Chapter Fifteen
Hello, Asad,' Zoe smirked.
Zoya felt the full force of Asad's dark eyes as they sought hers, his mouth a rigid line of disbelief, shock and unmistakable anger.
Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on or am I supposed to guess?' His voice was razor-sharp.
Zoya gave a convulsive swallow. I was going to tell you"'
Zoe stepped forward with a seductive sway of her hips, cutting her sister off mid-sentence. Isn't she a wicked little thing, Asad? Pretending to be me so she could get her hands on Lily's inheritance.'
Zoya gasped and grabbed Asad's arm to make him look at her. That's not true!'
He looked down at her hand on his sleeve, his expression one of distaste as he peeled it off, finger by finger.
He turned to his housekeeper and politely asked her to leave. Mary gave Zoya one last worried glance and made her way down the hall with slow steps that communicated her reluctance.
Both of you.' Asad indicated the door of living room . In here"now.'
Zoe walked casually her way back into the room, casting a sultry look over her shoulder at Asad as she did so.
Zoya clenched her jaw and followed stiffly, her stomach twisting in despair.
Asad waited until the door was closed behind him before he spoke. Now, let us start from the beginning. Which one of you is Lily's mother?'
I am.' Zoe stepped forward. I left her with Zoya for a short period only to find she had stepped into my shoes while my back was turned.'
Zoya's eyes flared in anger. I did no such thing! You abandoned her!'
Don't listen to her.' Zoe's eyes glistened with fake tears. I love my daughter; she's all I have left of Ayaan. Zoya was jealous. All she's ever wanted was to be like me. She tricked you into marrying her.'
Asad!' Zoya swung to face him. You mustn't listen to her! She's making it up!'
He looked at her for a brief moment before turning back to Zoe. I would like to speak to my wi...Zoya alone for a moment. Will you excuse us?'
Zoe lifted her chin. She'll only tell more lies to cover her back. She did it for the money, you know. In spite of what she says, that's what she's after.'
Asad's hold on Zoya's arm really hard as he led her out of the room, his face tight and his usually full mouth thin-lipped.
Zoya didn't speak as he escorted her upstairs. She took one look at the rage on his features and decided to wait until they were out of earshot of her twin.
Asad pushed open the door of his room and ushered her in, snapping it shut behind them.
His eyes hit hers"hard.
You had better have a very good explanation for your behaviour or I swear to God you will wish you had never been born.'
I was going to tell you"'
When?' he barked at her. When were you going to tell me you had deceived me in such a despicable way?'
I didn't do it deliberately"' she began.
Do not lie to me!' he shouted. You played me for a fool from the start.' He shoved a hand through his hair and stepped away from her, shaking his head in disbelief. I cannot believe you would stoop so low.' He turned back to glare at her. Was it worth it? Did you have a good laugh behind my back at how you had tricked me?'
No! I"'
'Damn you, Zoya,' he ground out darkly as he came towards her, his hands clenched by his sides. You made a fool out of me and that I will not forgive.'
Asad...please let me explain.' She twisted her hands in front of her in agitation. I didn't mean it to go this far. When you arrived at my flat that day I was so concerned you were going to take Lily away. I had to do something! I didn't know it would lead to this, I swear I didn't.'
Why did you not come clean when you had the chance?' he asked. You have strung me along with a web of lies the whole time. You have had numerous opportunities to tell me and yet you did not.'
I know! I'm sorry...I was frightened. I thought you wouldn't let me see Lily any more. You kept threatening to take her away; I had no choice.'
He gave a disgusted sound at the back of his throat and turned away from her. You must think me the biggest fool, but don't forget I know that as soon as that money was put in your account you spent it.'
I didn't spend it! I gave it to Zoe as she insist"'
You cooked this up together, did you not?' His eyes grew dark and dangerous.
What?' She looked at him in bewilderment.
He gave a cynical snort. I can see what you have been up to. The twin routine is an old one but effective if played well. And you certainly played it very well, very well indeed. You switched personalities with the blink of an eye.'
I'm not proud of what I did but I"'
His venomous look cut her off. Was it fun, Zoya? Was it fun making a fool out of me? Did you enjoy yourself? Did you get off on the fact that I could not help myself, that I fell for you in spite of my determination not to?'
I never intended this to go so far. You have to believe that.'
I believe nothing of what you say!' he spat. How can I, after all you have done?'
'I didn't mean to hurt you.'
Hurt me?' He gave her an arrogant look. You would have to try much harder, Zoya, if you wanted to hurt me. I am well used to the treacherous nature of women like you and know how to protect myself.' He swung away to open the door, indicating he was finished with her. I will give you until midday tomorrow to get out of my house. I will send the divorce papers to you as soon as you provide me with a forwarding address.'
Zoya stared at him, shock rendering her immobile, her legs refusing to take her even one step forward.
'Did you not hear me?' he asked.
I want to see Lily regularly,' she said, trying to keep the tears back.
A tiny nerve pulsed at the corner of his mouth. That will depend entirely on her mother.'
Zoe doesn't care for Lily. She only cares for herself. She abused her. I know it for a fact. And she'll do it again.'
Your sister is Lily's mother and therefore her legal guardian. You have no say in what happens to her.'
Nor do you,' she pointed out.
Your sister and I will no doubt come to some mutually satisfying arrangement.'
You may make any arrangements with her ,' she said tears dropping from her eye . It is my only request to you, please think twice before you leave her alone with Lily. She is not to be trusted.'
And you think you have the market cornered on trust?' he sneered. You, who lied to me every time you could? Why should I believe a single word you say?'
I wanted what was best for Lily. That was my only motivation. It doesn't matter anymore if you believe me or not.'
He gave her a shattered look. 'I will arrange for a car to take you to the airport tomorrow but as far as I am concerned I never want to see your face again.'
Zoya knew she has lost the battle. No matter what she says Asad will never believe her. She saw it in the hard glitter of his eyes and in the tight set of his mouth. Hatred seeped from every pore of his body towards her, stinging her in its intensity.
She slowly walked past him with a blank expression on her face.
She made it to her room just in time, the tears flowing from so deep inside her she couldn't stem the flow. She lay face down on the bed and sobbed until her throat was raw and her eyes swollen. After a few minutes she dragged herself up and, stuffing what she could into a small bag, hoisted it over her shoulder. She crept into Lily's room and stood looking down at her for a few heart-wrenching moments.
She touched the baby's petal-like cheek with her fingers. Goodbye, sweetheart, I will never forget you as long as I live. I'd do anything to keep you, but Asad...' She bit her lip. Asad doesn't want me.' She choked back a sob and continued. He loves you, sweetie. He loves you a lot. I know he will be a wonderful father to you. I know that with every beat of my heart.'
Zoya closed the door softly and made her way down the stairs and, with barely a sound, walked out of the house and out of Asad's life as if she had never been.
Asad had returned to living room, where Zoe Faaruqui was helping herself to a large tumbler of his best wine. She gave him a seductive smile and raised her glass in a toast as he came in.
Sorted out everything, Asad? Did she confess?'
He just stared at her without saying a word.
She's always been jealous of me, you know,' Zoe continued. I've always been the one with the looks and getting all the attention from guys. No one takes a second look at her because she's too simple and boring. No wonder she's still a virgin. Can you believe it?' She laughed wickedly.
Asad froze. The thought of all those time when he insulted Zoya for sleeping with other men crossed his mind. He closed his eyes in recounting the most painful memory where he tried to push himself on her.
Zoe sat down and crossed her long legs, her eyes running over him speculatively. I believe you want to keep Lily?'
He finally located his voice. Yes.'
She gave him a seductive look from beneath her lashes, the glass in her hand making a slight ringing noise as she ran her fingertip around the rim. You know how much I love Lily, and can't imagine myself being seperated from her.'
Asad tried his best to control his fury. This woman was everything what his brother has described. 'Come to the point.'
She got up from the sofa and floated over to him, 'You know...' She tiptoed her fingertips up the front of his shirt. You are so much more handsome than your brother.'
He jerked her hand away feeling disgusted by her touch.
'I was thinking we should do the same agreement you did with Zoya.' She said smiling evilly. 'I want to marry you.'
Up till now she was only interested in his money, but after meeting Asad she wanted this man for herself.
'Well, well, well you showed your true colors pretty quickly. Isn't this has been your original plan;to marry a rich guy.' Asad gave his least charming smile to her. ' isn't that's why you were chasing my brother?.'
'Let's not talk about Ayaan now. He wouldn't give me anything...neither money or marriage?'
He gave you a child.' Asad shouted controlling his anger.
She gave another pout. I never wanted her. I only went through with it because Zoya insisted.' she immediately realized her slip of tongue.
Asad fought with himself not to physically throw her out. He couldn't believe how two sisters, and twins at that, could be so different. Zoe was everything Zoya was not. And, fool that he was, he hadn't realised it till now.
'I want to adopt Lily at the earliest. And marrying you is not the option.' He said straightforward, cutting to the chase. He just wanted to finish this unwanted conversation and go apologize to Zoya for not believing her.
'If you don't agree to marry me, I'll take Lily right away.' She said in a low, authoritative tone .
'I won't even let you touch her. You have messed up with a wrong man this time. I'll take you to court as I have enough proof to show what a horrible mother you are.'
'You have no such a proof. Lily is my daughter. I'll do whatever I want to do with her, I'll sell her to the highest bidder.' She said furiously.
He wanted to strangle her. He couldn't believe a mother can be such a witch. 'Leave before I ask someone to throw you out.
'Fine, if you wouldn't marry me than give me money and I'll let you adopt Lily without going through the court drama.' She quickly tried to manage damage control.
'Name your price.' He said smirking.
She named a figure that would have shocked him under any other circumstances.
I'll have the legal papers drawn up in the morning,' he said. 'Now leave.'
Are you sure you don't want me to stay and keep you company for tonight?' She was used to being admired by man and couldn't believe he rejected her.
No.' He held the door open for her. Leave.'
Once Zoe had left, Asad went upstairs in search of Zoya, his apology already rehearsed in his head. How could he have got it so wrong? Of course Zoya would have done whatever she could to protect Lily"including marrying a man she didn't know"rather than allow her niece to suffer being brought up by a totally selfish mother.
How had he not guessed? She was nothing like Zoe. She was loyal and devoted, selfless and shy.
Zoya?' He knocked at her door but there was no answer. He opened it but it was empty except for a few scattered articles of clothing suggesting she had packed in a hurry, not bothering to take everything with her.
Zoya!'He called out louder as he went through to the nursery, the door swinging back against the wall in his haste.
Lily awoke with a start and immediately began crying, her tiny frightened sobs galvanizing him out of his temporary stasis.
Hey there, little one,' he soothed as he picked her up, holding her over his shoulder, stroking her as he made his way back through the rest of the villa in search of Zoya.
Lily was inconsolable, her cries growing louder and more frantic, as if she sensed the panic coming off him in waves.
Do not cry,' he pleaded as he searched the downstairs rooms. We will find her, do not worry. We have to find her.'
After twenty minutes he knew he was beaten. Zoya was gone and he was left holding the baby"a very unhappy baby who was crying out for the mother she had come to know as her own.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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