"Is he for real?"
Paula sat up straight on the bed making Richard flinch. Zara called Paula and told her about Sebastian as soon as he hung up on her.
"I am confused and terrified darling. I don't know what to do. He even booked a ticket for me and sent me the details" said Zara tossing on the bed.
"I betrayed my family by sleeping with him, perhaps god is punishing me now"
Zara sobbed burying her face into the pillow. She never thought Sebastian would find her. He even threatened her to meet him. What the hell is she going to do now? She already hid her past from her parents and now is she going to lie to them again?
"Shut up baby! Think about the present crisis"
Paula rubbed her forehead deep in thought.
"I don't know what to do, I feel like all walls are closing in"
Zara sobbed hard and Paula couldn't help but worry about her. She wanted to be with Zara right now to hug and console her.
"Baby, please calm down, let's go to the place he texted"
Paula decided to pay a visit to the bastard who is playing with her friend. She would teach him a lesson for threatening Zara.
Zara sniffed wiping her tears in confusion. What is she saying? Meet Sebastian? No way, not even in her dreams.
"What are you saying darling?"
"I mean it baby, I will come with you to talk with him. Let's make it clear"
Paula spoke in determination. She don't want to see Zara living her life in agony because of Sebastian. They spent a night together willingly and parted ways willingly. He can't force her and threaten her to be with him by using her family against her.
"I don't want to see him"
Zara lowered her head biting her lip. She couldn't afford to see him again. She don't want to think about that night no matter what. All the buried memories will come to surface once they meet again and she didn't want that.
"Baby listen to me, we already told uncle that we are going to resort for a week right. Let's go to his place for a change. I will talk to him, you don't need to meet him"
Paula assured her making Zara sigh in relief
"Okay"
She is lucky to have Paula in her life, she is her warrior princess to fight with everyone who tries to hurt her.
"Darling, I love you"
Zara smiled gently after a long time. Paula's support was everything she needed at this moment.
"I love you too baby"
Paula replied back and Richard pinched her waist.
"Pack your bags, I will take care of the tickets and baby when did he ask you to meet him?"
Paula asked glaring at Richard and he hugged her to his chest patting her shoulder.
"Tuesday"
Zara's smile dropped hearing about him and she was dispirited.
"Okay! I will take a week off, text him that you are coming with me on Tuesday"
Paula started writing the leave letter and Richard stared at her frowning.
"I will and darling are you sure about this?"
Zara still felt a lingering fear in her heart. She is afraid to meet him even though Paula assured her.
"I am sure, don't worry I am with you"
Paula hung up the call and worked on her letter.
"What happened?"
Richard hugged her from behind as soon as Paula hung up the call.
"I am envious of Zara, you love her so much"
He spoke after hearing Paula's explanation.
Paula sent the mail to her superior and closed her laptop before kissing his lips pulling him to her and they had their passionate night.
"Zara! Can I come in?"
Meredith knocked on her door when she heard noises from Zara's room. She was concerned about her daughter because Zara would always be upset after having a heated conversation with Andrew.
"Come in Mom"
Zara put all her necessities on the bed and then started arranging them neatly. Meredith saw Zara's busy figure and smiled.
"Are you packing for the trip?"
Zara nodded and took out matching accessories and foot wear for her dresses.
"Are you done?"
Zara heard her mother's tired voice and turned towards her. She put aside her things and sad beside her.
Meredith held her little hand and planted a kissed on it. Zara laid on her mother's lap and closed her eyes enjoying the warmth. Meredith caressed Zara's hair and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"What's on your mind Zara?"
After staying silent for a minute Meredith spoke.
"Nothing mom"
"I know my daughter. You can't hide from me"
Zara sighed and sat up looking into her mother's eyes. Meredith brushed Zara's hair from her face and gestured her to speak.
"Do you like dad's thoughts?"
Meredith's smile faded away and she looked at a distance deep in thoughts. Zara squeezed her mother's hand and urged her to answer.
"I married your father when I was eighteen. I didn't continue my studies because of your grandfather and don't know much about the outside world. I saw the world through your father and always believed in him"
"I know he's thinking about us mom but don't you think he's extreme? I mean trusting us a bit wouldn't make a difference to his beliefs right. As you said you never had a chance to explore the world. Don't you want your daughters to be someone who you always wanted to be?"
Zara saw subtle changes in her mother's eyes but she hid them away so quickly.
"I am sorry Zara. I may not fight with your dad for you but I'll never say no to any of your wishes"
Zara knew her mother has no say in their family because that's how much control her dad has over her mom for the past twenty nine years.
"Thank you mom. You'll always be the person I look up to"
Meredith kissed her forehead and left the room. She really wished to have a talk with Andrew but she's scared. She never voiced out her thoughts and always stayed silent. She only hoped her daughters to live happily after getting married.