WebNovelJust Fate73.91%

Chapter 17: Between Love and Rage

Zain car cruised silently down the road toward Elena's father's mansion. Inside the car, the atmosphere was heavy—silent—but Elena's heart was thundering in her chest.

Zain glanced sideways. "What do you think he wants... calling you home so suddenly?"

Elena took a shaky breath. "I don't know… But when he speaks like that, it's never something small."

Zain offered a soft smile. "Whatever it is, I'm here."

Elena didn't reply. She simply turned her face to the window, watching the blur of trees as her thoughts raced faster than the car.

As they arrived, the iron gates were already open—as if anticipating a storm.

Zain stepped out of the car and gently opened Elena's door. Together, they approached the massive front entrance.

Before they could knock, the door flung open with force.

Mr. Farhan, Elena's father, stood at the doorway, fury etched into every wrinkle on his face, his jaw clenched and eyes blazing.

Then—

SMACK!

His palm struck Elena across the cheek. Hard. The sound echoed through the foyer like a gunshot.

Elena's head whipped to the side, her hair scattering across her face.

Zain froze, stunned. His fists clenched at his sides.

Tears welled in Elena's eyes, but her voice didn't shake.

"What are you doing, Ayah?!"

"HOW DARE YOU! You disgrace this family!" Mr. Farhan roared. "Mr. Harith told me everything. You're dating the driver?!"

"He's not just a driver!" she snapped, her voice cracking from emotion.

"DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?! Who I am?! We are not common people!"

"I know exactly who I am. And I know who he is. And I don't care!" Elena shouted through her tears.

From behind them, Elena's mother, Madam Zaleha, rushed into the room, gasping as she saw the scene before her.

"Elena…" her voice trembled. Her hand covered her mouth as tears spilled down her cheeks.

Then, with a deep breath, Elena looked straight at her father.

"Yes. I'm in love with Zain."

The Confession

Zain's eyes widened. For a moment, everything around him vanished.

That one sentence from her...

It felt like everything he'd ever wanted to hear — but never expected to.

A slow, quiet smile curved across his lips. Not of arrogance, but of sheer joy and silent victory.

Elena turned toward him, shaken and fragile. Her hands reached for his arm, gripping it tight.

Then she leaned her head against his chest, sobbing softly.

Zain instinctively wrapped his arm around her, gently stroking her hair.

"I'm sorry, Zain…" she wept. "I ruined everything…"

"No," Zain whispered, his voice low and steady. "You did the bravest thing today."

He paused, bringing his lips closer to her ear, and said softly:

"And Elena… I love you too."

Elena's breath hitched, her tears falling faster now, but for a completely different reason.

She closed her eyes, gripping Zain tighter. In that moment, despite the pain and the pressure, she felt safe.

Mr. Farhan stared at them.

The anger on his face... slowly melted into something else.

Shock. Realisation. Defeat?

He slowly sat down on the couch, his hand covering part of his face as he tried to process what just happened.

He glanced at Zain again. This time, no longer as a "driver," but as a man — calm, composed, unafraid, and willing to protect the woman he loved.

Madam Zaleha broke into tears, sinking to her knees beside her husband. She too had seen it — that this wasn't a silly fling.

This was real.

Zain gently pulled Elena even closer, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

A new chapter of love had begun.

But the truth behind Zain…His identity…His empire…

...still remained hidden.

And not everyone would be ready for it.