stockholm syndrome / zjm

one

Bright flashes of light. Everywhere. People calling his name.

The Malik Winter Formal Masquerade.

The time of year where his father makes new allies, trade deals, and contracts with more people to support the financial empire he created. More allies, investments, and deals earned him trust. Trust then earned him more companies to stand alongside him instead of siding with Hudson.

Malik's were at the top, obviously. Their buildings were just a little bit bigger, stocks a little bit more successful, products selling better, studios producing better new artists, agencies finding stronger faster athletes, medical labs curing a little faster.

Until this year.

Hudson & Co. was becoming as great as they were, and managed to leak their products as their own before their release date.

They were barely on top.

As his father's son, this was Zayn's future.

And he hates it.

"Zayn, love. Time to go." His mum faintly smiled as she squeezed his hand.

Once they would step outside, she'd smile and wave as she walked along with Zayn's father, the grim smile and teary eyes she's displaying right now, would vanish.

She was sick of this as well. This endless struggle had lost her a daughter. For Zayn, a best friend.

Reaching into her purse, she handed Zayn a black mask to wear over my eyes before putting hers on.

He mentally sighed. It was his father's assistant's idea. A stupid one at that.

The limo stopped in front of the M Center, red carpet unrolled, paparazzi's with cameras poised ready.

Zayn's parents went first. Then my his sisters. Then Zayn.

Zayn kept a solid look, only smiling when his youngest sister ran up to him, her mask revealing her grin, putting her small hand in his.

Once inside, Zayn greeted people with names he keep forgetting, shook hands with entrepreneurs, and drank about two glasses of champagne.

Zayn zoned off while his father went up on stage and did his speech. His speeches were always the same. Thanking people for their loyalty, promises of protection in case Hudson attacked..

Zayn began to absentmindedly twist the rings on his hand, when his father approached him.

"Zayn. I'd like you to meet Xavier Edwards, from ES Diamonds." His father said, flashing his signature smile.

Zayn shook the man's hand, lifting the corner of his lips to seem the least bit happy.

"Nice to meet you, young man. I'd like you to meet my daughter, Perrie."

The tall blond in a royal blue dress smiled at Zayn, her mask covering her eyes. He bent down and kissed her hand as a custom.

"Its a pleasure to meet you." He murmured said, using the same smile he used for her father.

All for the paparazzi.

The two went off to their own table, but Mr. Malik pulled Zayn behind the stage.

"Listen, Son. Edwards is gaining more and more money by the week. He's got a big firm by the coast, and he'd make a big part against H. We've made a business deal," He paused, clearing his throat. "But we've made a personal deal."

Zayn sighed, not knowing what this has to do with him. God, how he craved a smoke.

"You're to marry Perrie, Zayn."