrest. My mom didn't even call me. You wanna know who she called instead?"

Fatima frowns, sensing the tension building in him. "Who did she call?" she asks, her voice low but curious.

"Diana," Zac huffs, his frustration bubbling over. "Fucking Diana!" He groans, rubbing the back of his neck, his anger laced with hurt. "Like I wasn't the one who should've known first..."

Fatima sighs softly, pulling him into a closer embrace. "I'm sorry, baby," she whispers, knowing how much this betrayal must sting. "That's not right."

Zac takes a deep breath, trying to calm down, but the frustration lingers, gnawing at him. "I just don't get it... why not me? Her own son."

Fatima stays quiet, just holding him, knowing he needs to let the frustration out.

Fatima gently caressed the back of Zac's neck, her touch soothing him as the tension in his body began to melt away. "I'm glad you're here. It makes me feel less alone," Zac admitted, his voice softening as he leaned into her comfort.

She smiled faintly, her hand resting on her stomach. "I love you, okay? You're not alone. You have us," she said, her eyes shining with warmth.

He chuckled, the weight on his shoulders lightening just a bit. "You're right. I have a whole army," he teased, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "I love you too, Ti."

Diana and Tia returned. Tia quickly spotted a nurse, her urgency cutting through the air. "How is Mr. Taylor?" she asked anxiously.

Meanwhile, Diana's attention landed on Zac and Fatima. Leaving Tia's side, she approached the couple. "Fatima," she greeted with a forced smile. Zac and Fatima parted slightly as Diana neared, but the look Fatima gave Diana was anything but welcoming—almost chilling.

"I see you've come to support Zac," Diana continued, extending her hand toward Fatima. "It's nice seeing you again."

Fatima didn't move. She just stared at Diana, ignoring the offered handshake, her expression icy. "Get out of my presence," she snapped, her voice cold and sharp. "I haven't forgotten about the little stunt you tried to pull."

"Babe," Zac said softly, his hands gently squeezing her shoulders, trying to calm her down.

Diana sucked her teeth, her face hardening with irritation, before backing away. Just as she stepped back, Tia's attention shifted to Fatima. Her expression darkened immediately, and she practically bristled.

"What is this woman doing here?" Tia snapped, her voice dripping with contempt.

"Ma," Zac scolded, but Tia was too worked up to listen.