The Truth Beneath it All
Yusuf sat frozen as the woman he hadn't seen in years — his mother — took a seat across from him.
Zainab stood quietly behind her, arms crossed, unreadable.
"I thought you were dead," Yusuf whispered.
His mother gave a bitter smile.
"Your father made sure you believed that."
Zainab's breath caught.
This wasn't just family drama.
This was war behind closed doors.
---
"I left because I knew too much," the woman said. "Your father didn't want anyone questioning the contract he forced you to sign."
Yusuf blinked. "What contract?"
She looked him dead in the eyes.
"The one where he promised to hand over your inheritance—if you married one of the Malik daughters."
Zainab gasped.
"That marriage wasn't just arranged," she whispered. "It was bought."
His mother nodded.
"He used Zainab like a pawn. And when you started falling for her… he panicked."
---
Yusuf's fists clenched. "Why didn't you stop him?"
"I tried. He destroyed everything I had. I went into hiding to protect you. To protect her."
She turned to Zainab.
"You were never supposed to be the bride. It was always your sister."
Zainab's heart pounded.
"So I was a replacement… for a business deal?"
"Yes. But fate had other plans. And now, it's time you both take back your lives."
---
Silence filled the room.
Yusuf finally spoke.
"I'm done being controlled."
Zainab looked at him — not with love, but with power in her eyes.
"So am I."