Her Name Was Zara

CHAPTER ONE

The air in the city felt heavier than Zayne remembered. As his sleek black Maybach rolled past the towering skyline, he watched through the tinted window like a stranger returning home to a world that never really welcomed him.

Three weeks away. Just three. But everything felt... colder.

He loosened his tie, leaned back against the leather seat, and exhaled.

"Sir, we'll be at the penthouse in ten," his driver said, glancing at him through the mirror.

Zayne nodded, distracted.

His thoughts weren't in the car.

They were already at the Gala Night.

The one event he didn't want to host - but had to.

The one night every socialite, investor, board member, and gossip columnist waited for.

And this time, it wasn't just about flashing cameras or designer tuxedos.

This time, eyes would be watching.

Waiting.

There were rumors swirling already - about a new face in the industry. About the heir who disappeared. About the cracks in his empire.

But none of that mattered. Not tonight.

Tonight, he would return like nothing happened. Like betrayal didn't still live in his chest.

His phone buzzed beside him. A message.

From Khalil.

"She'll be there. Looking just as dangerous."

Zayne's jaw tensed.

He didn't need to ask who she was.

Zara.

The name tasted like memory and metal.

Beautiful. Sharp. Untouched by time - or so they said.

The gala would be the beginning of everything. Or the end of it all.

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