"That completes our wedding ceremony." Carla placed his hand on her cheek as tears welled up in her eyes. "We will be together forever, right?"
Zayn parted his lips to reply "yes, " but the word choked in his throat.
He had no idea how to face her or reveal the harsh truth to her.
"What's the matter?" Carla could sense his mood. "Did something happen? Are you stumped?"
Zayn took a deep breath before announcing, "We might need to be separated for the time being."
"What?" Carla stared at him in disbelief. "Why?"
"Trust me, " Zayn uttered as he held her face solemnly. "It's only for the time being."
He had made up his mind to send her away for the time being. After all, he had to protect her, think of the kids' future, and protect his family's interests. However, he would deal with everything in the shortest time possible and go to her.
"Why?" Carla insisted. "Why do we have to be separated from each other? Where are you going?"
She thought Zayn was going to be away on a business trip for some time.
"I won't be going anywhere." Zayn drew in a sharp breath and mustered his courage to reveal, "You are the one who needs to leave. I'll come to you after dealing with everything!"
"Huh?" Carla was shocked into silence. It took her a while to find her voice. "What do you mean? What happened? Don't tell me Grandpa is against our marriage now?"
"Something happened. It's complicated and hard to explain." Zayn didn't want to reveal too much. "Anyway, I need to send you away now. When things are sorted out, I'll come to you—"
"Can I bring the kids back to Happy Avenue?" Carla was flustered by now. "You can come to visit us when you're free."
"No, " uttered Zayn as his brows scrunched up. "The kids will remain in the Giblos' residence. I'll ask Mrs. Borah to be with you, but you can't stay at Happy Avenue either. You need to go somewhere further."
"What?" Carla's eyes widened in dismay. "Why can't I leave with the kids? Why do I need to go somewhere further?"
Instead of replying, Zayn lowered his gaze silently.
"Did something happen? Be honest with me, " Carla whined. "Is Mr. Giblo refusing to acknowledge me? Did that lady say something bad about me? Did he force you to get rid of me and keep the kids? Don't tell me you agreed to his request?"
"Yes!" Zayn looked up and exclaimed harshly, "I need you to leave right now!"
Carla froze in disbelief as her eyes went round. "What did you just say?"
"I said, I need you to leave now, " repeated Zayn patiently. "But don't worry. I'll come back when things are settled. Trust me."
"No!" Carla cried out. "Didn't you promise to be with me forever? Didn't you say you'd stick with me no matter what? Why did you agree to his request? Why are you doing this to me?"
She pounded his chest in anger.
"I'm sorry."
That was the first time Zayn had ever apologized to someone else. He was too proud of a man to bow to anyone. At that moment, he felt terribly guilty for what was about to happen to her.
All the while, Zayn thought he was strong enough. No one could force him to do anything he disliked, but sadly, he was wrong.
Turns out I can be powerless, too.
I'm so useless. I can't even protect the woman I love.
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