Dad's Surprise

Zakira's feet touched her mother's land for the first time in a long while since her departure overseas. She had stubbornly pursued her dreams despite her father's attempts to dissuade her.

The familiar scent of peach blossoms filled her nostrils. It was the very season when the fruit bloomed, and the countryside was adorned with vibrant colors. Yet, despite the beauty, everything felt foreign. So much had changed. Towering modern buildings stood where familiar sights once were. The roads were flawlessly paved, bustling with pedestrians. She had heard rumors of Imperial City becoming a giant in the business world. Now, seeing it with her own eyes, she could attest to the truth—there had been no exaggeration.

Zakira's expression darkened as she hesitated. Change had not only reshaped the city but also the lives of those she cherished. And she had no one to blame but herself. How could she face her father? She had abandoned him when he needed her the most. Even on his deathbed, she had refused to return—how could she now, when the damage was already done? Thankfully, his surgery had been successful, and he had been brought back from the brink.

But two weeks ago, the shock of her life had hit her like a storm. Her father had called, as he often did, but this time, his voice was laced with anger and disappointment.

"Silly girl. I hope you're happy now. You've succeeded in pushing Olsen away, and this time, I'm afraid you'll never get him back. That's the price of your stupidity. There's no need for you to return—just stay where you are and enjoy your fame. Olsen—such a down-to-earth man, devoted to the core—he's rare. And you let him slip away just like that."

His words had taken Zakira what felt like an eternity to process. The harshness of his tone stung, but what hurt more was the truth behind it. She couldn't accept this cruel fate. Without hesitation, she had booked the fastest flight home, leaving behind the world she had built in France.

Olsen and she had been childhood sweethearts. Even in their youth, he had cherished her above all else, building his world around her. At first, she had felt the same, but things had changed when she decided to carve a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Even as a young girl, Zakira had aimed high. Her hunger for fame grew untamed, setting her apart from her peers and making her prideful. She had looked down on anything she considered beneath her.

Ignoring Olsen's pleas, she had booked her ticket without a second thought. With the help of her manager, she made her debut, taking on roles in the entertainment industry. Rising from a C-list model to an A-list celebrity, she became one of the most sought-after figures in the industry. Everything tied to her name sold at the highest rates. Zakira Ambly had become a force to be reckoned with.

"Zayley…" Olsen had called her fondly one evening, resting his arms around her waist as he held her close. He had one last hope—to convince her not to leave.

"Please don't go. How am I supposed to live without you? You are my world, and you know it. Stay, and we can build a beautiful life together." His voice was thick with emotion as he knelt before her.

"See, that's the problem with you!" she had snapped impatiently, giving him no chance to speak further. "Why does everything have to revolve around you? We have our own lives to live. We're still young, and whatever this is—it's just for fun. So wake up from your daze."

With those cruel words, she had left him standing there, defeated, as she boarded the plane. Zakira had been so blinded by her dreams that she failed to realize she had lost him for good. She had overestimated her hold on him.

Scarlet Apparel

Tania…

She turned to find her colleagues rushing toward her, their faces bright with excitement. They trapped her in a stiff embrace. Overwhelmed by the love and care, she couldn't help but return the hug. Though they weren't related by blood, they treated her like family, and for that, she was grateful.

"Bestie, we've missed you! You've been gone for two and a half weeks, but it felt like forever. There was so much work to do, and without you, the workaholic, my motivation just vanished!" Emily whined, dressed in a chaotic mix of colors—her signature style. Her pink-dyed hair, casually tousled, barely stayed in place as she ran her fingers through it.

Sebastian—known as Sab—was visibly irritated by Emily's carefree demeanor. She was loud, impossible to provoke, and nothing like the other women who spent hours perfecting their appearance. Instead, she wore baggy clothes, clashing colors, and had the wildest hairstyles Sab had ever seen. Squinting at her, he rubbed his chin in thought.

"She sure has a tough skin," he muttered, unaware that the "crappy being" was right behind him.

"I heard that," Emily whispered into his ear, her voice sending a ticklish sensation down his spine.

A shiver ran through him as he scratched his ear in irritation. He shot her a glare but said nothing—he refused to let her ruin his day.

"Tania, it's so good to have you back," their supervisor said. "You're a valuable asset to this company. Thanks to your talent and dedication, we've come this far in the fashion world. I'll admit, I misjudged you at first, and I regret that. I just want you to know—I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, sir. I promise to work even harder," she replied sincerely.

The rest of the team—Hannah, Rose, Stanley, Martin, Debbie, and Ryder—expressed their joy at her return.

"Welcome back, Tania!"

The words rang melodiously in her ears, filling her heart with warmth.

Later, Emily dragged Tania aside.

"Where have you been? What was your leave all about?" she asked, bombarding her with questions.

Tania hesitated. How could she explain that she had left to honor a marriage contract—a ridiculous, outrageous arrangement? Emily was her closest friend, practically a sister. But at this moment, she couldn't bring herself to say the truth. Too much had changed too quickly.

Emily clicked her tongue. "Tania, seriously! You were totally spacing out."

Then, she brightened. "Oh! Guess what?"

Tania sighed. "You know I'm terrible at guessing. Just tell me."

"Alright, alright," Emily waved a hand in surrender. "While you were away, a new staff member was hired. She's just as talented as you! Ugh… what was her name again? Something Woods."

Before Tania could process Emily's words, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She barely registered the last name—Woods?

Could it be…?

Emily, momentarily perplexed, wracked her brain. Then, she snapped her fingers. "Ah-ha! Sienna! That's it—Sienna Woods."

Tania froze.

Her younger sister?

A call from an unknown number interrupted her thoughts. Though the number was unfamiliar, her instincts told her otherwise. She rushed to the restroom to answer.

A deep, coarse voice came from the other end.

"I knew you wouldn't save my number. Sorry to intrude, but I need your help."

Tania stiffened. Olsen.

"What for?" she asked, sharp and direct.

"Meet me outside your company. Dad has a big surprise for both of us. You don't want me coming in, do you?"

A surprise?

Her heart pounded.

"Fine. I'll send you an address."

As she ended the call, she clutched her phone to her chest. I just hope it's not something unbelievable.