Only for You

42: The One We Choose

Fatima sat on the bed, her bare legs curled beneath her, staring at the phone in her hands. Dinner with Zac's mother and sister had been amazing—better than she could've ever imagined. She had felt nothing but love and warmth, something she wasn't used to on Christmas... except from her dad.

She inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly as her fingers hovered over the keyboard. Then, she typed the message and hit send.

Fatima: Merry Christmas, Mommy 🎄

She set her phone down, waiting. A part of her already knew what was coming, but she hoped—just this once—her mother would surprise her.

A minute later, her phone buzzed.

Fiona: Merry Christmas? That's it? A text message at the end of the day? After everything I've done for you?
But I shouldn't be surprised. That man has you so caught up, you've forgotten about your own mother. You didn't even call me. You just left me here all alone on Christmas. But I should've known... You're just like your father. Leaving me.

Fatima sighed, her chest tightening. That damn line. You're just like your father. It didn't matter how much time passed—her mother never failed to use it against her.

She blinked rapidly, pushing down the lump in her throat. She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't let this ruin such a good day. But as much as she tried, the words stung.

The bathroom door opened, and Zac walked out, all fresh and moisturized, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He was smiling—until he saw her face.

His brows furrowed. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Fatima quickly wiped her tears, shaking her head, but the effort was useless as another fell.

"My mom's never gonna change," she whispered, holding up the phone for him to see.

Zac took it, his jaw tightening as he read the message. His grip on the phone visibly tensed before he set it down on the nightstand.

He knelt in front of her, his hands sliding up her thighs, grounding her. "Baby..." His voice was gentle, but firm. "You know that's not true, right?"

Fatima swallowed, staring at her lap. "She always makes me feel like I'm abandoning her just for being happy."

Zac exhaled sharply, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on her skin. "That's because she wants you to feel that way. If you didn't, she wouldn't be able to guilt-trip you into putting her first every time."

Fatima shook her head. "But she's my mom."

"I know." Zac's voice softened even more. "And you love her. But that doesn't mean you have to let her control your happiness."

Fatima took a shaky breath, still struggling to shake off the sting.

Zac studied her for a moment. "You want me to say something to her?"

She quickly shook her head. "No. That'll just make it worse."

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. "Okay. But don't let her ruin your night, Tima. You had a good day, right?"

She exhaled, nodding. "A really good day."

"Then don't let her take that from you." He cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheek.

Fatima sighed, leaning into his touch. "You always know what to say."

Zac smirked. "That's why you're marrying me."

She let out a soft laugh as he kissed her, his lips moving against hers in a slow, lingering rhythm. Then again. And again. Until her tension melted away completely.
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