Chapter Five
The reception area of Asad's Industrial empire could leave no one in any doubt of the company's considerable profits, Zoya thought a short time later. From the sweeping computer console in the reception area fitted out in shining galaxy black marble, complete with a catwalk perfect receptionist, to the plush ankle-deep carpet on the floor, and the stunning views over the city from every window, it all left one with the impression that the Khan Industries knew how to do business and do it extremely well.
Mr Khan,' the receptionist purred at her boss. Mr Malhotra is waiting for you in the guest lounge adjoining your office.'
Follow me,' Asad addressed Zoya over one shoulder.
Something in her decided right there and then that she wasn't going to be ordered around in front of his staff, and in particular in front of his gorgeous receptionist, who had done nothing but stare at her the whole time she'd been there.
Hello.' Zoya held out her hand across the reception desk. I'm Zoya, Asad's fiance. And this is Lily. She's Asad's niece, you know. Ayan's child.'
The receptionist reared away from Zoya's outstretched hand as if by touching it she might be fired on the spot.
I...I thought your name was Zoe,' the young woman finally managed to get out. And don't you remember?' She eyeballed Zoya accusingly. We've met before.'
Zoya hadn't even considered the possibility that her sister might have called at the Khan office tower at some stage in the past.
Her color came and went as she tried to think of an excuse for not recognising the young woman but her brain felt as if someone had pulled the plug and she was left floundering.
It was when Mr. Asad was in India last September,' the receptionist went on, her mouth tight with reproach. Mr. Ayan was in a meeting but you insisted on seeing him.'
Zoya was very aware of Asad listening to every word of this exchange and had to think on her feet to find a way out of it without blowing her cover.
Mentally counting back the months she realized Zoe must have come to see Ayan well into the pregnancy, possibly as a last attempt to try to force his hand. She lowered her head in a gesture of contrition, her hand idly stroking the back of baby Lily's head where she was snuggled up against her in the pouch.
Yes...well, I wasn't really myself back then.'
The receptionist peered over the console at the sleeping baby, her stern expression instantly softening. She's very like Ayan, isn't she?'
Zoya nodded, deciding it was probably wiser not to respond verbally even if she could have located her voice.
Hold all my calls please, Maya,' Asad's deep voice commanded, interrupting the tight little exchange. Come on, Miss Faaroqui , we have some business to see to.'
She followed him down the spacious hall where priceless artworks were hung in stately array, each one reminding her of the amount of money Asad Ahmad Khan had at his fingertips if ever he decided to run her out of town"without Lily.
In here.' Asad held the door open for her. Take a seat and I will call in Atul Malhotra to join us.'
Zoya took one of the plush chairs facing the huge desk and, positioning Lily into a more comfortable position against her, began to look around.
It was a huge office by anyone's standards. It was lined with bookshelves along two walls, the thick volumes rich with both a wealth of knowledge and variety of taste. Unless they were there simply for show, which somehow she seriously doubted, they indicated Asad was a man who read widely, for apart from the obvious financial and legal tomes she could see some recent bestsellers as well as some of the classics she'd read and loved herself.
It gave her a funny feeling to have read the same books as him. It gave her a connection with him she wasn't all that sure she wanted to have.
The door opened behind her and she turned in her seat to see a man enter the room carrying a document folder under one arm. Asad was close behind with one of his impossible-to-read looks on his handsome face.
This is Atul Malhotra. Atul, this is my fiance, Zoya Faaruqui.'
Zoya began to rise but Atul hurriedly gestured for her to stay where she was on account of the baby nestled against her.
He shook her hand instead and looked down at the sleeping infant, his warm light brown eyes visibly softening.
What a little treasure. I have two daughters of my own. They are both my life and my daily torture.' He grinned at her meaningfully.
Zoya gave him a tentative smile. It's not easy being a parent.'
No, but worth the struggle, I can assure you. My eldest is starting school in a few months; it seems only yesterday she was crawling everywhere.'
Zoya gave a somewhat forced little laugh thinking about her own childhood. She saw Asad stiffen at the sound of her chuckle, his dark eyes so piercing she had to look away in case he saw more than she wanted him to see.
Now,' Atul said as he opened the folder on the desk and glanced across at Asad. I've drawn up the document the way you suggested but perhaps I should explain it to Zoya first?'
Explain away.' Asad's tone bordered on uninterested.
Zoya felt herself shrinking in her seat in embarrassment. She had no real understanding of legal terms and wasn't sure if she'd be signing her life away. Surely the least Asad could do was go through it with her as well?
As you wish.' Atul opened the file and laid it in front of her. Don't be put off by all the legal terms, Zoya, this is pretty straightforward. This simply states in the event of a divorce you agree to a reasonable settlement but not a division of Asad's total assets.'
Zoya did her best to read through the wordy text but it made little if no sense to her. She kept searching the document for Lily's name, hunting for some sort of clause Asad might have inserted to take the child away from her if the marriage was to fold, but as far as she could make out there was none.
This bit here states that you will receive an allowance during your marriage.' Atul Malhotra pointed to the relevant section.
Zoya stared at the figure nominated there and screeched. She stood up while trying to cover her mouth in shock. 'That seems a little...too much.' She looked up and caught Asad looking at her strangely. She lowered her gaze to the documents once more, her heart pounding in her chest. She would have to be much more careful in future. Asad wasn't a fool. If he began to suspect he was being duped...
If you could just sign here.' Atul Malhotra indicated the dotted line for her. And over here.' He turned the page and she dutifully signed. There, that's all right and tight.' He closed the document and bundled it back in its folder as he turned to Asad, who was leaning against the filing cabinet behind his desk, his dark eyes still focused on her.
May I offer you both my heartiest congratulations on a happy and fulfilling marriage?' Atul said. I know these are sad times but much joy can come about in spite of it.' He cleared his throat discreetly and added, How is your Abbu, Asad?'
Asad pushed himself away from the filing cabinet. He's coping...'
Atul Malhotra frowned sympathetically, A terrible loss, and so soon after your Ammi.'
Yes.'
Zoya privately thought Asad's one word response spoke volumes. While he showed little emotion on his face, something in his voice suggested to her he was a man who felt deeply for all that. It made her see him in a new light. Not so much a hard-driven businessman who wanted to conquer the world, riding over people obstructing his way, but a man with a need to protect those he loved and felt responsible for.
He would make a wonderful father for Lily.
The thought slipped into her mind and once in there took hold until she could think of nothing else. Visions of him with Lily during her first tooth, her first steps, her first day at school...her marriage ...
What do you think, Zoya?' Asad directed his gaze towards her.
Zoya stared at him in blank confusion. Sorry?'
Atul suggested we draw up a separate trust file on Lily. Ayan's estate now belongs to her, but until she comes of age"'
She got to her feet in sudden agitation, holding Lily close to her chest to avoid disturbing her. I told you I'm not interested in Ayan's estate.'
Asad gave her a quick warning glance but it was too late. Atul Malhotra had seen the exchange and was at liberty to make his own conclusions.
I'll have the necessary papers drawn up,' he informed Asad diplomatically as he reached for the door. Again, I wish you both well.'
Thank you,' Asad said and, turning to Zoya with an arch of one brow, prompted, Zoya?'
She gave the lawyer a weak smile. Thank you, Mr Malhotra, for explaining everything to me.'
No problem.' Atul held out his hand and grasped hers firmly. You know you're nothing like I thought you'd be, if you don't mind me saying.'
I"I'm not?' Zoya's stomach rolled over. Ya Allah, had Zoe met him too at some stage?
No,' Atul said. But then you know what those gossip columns are like; they make that stuff up to sell the next magazine.'
Zoya's heart instantly sank. She shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot as she tortured herself with images of her sister wearing short dresses and roaming in Sydney's nightclubs in order to have her photo plastered over some seedy gossip page.
She lowered her gaze to the child in her arms and affected a demure pose. That's all behind me now. I'm a changed person.'
I congratulate you for it,' Atul said. Bringing up a child is a very maturing experience. Do you have any family"parents and so on?'
She shook her head, carefully avoiding his eyes. No, no family. My father died when I was a baby and my mother died three years ago.'
Asad frowned as he listened to the exchange between his lawyer and his soon-to-be wife. He suddenly realised how little he knew of Zoya and her background. He knew she was known to be an unprincipled wh**e who had made it her life's goal to hunt down a rich husband to set her up for life, but he hadn't known she had grown up without a father and had so recently lost her mother. His own grief reminded him of how devastating losing a parent could be and something inside him shifted a little ground. Yes, she was undoubtedly an opportunist and she sure as hell had driven his brother to his untimely end...but she clearly loved Lily, which still somehow surprised him.
The door closed behind the lawyer and Lily began to howl. Zoya removed her from the baby-carrier and, reaching for the nappy bag, looked across at Asad who was standing in a brooding silence behind his desk.
I think she needs her nappy changed,' she said.
Would you like me to do it?' he offered.
Zoya stared at him in silent horror for a moment. How could she let him change Lily's nappy with the faint bruises still on her tiny chest?
No,' she said flatly.
Something came and went in his eyes and she knew she had offended him. He wanted to be a father to Lily, a real and involved father who would feed and change a baby without rearing away in distaste as some men would do. But until those bruises were gone she had no choice but to keep him well away from Lily without the shield of her clothes.
There is a bathroom two doors down,' he said, moving from behind the desk. Do you have what you need with you?'
Zoya rolled her eyes at him, planting both hands on her hips. I have done this before, you know.'
Asad didn't answer but he held the door open for her as she stalked past him with her head held high. He watched as she made her way down the corridor to where the bathroom was situated, Lily snuggled on one of her slim hips, the baby's tiny hands buried in the length of her shiny long hair.
His own fingers itched to do the same, to see if it was really as silky as it looked, but with a silent curse he thrust his hands deep into his trouser pockets and let the office door click shut as he went back his desk.
He ignored his chair and instead turned to look out of the window as he had done thousands of times before, but this time he saw nothing of the harbour.
All he could see was a pair of smoky grey eyes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Zoya took as long as she could in the bathroom seeing to Lily's needs. She needed time to think. So much was happening and happening so fast she hadn't had time to get her head into gear.
She felt a fool for not anticipating people such as Asad's receptionist having met her sister previously. And no doubt there would be other people she'd have to pretend she knew. And that little slip about the allowance"Ya Allah! Her stomach clenched with tight fingers of fear as she thought of her charade coming unstuck in such a way.
She couldn't even think about Asad's reaction.
He turned from the window when she returned to his office and, in spite of her determination to keep cool and calm under pressure, she couldn't help a tiny flip-flop in her belly at the sheer height and presence of him as he came towards her.
It has occurred to me that there are quite probably things Lily needs, such as new clothing or toys,' he said, taking the baby from her with gentle hands. I have some time available now, so we could go shopping if you like.'
Zoya stared up at him, uncertain of how to answer.
Lily was in desperate need of clothes as she was growing so fast, but shopping with Asad as if they were any normal couple...?
She lowered her gaze and pretended to fix the diaper bag to avoid looking directly at him as she hunted her brain for some sort of excuse.
Since your own clothes are designer labels, surely your child is entitled to the same?' A hard edge had crept into his voice.
Zoya tensed as she pushed the lid back down on the baby wipes container. She'd picked up one of Zoe's outfit thinking it was one of the more conservative of the collection she'd left behind, never dreaming it was actually a designer dress.
This old thing?' she quipped with a haughty glance down at the cashmere she was wearing.
Asad's mouth curled. I suppose you only wear an outfit once before it is thrown to the back of the wardrobe?'
Zoya almost laughed at how close he was to describing her sister's attitude to clothes. She could have afforded designer wear herself if she'd been given a dollar for every time she'd picked clothes off the floor after one of Zoe's wild nights out.
She tossed her long hair behind one shoulder and smiled up at him saucily. Is it my fault I get bored easily?'
You know something, Zoya Faaruqui?' He gave her a cutting look. I am almost looking forward to being married to you so I can teach you how to behave. You are the shallowest young woman I have ever had the misfortune to meet. I think it will be a great pleasure to teach you some manners as someone should have done a very long time ago.'
Zoya pretended to shudder in anxiety. Oh! I am sooo scared of you, Mr Khan.'
Zoya saw the struggle he had to control himself playing out on his features as he stood before her. The line of his mouth was grim, his jaw tight with suppressed anger and his eyes sparking at her as if he wanted to slap her right then and there.
The intercom on his desk broke the brittle silence.
Mr Khan?' Maya's cheerful tone entered the room like a light being switched on in pitch blackness. Your father is on line two.'
Asad handed Lily back to Zoya without meeting her eyes. Excuse me.' He turned his back to attend to the call.
Zoya reached with one hand for the baby pouch where she'd left it earlier when she heard the first few words of Asad's conversation with his father. Even though he spoke his native tongue rapidly she had studied the language long enough to pick up on the general gist of the exchange.
Yes,' Asad said. I have found a solution. I am marrying her on the fifteenth.'
Zoya couldn't hear what his father said in response but she could more or less piece together the rest on Asad's reply.
No, she insists she does not want any money or anything to do with Ayan's estate...I am not sure but I suspect she is trying to butter me up by pretending to be a changed person...Yes, I have arranged an allowance but it will not take her long to spend it, I am sure...Yes, I know she is everything that Ayan said and more'
Zoya had trouble keeping her reaction disguised. She silently fumed and vowed revenge on his insulting assessment of her as she eased Lily back into the pouch.
Yes...I know, I will watch my back, Khuda Hafiz'
Zoya smiled innocently as she turned back to face him. So, where are we going shopping?'
A short time later, as they began trolling the department stores as well as exclusive designer boutiques, Zoya had cause to wonder if she had launched herself into some sort of shopaholic's dream. Asad's credit card was flashed so many times she thought she was going to go blind with the amount of currency going past her eyes as he bought item after item for his niece. Beautiful clothes, expensive toys, special feeder cups for when she came off her bottle"all were parcelled off to be delivered to his office.
When it was time for Lily's next feed Asad suggested they go to a quiet caf where she could feed the baby whilst they had a coffee and a sandwich.
Zoya wished she wasn't starving so she could refuse, but she'd missed breakfast due to Lily's crying and her stomach was letting her know in no uncertain terms it was well and truly time for a pit stop.
They were soon seated in a booth in a caf overlooking the lively shopping mall below. The rushing lunchtime crowds and talented buskers performing below added to the high energy of the city.
Lily's bottle was soon heated and brought back to the table by a young waitress. Once she'd gone, Zoya was about to offer her niece the bottle when she caught Asad's dark gaze on her.
Would you like to feed her?' she found herself asking him.
His dark eyes held hers for a brief moment of silent hesitation.
Sure, why not?' he finally answered and, standing up, reached across the table to gather Lily in his arms.
Once he was seated, Zoya handed him the bottle and a soft cloth she used to catch any drips. She leaned back in her own seat and watched as he positioned the bottle for Lily's searching mouth.
Seeing the way he held the child set off a funny reaction deep inside Zoya's belly. She shifted in her seat and forced herself to look at the menu the waitress had left for their perusal but the words all seemed a blur to her as her thoughts shot off in all directions.
Asad was so at ease handling his niece and she wondered if he had ever wanted children of his own. If so, why was he tying himself to her in a loveless paper marriage?
She knew He had a deep sense of family and children. But surely marrying a stranger, even though she was supposedly the mother of his brother's child, was going a little too far in terms of familial duty?
It had occurred to her that he might annul the marriage at some point in the future and apply for full custody of Lily. It was an uncomfortable scenario as she knew she wouldn't stand a chance once her true identity became known. She would be seen as a scheming, manipulating liar and no magistrate would hand her niece to her, even for access visits, let alone assign her full or partial custody.
Suddenly her earlier gnawing hunger faded and she pushed the menu away with a slump of her shoulders.
Not hungry?' Asad's eyes met hers across the table.
I'll just have coffee.' She shifted her gaze from his. Black.'
The waitress came over and took the order from Asad, lingering to hover over the baby who had by now finished her bottle.
How old is she?' the young girl asked.
Four months,' Zoya answered.
The waitress smiled as she looked between the baby and Asad. She's like her daddy, isn't she?'
It was on the tip of Zoya's tongue to say that Asad wasn't actually Lily's father but something stopped her at the last minute.
Yes,' she said instead, shocked that she hadn't seen it before now.
Lily did have a look of Asad about her, seemingly more so as each day passed. Her olive colouring was one thing, so too the dark eyes and silky black hair.
The waitress walked off to get their coffee and Zoya watched as Asad eased Lily up against his shoulder, gently patting her tiny back as if he'd done it a hundred times before.
Have you given any thought to having a child of your own some time in the future?' she asked before she could stop herself.
Asad's expression gave little away but Zoya was sure she saw a flicker of regret pass through his dark-as-night eyes before he quickly disguised it.
No.' He shifted Lily to his other shoulder. I had not planned on marrying or having children.'
His answer intrigued her. She knew there were lot of guys who liked staying bachelor, but somehow Asad didn't seem the type.
Was this your father's idea for us to marry?'
His eyes met hers, holding her questioning gaze intently. What makes you say that?'
I...' She fiddled with the edge of the tablecloth, doing her best to avoid the full force of his all-seeing eyes. A hunch, I guess.'
I suppose that is why you sent him that letter to twist the knife a bit,' he said, leaning forwards on the table so the other customers couldn't hear his harsh accusation. Did you ever consider how much you were hurting an elderly man who is already doing his best to cope with unbearable grief?'
Zoya wished she could tell him the truth. It hurt so much to have him think so poorly of her when in fact it had been her sister who had acted so unthinkingly.
No.' She let the edge of the tablecloth go and raised her eyes to his condemning ones. No, it was very insensitive of me. I'm sorry.'
Her answer seemed to surprise him. If it had come from Zoe, it would have surprised even her, Zoya thought wryly. She couldn't recall a single time when her sister had apologised for anything; I'm sorry' just wasn't in her twin's vocabulary.
Sometimes sorry is not enough,' he said, leaning back again, settling Lily more comfortably against his shoulder. Once the damage is done there is no going back to undo it.'
Zoya felt sick at the truth of his curt statement. How much damage had she already done with all the lies she'd been forced to tell on her sister's behalf?
Yes, I know.' She stared at the salt and pepper shakers standing side by side like small china soldiers on the table in front of her. I guess I was so confused at the time...I hardly knew what I was doing.'
There was a small silence broken only by the soft gurgling of Lily, who had found the breast pocket of Asad's business shirt, her tiny fingers clutching at the fabric in delight.
You deliberately tried to trap my brother, did you not?' he upbraided her. By using the oldest trick in the book.'
She wished she could deny it on Zoe's behalf but knew that too would be yet another lie. Her sister had deliberately set about to snare Ayan Ahmad Khan by hook or crook. Zoya had been appalled when Zoe had told her of her plan to trap him, as if it was all a game, not real life with the potential for irreparable damage to occur. Zoya still tortured herself with her own guilt at not being able to talk her sister out of it. Maybe if she'd spent more time with her, had counselled her to think a little further ahead...
It was a stupidly impulsive thing to do...' she finally said, her voice low, her eyes downcast. I had no idea of how it would backfire on...me.'
Again her answer seemed to surprise him. She nervously looked at him and found his hard accusing expression had softened slightly as he looked across at her, the child in his arms nestling against him ready to sleep.
There are few of us who get through life without one or two regrets,' he offered.
Zoya gave him a rueful smile. Don't tell me the great Asad Ahmad Khan admits to getting it wrong now and again?'
He held her gaze for a moment before looking down at the child in his arms. I have made one or two errors of judgement in the past but I have no intention of ever doing so again.'
Zoya wondered if he bore the internal scars of a broken relationship which had made him wary of emotional commitment. The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. What better way to take himself out of the game than to marry for convenience, not love? He would be free to go around with whomever he chose without the pressure of formal commitment due to the piece of paper that would soon be documenting her as his wife.
His wife...
She swallowed a lump of panic as she thought about all such a relationship would entail. Even though he'd stated implacably that the marriage would not be consummated, they would still be living in the same house which would force certain intimacies on them both regardless.
Zoya pulled back from her thoughts with a little jerk in her chair, her guilty glance meeting Asad's questioning one.
Is something wrong?' he asked.
No, of course not.'
You do not seem yourself,' he observed.
Oh, really?' She gave him one of Zoe's scathing looks. And you know me so well after, what is it"' She checked her watch for the date and looked back at him. Less than a week?'
Sufficient enough to say I am familiar with your type,' he answered smoothly.
So you think one size fits all?'
His smile was cynically lopsided. I have been around long enough to recognise danger when I see it.'
Danger, eh?' She arranged her lips into a smirk. You see me as dangerous? What exactly are you threatened by? My sex appeal?'
His mouth tightened and she knew she'd scored another hit. It struck her as ironic that he was fighting an attraction to her when she was pretending to be someone else. What chance did she stand of him being attracted to her as Zoya"the real Zoya? The Zoya without the reputation or the Zoya without the baggage? Not to mention the Zoya without the designer wardrobe. The Zoya who was in very great danger of falling in love with a man who despised the very sight of her.
Your ego no doubt has had considerable praised over the years but I refuse to join your band of avid admirers,' he said. If you are looking for compliments I am afraid you will have to go elsewhere.'
Zoya gave him an arch look. But you do find me attractive, don't you? Go on, admit it.'
I admit nothing.'
She laughed. Liar.'
She saw his jaw tighten another notch. Women like you think they are irresistible but let me tell you, you are not.'
Their eyes met in a challenge that rocked Zoya to her very core but she was determined not to back down. She held his look with a spirited defiance she hadn't thought herself capable of.
It's time to leave.' His announcement was curt as he got stiffly to his feet.
Lily gave a soft rumble of protest about the sudden movement but soon settled back against his chest, her tiny eyelids fluttering closed, her miniature fingers still grasping his breast pocket.
Zoya rose with less speed, taking her time to gather up the baby's changing bag and her own handbag, shooting him a glance from across the width of the table.
Do you think it's worth disturbing her to put her back in the pouch?' she asked.
Asad looked down at the tiny infant against his chest and shook his head. No.' He lifted his gaze back to hers. I will carry her.' He scooped up the bill the waitress had left and added, Is there anything else we need to buy?'
It was the we' that really got to her. Seeing him with Lily cradled so tenderly in his arms, she couldn't help feeling a deep sense of regret over how circumstances had led them both to this. How different things might have been if they had met without the baggage of both of their wayward siblings. If the truth were known they probably had more in common than not. He was the solid dependable type, anyone could see that, and she...well, she was hardly the sleep-around town woman he thought her to be.
If only he knew!
No.' She carefully avoided his eyes in case he saw the glitter of sudden moisture. I think we're more or less done.' She lifted the changing bag over her shoulder and followed him out of the caf with her head well down.
The city streets were so busy as to make conversation both difficult and unnecessary. Zoya was glad of the reprieve. Guilt flooded her from every direction. Maybe she should have been firmer with Zoe, should have insisted she stay and face her responsibilities. But then, when had Zoe ever faced anything? Her policy had been to move from one disaster to the next with Zoya picking up the pieces behind her.
Asad pressed the pedestrian button and flicked a glance down at the silent figure beside him as they waited for the lights to change. You are very quiet all of a sudden.'
Zoya shook herself out of her mental anguish and sent a vacant smile his way. I'm just tired.' She replied yawning artificially. Lily woke me early.' She patted her mouth and forced another yawn. Kids; who in their right mind would have them?'
Asad was saved a reply by the lights changing. It was clear to him that money was Zoya's primary motive and she had targeted the richest man she could and had got on with the business of falling pregnant to him. But it was still somewhat of a mystery to him why she hadn't asked for a whole heap of money when he'd offered her marriage. He'd been expecting her price to be in the billions and yet even the allowance he'd organised for her had seemingly surprised her. And, as for pretending she had no interest in Ayan's estate, what possible reason could she have other than to try and fool him into thinking
she had somehow changed from a money-hungry pleasure seeker to a woman of high morals?
But he knew Zoya was trouble from top to bottom. She had a disturbing habit of switching from sultry siren to wide-eyed innocent as if she was deliberately trying to confuse him about who she really was. If Ayan hadn't told him how manipulative she was he would sometimes be tempted to think he was dealing with someone else entirely.
He secretly glanced at her, instantly noting how she was nibbling at her bottom lip.
He gave a rough inward sigh. Marrying her was going to be the easy part; however, he was starting to think that living with her was going to be something else indeed.
A/N: I hope you have enjoyed reading this looong update 😊. Next chapter most likely on Christmas Day. 😊
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