The next morning, Rina stirred awake, the soft light of the morning sun filtering through the curtains. She reached out instinctively, expecting to feel Zayn’s warmth beside her, but the bed was empty. Her heart sank slightly, disappointment creeping in as she realized he wasn’t there.
Pulling herself out of bed, she wrapped herself in a robe and made her way downstairs. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and something delicious wafted through the air, guiding her to the dining room.
Susan was setting the table, her movements efficient and precise as always. She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw Rina.
“Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?” Susan asked, her voice polite.
“Morning, Susan. Yes, I did, thank you,” Rina replied with a small smile, though her tone was distracted. Her eyes scanned the room, hoping to see Zayn.
Susan seemed to notice her searching gaze. “Mr. Zayn left early this morning,” she said, placing a plate of pancakes on the table. “He said he had some matters to take care of.”
Rina’s heart sank further at the news. He’d left without even waiting for her to wake up, and while she tried to rationalize it-he was a busy man, after all-the pang of disappointment was hard to ignore.
“Oh, I see,” she said, keeping her tone light. “Did he say when he’d be back?”
Susan shook her head. “No, ma’am. But he asked me to make sure you’re well taken care of in his absence.”
Rina nodded, her lips curving into a polite smile, though her chest felt heavy. “Thank you, Susan. Everything looks wonderful,” she said, gesturing to the table.
Susan gave her a quick nod before excusing herself, leaving Rina alone at the table.
Rina sat down and stared at the food in front of her, her appetite fading. She couldn’t help but wonder why Zayn had left so abruptly. Was he avoiding her? Was he regretting what had happened between them the night before?
Her fingers brushed against the ring on her finger, and she sighed. Perhaps she was overthinking things. Zayn was a man with responsibilities, and she couldn’t expect him to always be there. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment gnawing at her.
After nibbling on a piece of toast, Rina pushed her plate aside and decided to distract herself. She needed to clear her head and sort through her emotions. Maybe a walk in the garden would help.
But as she stood up and headed for the back door, she couldn’t stop the single thought that lingered in her mind: Why didn’t he wait for me?
Rina arrived at George’s place shortly after leaving the house. Her face was calm but her mind was swirling with determination. George, who had always been a supportive friend and confidant, opened the door with a curious expression.
“Rina? What’s going on?” he asked as he ushered her inside.
“I need your help,” she said, skipping the pleasantries.
George’s brows furrowed. “What kind of help?”
“I’m going to the police station to visit Kayla. I’m not done with her yet.”
George’s expression darkened. “Rina, are you sure that’s a good idea? After everything she’s put you through, you don’t need to put yourself through this.”
Rina shook her head, her voice firm. “I need closure, George. She took so much from me, and I won’t let her sit in that cell thinking she’s untouchable. She needs to face the truth, and I want to hear it from her own mouth.”
Reluctantly, George nodded. “Alright, I’ll come with you. But promise me you’ll stay calm no matter what happens.”
Rina gave him a small smile. “I’ll be fine.”
At the police station, Rina felt a surge of adrenaline as they were led to the holding area. Kayla sat behind the glass, her face a mixture of arrogance and malice as she spotted Rina.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” Kayla sneered, leaning back in her chair. “What do you want now? Come to gloat?”
Rina sat down, her eyes cold and unwavering. “No, I’m here to give you one last chance to own up to everything you’ve done. The lies, the scandals, the lives you’ve ruined-including mine.”
Kayla laughed, a bitter, humorless sound. “You think I’m going to confess to anything just because you asked nicely?”
Rina leaned forward, her tone cutting. “Oh, I think you will. Because deep down, you’re just dying to take credit for all the pain you’ve caused me.”
Kayla’s smirk faltered slightly, but her ego wouldn’t let her back down. “Fine. You want the truth? I instigated the scandal that destroyed your reputation. It was so easy-one little rumor and everyone believed you were nothing more than a fraud. And your ex-husband? He was never yours to begin with. He came to me willingly, Rina.”
Rina’s jaw tightened, but she held her composure. “What about my child, Kayla?”
Kayla’s eyes flashed with something cruel. “That was an accident. But I’m not sorry for it. You didn’t deserve to be a mother. And as for your little comeback attempts, every failed deal, every closed door-you can thank me for those too.”
George clenched his fists beside Rina, but she raised a hand to stop him.
“And the kidnapping?” Rina pressed, her voice icy.
Kayla leaned forward, her expression venomous. “Yes, I orchestrated that too. I wanted you to suffer, Rina, to feel as small and helpless as you made me feel. You’re nothing without your perfect face, your perfect life. You’re just a shell, and I wanted to break you.”
Rina sat back, her gaze steady. “And now you’ve lost. You’re sitting in this cell, and I’m free. But I’m not done, Kayla.”
Kayla sneered. “You think this is over? Think again. I’ll get out of here, Rina, and when I do, I’ll finish what I started. You should be watching your back.”
Rina rose from her seat, her expression unreadable. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, Kayla. Because while you’re rotting in here, I’m making sure you lose everything you hold dear-your family, your career, everything. You’re done.”
Without waiting for a response, Rina turned and walked away, leaving Kayla fuming behind the glass.
George followed her out, his voice low. “You handled that better than I expected.”
Rina glanced at him, her lips curling into a determined smile. “I’m not done yet, George. Not by a long shot.”