Chapter 81

• "I want answers," she declared, slamming her hand on the table, the crockery clattering through the air. She felt a surge of anger coursing through her veins, unfamiliar and overwhelming. She had never been so aggressive, never so assertive. Once, she had been a timid girl, unsure of herself and her place in the world. Now, something within her had ignited a fierce determination to reclaim her autonomy. To her surprise, Zain rose from his seat, his expression still calm, his eyes filled with a serene warmth directed at her. Without a word, he placed his napkin on the table, pulled out his chair, and stood before her.
• "Fine, let's talk," he conceded, offering her the opportunity. Gesturing for her to follow, Zain led the way toward the study room, his demeanor calm and collected as he glanced back at his family, a warm smile assuring them that all was under control. Inside, as he closed the door behind them, Hazel felt a sense of isolation. He settled onto the couch, gesturing for Hazel to make herself comfortable. "I am here to answer all of your questions," he stated with a patient tone.
• Hazel wasted no time in asking her first question: "Who are you, and why did you bring me here?" She remembered him as a chief guest at her convention, but that didn't justify his right to whisk her away. This man was practically a stranger to her.