Introverted Love!

Chapter 9

I could hear faint voices nearby but when I tried to open my eyes they refused. Sleep clouded me like a fog and I almost let it win until I heard my name
'Maya will come around you haven't even tried to speak to her and there is no one better suited to this position you know this' Mr Mazari spoke to someone who I assumed was Zack until I heard my dad's signature nervous cough.
'She's been through too much, if she decides she doesn't want this I can't force her'..he paused before drawing in a deep breath
'Our friendship means alot to me and I know the situation you're in but I won't do this to my daughter' he said resolutely
By now my eyes were wide awake. My poor dad had been forced to force me and I had been nothing but cruel to him without even trying to see things from his perspective. The door creaked open and I quickly clamped my eyes shut pretending to be asleep.
'Maya, beta come on now it's late let's go home and sleep' he spoke softly and sat me up
'Dad what time is it' I rubbed my eyes and traces of mascara ran down my hands
'Its 1.30am beta let's get you home are you ok to walk
'I'm fine dad I just didn't eat so got a bit weak but I'm ok now sorry for worrying you' unlike me to sob but I did and I hugged my dad for the longest minute

(Zacks POV)
I was just about to go into the room to give Maya her handbag when I saw her hugging her dad mascara had ran down her cheeks, she must have cried. Every part of me ached for her she was just a little girl who needed love and because of me she had argued with the one person who loved her most - her dad. I knocked lightly and entered looking down not wanting to disturb them but my father was not too far behind me and he would have seen me standing outside like a lost puppy. Hardly the behaviour of the next CEO, he had no idea how much I was in love with her and that my suggestion wasn't for the good of the business but for my own selfish reasons.
'Your purse' I handed it to her and she quickly jumped up out of the bed
'Thank you....for everything I mean..Sorry again for ruining your night
'Well you do seem to be making a habit out of it' I joked which surprised her

(Maya's POV)
He actually made a joke, he laughed nervously because I just stared at him but I was mesmerized. His laugh was  musical and his face looked younger cuter, handsomer when he relaxed. The purse in my hand fell as I continued to stare it awoke me from my daydream, I blushed and went down to pick it up but he had the same idea and our heads thudded together.
Dad broke the silence with a deep belly laugh and I followed. Zack just rubbed his forehead dazed. Mr Mazari walked in and asked
'What's going on here, how are you beta?'he looked at me and I was taken back by the look of genuine concern. I had been annoyed at him as well as Zack, but being here now reminded me of my childhood when both had been good to me. I remember playing card games with Zack and his dad would cheat and hold up numbers behind Zacks back so I'd know which cards he had, then he'd treat us to ice cream which would always annoy Zacks mum.
'I'm fine uncle' I said out of respect
'I'm sorry to have caused you all so much trouble'
'Nonsense we are family beta, although I'm sad you missed your award ceremony I'm also glad I got to see you it's been too long na' he smiled and so did I forgetting the state I was in right now
'Yes uncle it has been a long time' I agreed and let dad walk me out and down the stairs
We did our goodbyes at the door as if we were going to another country not next door. Definitely an asian thing but once we were home I was surprised to see Lizetta not back yet
'Where is Lizetta dad?'
'She rang to say she needed a few days off for personal reason. Insha'Allah everything is ok but she didn't have time to explain, we'll hear about it when she gets back'
'Ok I'm going to shower and sleep dad, see you in the morning'
'Have a good rest beta and tommorw I will not be going into work, me and you we will have a day out like old times ok'
Immediately I was so excited, I skipped upstairs and headed for my room to get some pyjamas.
Bling my phone chimed and I looked at the message
I need your help tonight- Lizetta.