Only for You

20: Business & Pleasure

Fatima leaned against the door, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to steady herself. She could still feel the warmth of Zac's kiss lingering on her lips, and a soft smile crept across her face. Tonight had been perfect—better than she'd expected, even with everything swirling around in her personal life.

As she moved further into the house, she kicked off her heels and headed toward the kitchen for a glass of water to clear her head. Her mind wandered back to the moment Zac had offered to let her stay at his place. Part of her had been tempted to say yes, to escape for a night. But she knew she couldn't keep running from her issues with her mom.

The soft sound of footsteps made her tense. Fiona appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, her expression tight.

"Out late again, I see," Fiona remarked, her tone disapproving.

Fatima sighed, setting her glass on the counter. "I'm an adult, Mom. I don't need a curfew."

Fiona's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not talking about curfews. I'm talking about you dating... him."

Fatima frowned, her jaw clenching. "Him?"

"Yes, him," Fiona continued, her voice laced with thinly veiled irritation. "I know you think he's a thrill, but are you really thinking about your future? You had stability before, a man who wanted to build something with you. And you threw it all away. Now, you're just... out with someone who drives flashy cars and probably has no intention of settling down."

Fatima forced herself to stay calm. "You don't even know him, Mom. And, for the record, Anthony wasn't right for me. I need you to understand that."

Fiona shook her head, her voice laced with disappointment. "I only want what's best for you, Fatima. You're almost thirty, and instead of building a solid life, you're still... hopping from one thing to the next. Where's your focus?"

"My focus?" Fatima's voice shook with frustration. "I'm building a career, trying to finally make something of my own, something you never seem to see."

Fiona's gaze softened slightly, but her expression remained firm. "I just want you to be happy, Fatima. And it's hard watching you make choices that I fear will only leave you hurt."

Fatima swallowed, pushing back the sting of her mother's words. "You may not see it, but I am happy. And he makes me happy. I just wish you could accept that."

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Finally, Fiona sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit. "Goodnight, Fatima," she said quietly, before turning and heading upstairs.

Fatima let out a shaky breath once her mother was out of sight. She finished her water, placed the glass in the sink, and made her way up to her room. Crawling into bed, she pulled her phone from her purse and sent a quick text.

Fatima: Made it in. Thanks again for tonight.

Almost immediately, her phone buzzed.

Zac: Of course. Get some rest, beautiful. I'll see you tomorrow. ❤️

She smiled, setting her phone down on the nightstand. Despite the tension with her mom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and hope blooming inside her. As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts lingered on Zac—on his smile, his touch, and the way he made her feel seen in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
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Fatima stepped into Axiom Sports Marketing, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she made her way through the foyer. She wore a sage-green dress with a white ribbon detail that flowed gracefully with her movements, paired with matching heels and simple, elegant accessories. She looked effortlessly poised, radiating confidence, but there was a hint of anticipation in her eyes as she scanned the room for Zac.