Prologue: A Deep Breath

Zaira Pov_

Have you ever felt like giving up on the existence of living? How about diving into the water and hoping it drowns you?

In a misconception society, filled with toxicity and gravitation from the world to every human being, it becomes so unbearable to breathe.

Life was so unfair, often shady, and a disturbing interruption of good connection from each individual.

I, Zaria Mustafa, the first out of my siblings, was forced to take on responsibility of my father at a young age. At the time, it felt like no matter what lady did, be it in a positive light, even though she had to take up the responsibilities of her family, the one she loves, it was never going to be appreciated by the world.

“We leave tonight,” came my Mother, Fatmagul's stern voice, hushing us to get ready.

We stepped in our wet shoes on the ally that was filled with dustbin litters from the neighbor, gathered in front of the walking ally road. According to my Mother, we had to leave immediately. I drew my sisters toward me to keep them warm despite my head holding the big bag that was filled with my clothes…

My mother, had on her head, a big box filled with few of her clothes and that of my sisters as she led the way beside me, We were drenched but we only had our courage, even though it was waning.

“…but Mom-“ I shuttered, adjusting my worn out coat, I was frightened, as any kid of my age would be, I was only 17 of age, I had to be strong, bold and beautiful. After all, I was my father's daughter.

“You have to leave, Zaria. Your sisters and I, are moving to Mexico while you chase after your dream,” my mother noted. I knew she could and would do anything for us, and letting me leave to purse my dream was one of those things.

As the rain poured, it hit our skin, sending divers to our bone. It was a stormy night, but a hopeful night for us. My mother had told me a little about what she did and why she did it, and judging from how she sounded, I knew we had no choice.

Running towards the route headed to the terminal substation, my mother and her sister gave me rushed goodbye and a tearful hug. Then my mother hurried along. I climbed into the jeep of my mother trusted friend, Karim. He was like a brother to her, and there was no one else she would entrusted me to. I knew I was in good hands.

I could not help but look back at my mother and two sisters drenched in the rain, racing to catch the train. I sobbed until they disappeared.

“They are going to be fine, Zaria.” Karim spoke as he drove down the highway, heading to the airport. One could tell he was controlling his emotion, as not to appear weak to me while he speed away. He needed to make sure I caught the next flight to the United Kingdom.

Despite my admission into Harvard University through a scholarship with a little help from Karim. I could not help but be shattered by how life turned out for mother after father abandoned her. I hated him.

My mother considered it wise to steal a sum of 50,000 Turkish Lira from my uncle while she fled the country with my youngest sisters After confiding in me, I knew she deserved the money after all abuse she as experience at my uncle’s hands.

However, I knew so well it was not over yet, I knew this was going to haunt us in the future, and so did my mother. However, we did not know when.

***

“I just had to survive,” I said to the woman seated in front of me. She sat across the table. She handed me a tissue to wipe my tears

“Zaria, it’s been five years, yet you still carry this pain with you. Why is that?” Mrs. Emma asked crossing her leg that held a black. expensive pencil heel. I must say, being a therapist must have paid well.

Looking at the office, it was built in a way that felt like home. I glanced toward the table in between us, as my eyes locked with the blue teacup that had a pile of notebooks laying carefully beside it

“Zaria.”

Her voice brought me out of my thoughts. When I looked at her, I could not help but notice her choice of fashion. She had on a long maroon coat that covered her white tuxedo revealing only the upper part while the remaining part of her shirt was tucked in her high waisted black pants.

“I’m fine” I replied. “I was able to train myself in school and now, I am headed for California. All I need do is get a decent job to help care for my mom and two sisters. You know life does not wait for you to get well. The more you wait, the more the bills are piled up. I do not want to stress my mother even further.”

My words made her smile, which revealed her perfect dentition.

“Well, I have all faith in you_” She stood up, which got me standing up in return.“ I believe this is our last meeting, Zaria. Lucky for you, my family is in California. I would be there in a few days, so you can come whenever you are troubled or need to talk to someone.”

She stuck out her hands for an embrace. I smiled welcoming her in.

“When are you leaving for California?” she asked, as she broke the hug.

“Tomorrow,” I replied with a smile which earned her one from Mrs. Emma as well.

“Great, hope you find what you looking for.” Which got me smiling hard

***

_Noah’s Pov_

San Francisco, a big city in California, a state in the Western side of United States located along the pacific coast. It was said that the city is ruled by two Mafia Kings: one being Oliver’s and the other Mateo’s.

In the Oliver household, a loud scream followed by a crashing footstep.

I slammed the door open, and looked at the man called my father. He stood across the room that held a large table made of bronze; it was the only item that stood in between I looked beside him to see my mother frightened by my entrance, as much as she was my pride and joy. My father had crossed all boundaries this time, I was not going to stand it.

I had enough of his madness.

“Father! I refuse to get married to her! I have had it up to here with your stupid antics, Five years has gone by and you still think you control our lives!” I approached him and my fist slammed on the table. I was beyond pissed. “You better keep me out of your web of misfortune.” I added,

My voiced echoed around the room as the liquid substance flew from my mouth.

I glanced at my mother. “Mom, talk to your husband. Otherwise, we will fall out in the worse way possible.”

My voice was calm. It came out more as a plea rather than a demand. I could not go through with this; the woman he wanted me to marry was my best friend. I cared for her, but not like that, and I did not want to enter a loveless marriage solely so Jayden Oliver could keep his power and wealth.

“Jay, the boy is…” my mother started but was shut up immediately by a strike on her face from my father that sent her to the floor.

“Father!” I moved away from the table that separated me from him, I rushed toward him but was stopped by my elder brother who held onto my hands before stepping in front of me.

“Get out of my way, Benjamin.” I yelled, but he held his ground. I could have striked but I did promise my mother never to harm him.

“Like father, like son...” I snarled- before I bent down to pick up our mother from the floor, “You two deserve each other,” I added, while I left with my mother beside me.

I knew it would not be long before my mom forgave my father but for now, she needed her sanity.

After a series of conversation with my mother in regards to the alliance, I gave in. A few days later, by before I finally decided to meet up with Maria. After all, she was and will always be my best friend. However, I was been compelled to get into a misconception relationship with her. But upon my arrival to Maria apartment, I met her in an uncompromising position with some I knew so well.

She had someone in her life already?