‘Shiloh,’ she began, her voice soft but firm, ‘I want you to be safe and happy. If Zolan cares for you as you believe, I will trust your judgment. But swear to me that you will always prioritize your well-being above all else. Love should never come at the cost of your safety.’
Tears shimmered in Shiloh’s eyes as she nodded, her gratitude shining through.
‘I promise, Saba. I’ll be careful, and I’ll make sure to watch out for myself.Santefor not giving up on me.’
As the connection cut out and the screen faded to black, Saba sat back, alone with her thoughts.
While she had a duty to Shiloh, she also had the same to Mak.
He had a right to know the truth because if he found out about Zolan and Shiloh from someone else, he would never trust her again.
It occurred to her that her husband’s wishes now took precedence. He was her spouse, her partner, herŠar.
With a sigh, she contemplated the delicate balance of power, loyalty, and family.
It had never been more fragile, and her decisions in the coming days would shape their destinies in ways she had not yet imagined.
All she could do was build faith between Mak and herself by confessing the entire truth.
At the same time, she hoped that Shiloh’s choices might lead her down the right path toward love and away from danger.
Chapter 25
SABA
‘Mak?’
He was bent over his mahogany desk, immersed in a stack of documents.
The holo screen before him flickered with business bulletins, charts, and numbers, and his brow furrowed in concentration.
His office, with its sparse furnishings and utilitarian design, starkly contrasted with the lodge’s opulence, as if it were a simple afterthought in the grand scheme of the estate.
Yet there were touches of elegance, from the modernist paintings on the wall to the intricate carvings and skimmer models on the wooden bookshelves.
All of which spoke of a refined discernment and an appreciation for craftsmanship.
He glanced up, surprise flashing across his chiseled features, giving way to guarded curiosity.
‘I was wondering,’ Saba began, despite the tumult of emotions within her. ‘Do you have a moment?’
His brow cocked at her words before settling into a mask of controlled neutrality.
‘Talk to me,’ he murmured, leaning a hip against his desk.
She took a deep breath as she ventured into his sanctum and sat on the edge of the lounge chair in front of him.
‘I need to be honest with you.’
He gave her a long look. ‘Is this where I say, aboutfokkin’ time?’ he grated.
She ignored the sarcasm. ‘It’s about who Shiloh left you for.’
She took another jagged inhale.
Mak’s eyes narrowed on her, and he crossed his hands over his chest, leaning forward.
‘Who?’
