It was dawn, and the cold morning air swept through the Cole household, sharper than usual. The warmth and cheer that normally filled the home were missing. The sisters, though under the same roof, were still reeling in quiet tension from the previous night's confrontation.
"Good morning," Zianab greeted softly, handing Esther a warm cup of coffee. She had woken early to prepare something for her sisters, something their mother usually did. But with Mama in the hospital, someone had to step in.
"Thank you," Esther murmured, leaning against the doorframe, still heavy-eyed from a restless night.
"I got an email last night," Zianab said, watching her sister over the rim of her mug. "From someone claiming to be a representative of Mr. Lewis."
Esther's eyes lifted, the sleep falling away. "What did it say?"
"Details about Mom's flight and the necessary documents. Honestly…" Zianab shook her head, still marveling, "I'm in shock. He got everything approved so fast. Visas, clearances, without even asking us for detailed info about her.That too over a night"
The awe in her voice was unmistakable. In just a few short hours, Daniel Lewis had managed what took ordinary people weeks. He hadn't asked for permission, but somehow, everything was in motion. It was beginning to make sense why he held so much power, he had influence where others hit walls.
"I'll be flying with Mom," Zianab added, sipping her coffee. The flight itinerary had included her name as well. Arranged without their input, yes, but it didn't feel wrong. If anything, it felt like a lifeline they hadn't dared hope for.
"You should get ready to visit Mom. Just… don't mention anything about the contract," she advised gently. "If she finds out, she'll refuse the treatment."
Esther nodded silently. She knew their mother well enough to understand. Pride could sometimes be more stubborn than illness.
"What about you?" she asked, expecting her sister to accompany her to the hospital.
"I still need to pack," Zianab replied, avoiding her eyes. "We'll be leaving by twelve."
She didn't mention the truth: after receiving the email, she had requested a private meeting with Daniel Lewis. She couldn't just leave the country without looking that man in the eye and making sure her sister was in safe hands.
"And Sarah?" Esther asked, glancing toward the empty living room. It was still early, but something about her absence felt too familiar.
"She said she'd visit Mom before we leave. There was some emergency at work," Zianab said, voice drained.
Even as she spoke, her expression gave her away. She didn't believe Sarah's excuse any more than Esther did. Their mother was preparing to be flown abroad for life-saving treatment, and Sarah's priority was… work.
But then again, why expect more? That had always been Sarah. Her ambition came first, even above the woman who sacrificed everything to raise them.
Zianab stepped into the towering glass building of the Lewis Corporation, a soft breeze brushing her scarf as she walked past security. Everything around her screamed power, polished marble floors, suited employees, and the quiet hum of a place where billion-dollar decisions were made every day.
She held her head high, but her nerves fluttered. She wasn't here for intimidation. She was here for her sister.
A receptionist led her into a private conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. A moment later, the door opened, and in walked Daniel Lewis.
He was composed, refined, and as commanding as his reputation promised. Yet, his expression was neutral, if anything, faintly curious.
"Miss Cole," he said, offering a courteous nod. "I was informed you wanted to see me."
"Thank you for meeting me," Zianab said, standing her ground. "I won't take much of your time, but I needed to speak with you before leaving with our mother."
He gestured for her to sit, and she did, folding her hands tightly on her lap.
"I came here as a sister," she began, her voice calm but unwavering. "Esther is young. Innocent in ways she hides behind confidence. I need to know exactly what this arrangement entails and what your intentions are."
Daniel met her eyes directly. "I understand your concern. You love her, you're protective. That's admirable."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone direct but reassuring. "Your sister is under no obligation beyond what the contract outlines. She will live in my home, yes, but only to support my daughter. She's not my employee. She's not bound to me personally in any inappropriate way."
Zianab studied him, reading between his words and posture. There was no flirtation, no power play, just a father desperate to help his child.
"She'll be safe?" she asked firmly.
"She will be guarded as if she were my own. Her safety is not just a promise, it's a priority. I have people in place, a private therapist available for her to consult if needed, and boundaries will always be respected."
Zianab nodded slowly, letting his words sink in. A part of her heart softened, against all odds, he seemed to mean what he said.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. "This… means everything to us."
He stood as she did. "No need to thank me. Esther didn't ask for help, she earned it, through courage and honesty. I value that."
As the two exited the conference room together, voices echoed faintly from a hallway. A few steps away, around a glass pillar, Sarah stood frozen.
She had just come from the executive wing when she spotted them, her elder sister Zianab walking beside Daniel Lewis, in casual clothes and comfortable shoes, clearly not a high-profile guest.
Her heart leapt into her throat.
What is Zianab doing here? How does she know Daniel?
And most, why have her sisters vowed to make her life a hell?.
Panic surged. If Zianab saw her here, working in this office, her secret would unravel in seconds.
And she couldn't risk Mr Lewis finding out she was a nobody related to second level middle class like theirs.
She ducked behind the nearest column, slipping into a copy room just in time. Her breathing was shallow, hands trembling slightly.
From the corner of her eye, she watched them pass.
Zianab said something, Daniel nodded politely, and they shook hands before she disappeared down the hallway with an assistant escorting her out.
Sarah's knees almost buckled with relief.
Her truth, the web of lies she'd carefully crafted to build her career, had narrowly escaped exposure.
But for how long?
Because now, her sister was in the lion's den… and Sarah wasn't just afraid for her secrets anymore.
She was afraid of what the truth would do, when it inevitably found its way out.
The hallway grew quiet again after Zianab and Daniel disappeared around the corner. Sarah finally exhaled, her back pressed against the cool wall of the copy room.
"Close call," she whispered to herself.
But a low voice behind her made her flinch.
"Was it?"
She turned sharply, her eyes widening when she saw Thomas, Daniel Lewis's executive assistant and longtime confidant, standing at the doorway with a file in his hand. His brow was slightly raised, but his tone remained calm.
"I, I didn't see you there," Sarah stammered, quickly straightening her posture.
"I noticed," he replied dryly, stepping in and gently closing the door behind him.
She lowered her voice, her defenses crumbling slightly. "Can we talk" she asked blocking the door.
"About what exactly?" Thomas tone hardened, his mind not cut for the conversation ahead.
"About what you know about me. Thomas… I know you might not find any excuse I give valid as why I hid my identity but everything I did was for a better future and I hope you won't say anything."
Thomas looked at her for a long moment, then shook his head slowly. "Sarah… I'm not in the business of exposing people. I know what concerns me and what doesn't."
Relief swept over her face. "Thank you," she breathed. "I appreciate that."
"But," he continued, "just because I won't say anything now doesn't mean this won't catch up to you."
Her shoulders tensed again.
"You've worked hard to get here, sure," he said, setting the file down on the cabinet. "But you're forging everything on lies, deceiving both your families and boss. Lies don't hold forever, and secrets… well, they have a nasty habit of revealing themselves when it hurts the most."
Sarah looked away, guilt flickering in her eyes.
Thomas stepped closer, lowering his voice with rare gentleness. "Whatever you're trying to prove, whatever you think you need to be… your family still matters. That woman who just left? She came here for her sister, not even thinking twice about it. Do you think she would be happy that her second sister lied about her name and papers?"
He let that hang in the air before adding, "You should be at the hospital, Sarah. Not hiding behind office doors."
Sarah swallowed hard, his words sinking deep.
"I know," she whispered. "I just… I didn't know how to face them. Especially not after last night."
Thomas gave a faint, sympathetic nod. "Then maybe now's the time to stop running."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "For what it's worth, I think your sisters deserve the truth. And you? You might find you deserve their love a lot more than you think."
And with that, he was gone.
Sarah stood alone in the copy room, the hum of machines the only sound left. For the first time in a long while, she felt exposed, not because of her lies, but because someone had seen past them… and hadn't judged her for it.
Just reminded her who she used to be.
And maybe, who she still had time to become. Yet the desired for a rich and titled life wouldn't let her budged.
The cold white of the hospital walls felt less sterile and more welcoming as sunlight streamed in through the window. Esther sat at the edge of her mother's hospital bed, holding her hand gently. Though the machines still beeped faintly beside them, their mother, Musu, looked more peaceful than she had in days.
"You're looking better, Ma," Esther smiled, brushing a stray gray strand from her mother's forehead.
"I'm just happy to see you ," Musu said weakly, her voice tired but soft. "I knew something was wrong last week… the headaches, the dizziness. But I didn't want to worry any of you."
Esther squeezed her hand tighter. "We would've wanted to know. We want to be there for you."
Musu chuckled lightly. "You've always been my strong girl."
There was a pause before she asked, eyes narrowing slightly, "Zianab told me I'll be traveling overseas for treatment. America?"
Esther nodded, keeping her expression calm. "Yes. You'll be in good hands there."
"And this all happened so quickly… who arranged it? How was the hospital in the U.S. contacted so fast?"
Esther hesitated just a second, then smiled smoothly. "Zianab handled everything. She got in touch with someone… a foundation, I think. It was all her. She didn't want you to worry about the details."
Musu blinked slowly, thoughtful. "That girl… she's always been capable. But I hope she didn't make any risky commitments."
"No, Ma," Esther assured her gently, shifting the subject. "She made sure it was the best option for you. And you'll like it there. The doctors are experienced, the facilities are world-class."
Before their mother could probe further, the door opened, and Zianab walked in, a calm smile on her face and a bouquet of fresh flowers in hand.
"Speak of the devil," Esther said with a warm laugh. "Here comes the general herself."
Zianab grinned, walking over to kiss her mother's cheek. "Just checking in on my favorite patient."
"I was just asking Esther how you managed to pull this miracle off," Musu said, looking between them with a knowing glint. "I still think something is up, but I trust you both."
Zianab chuckled softly, taking her other hand. "Don't worry, Mama. Everything is set, and you're getting the best. Just focus on getting better."
And just when the mood was setting in, Musu took notice of her second daughter's absence. "And Sarah, where is she?"
Esther and Zianab scared glance more like a question of what they were to say to there mother, without getting her worried.
"Ma, you should focus on yourself more and worry less about others" Zianab said sparing no effort to hint out her disappointment and displeased of Sarah's behavior.
"Meaning?" Musu worried out " is she alright?"
"Mom, Sarah is fine just a bit busy at moment but she promised to be here soon" Esther cut through with a warm smile, easing their mother.
She understood her elder sister exhaustion of always making excuses for Sarah but their mother was sick and need not be worried with matters like that.
"Thank God, honestly I don't know what I would do without you three girls" Musu added , grasping the silence that flooded next. The storm of secrets, fear, and emotional tension that had loomed like forever had lifted for a brief, golden moment.
"I still don't like that you girls will be apart while I'm away," Musu murmured.
Esther smiled again, her voice light. "We'll be fine, Ma. It won't take long. The doctors assured you speedy recovery"
"I'll keep her in check, don't worry,"Zianab added, sending a sisterly wink Esther's way.
Just then, a nurse knocked on the door. "Ladies, the transport team is ready. It's time."
Just as the medical team began wheeling Musu out of the room, preparing for the airport transfer, she turned her head slowly and asked, her voice tinged with concern,
"What about Sarah? I haven't seen her since yesterday."
Zianab's smile faltered, but only slightly. She leaned down and gently brushed her mother's hair back.
"She'll meet us at the airport, Ma," she said, careful to keep her tone reassuring. Deep down, though, she knew the truth, Sarah wasn't coming. Not because she couldn't, but because she wouldn't.
Once again, she had chosen work… or perhaps something else that only mattered to her. Either way, she had forgotten that she still had a mother who needed her.
Time passed. The airport loomed closer.
Inside the quiet hum of the medical transport, Musu kept glancing toward the entrance, craning her neck with every pause, every footstep.
"Are you sure she's coming?" she asked softly, her hands fiddling with the hem of the blanket tucked over her.
"She is," Zianab replied, less certain now, her heart aching each time her mother's eyes searched the horizon.
But Sarah never showed.
Not at the airport check-in.
Not at the tarmac.
Not even for a final hug.
Zianab said nothing more. She simply held her mother's hand and looked away as Musu's gaze lingered on the distance, her expression quietly sinking into disappointment.
Meanwhile, Esther stood off to the side, trying not to let the bitterness in her throat rise. She had her own goodbye to give.
She turned to Zianab and pulled her into a long, heartfelt hug.
"Take care of Ma. Don't let her worry about anything."
Zianab held her tighter.
"I've got her. Just focus on what you promised to do. Be strong for that little girl. And… be careful around him."
Esther gave a small nod, eyes glimmering with the weight of everything unsaid.
Moments later, a sleek black SUV pulled up at the curb. The driver stepped out, Thomas, Daniel's trusted aide. Impeccably dressed and professional, he gave Esther a respectful nod.
"Miss Cole?"
Esther straightened her back.
"Yes."
He opened the door for her.
"Mr. Lewis asked me to ensure you arrived safely. Everything's been prepared."
She gave one final wave to her sister and mother before slipping into the vehicle, the door clicking shut behind her like the closing of a chapter.
The car pulled away, leaving behind a mother heading for healing, a sister carrying the weight of a family, and a silence where another sibling should have stood.