Zara had been unusually persistent all morning.
Naya's phone lit up with her name for the third time before she finally answered with a laugh. "You're calling like I owe you money."
"You owe me a dinner. And a proper explanation," Zara replied, sharp as ever. "So, I've decided. We're going on a double date. You, me, our men, and no secrets. I want to meet this husband of yours."
Naya hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. "Zara…"
"Don't 'Zara' me. You got married in secret. And after everything that happened with the scandal, you just appeared with a ring and a mansion. I need to look him in the eye and make sure he didn't trap you into this."
Naya sighed. "He didn't. Kain is… different."
"Then let me see for myself," Zara pressed. "We'll go somewhere nice. I want to bring Maverick, too. And you're booking the restaurant."
Naya couldn't help but laugh. "Of course I am."
After the call ended, she walked into the living room where Kain sat reading something on his tablet. He looked up as she approached, setting the device aside.
"Zara called," Naya said, slipping onto the couch beside him.
"Good trouble or bad?" he teased, sliding an arm around her shoulders.
"She wants to meet you."
He raised an eyebrow. "Finally. I was beginning to think she didn't exist."
Naya smiled. "She's real, alright. And very protective. She's worried I was forced into this marriage because of the scandal"
Kain nodded, serious now. "She has a right to worry. You've kept her out of your life for months. Let's meet her. I want to know the people you care about."
That answer—so easy, so open—melted Naya a little more.
---
They agreed on a Friday night dinner at Vita Lounge, a sleek rooftop restaurant known for its skyline view, ambient jazz, and candlelit tables. Naya made the reservation herself, ensuring everything would be perfect.
Zara and her boyfriend Maverick arrived first. He was tall, dark-skinned, with soft eyes and a clean-cut beard. He wore a tailored grey jacket over a black turtleneck and had the calm energy of someone used to listening more than he spoke. His deep baritone voice had a calming effect and a warmth that matched his easy smile.
"Finally," Zara said as Naya and Kain walked in. She stood, folding her arms and giving Kain a once-over.
He was dressed in a fitted navy shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to show his watch and the curve of his forearms. Naya wore a wine-red dress that hugged her waist and made her eyes stand out even more.
"This is Kain," Naya said with a small smile.
Kain offered his hand. "Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
Zara raised an eyebrow as they shook hands. "All good, I hope."
"Mostly warnings," Kain joked.
They all laughed, the tension breaking slightly.
"This is Maverick" Zara added, introducing her boyfriend. "He's a lawyer. The reasonable one between us."
Maverick smiled. "That's because she talks enough for both of us."
As they took their seats, the waiter brought over menus and wine. The soft hum of jazz played in the background, blending with the murmur of other diners. The restaurant's lights were dimmed just enough to give the entire space a romantic glow.
"So," Zara began after a few sips of wine, fixing her gaze on Kain. "You married my best friend in the middle of a scandal, disappeared with her, and now she lives in a palace. Mind explaining yourself?"
Kain chuckled, not offended. "Fair enough. Naya and I didn't plan any of this. But sometimes, life happens fast. The situation was complicated, yes. But what we have now—it's real. And I didn't disappear with her. She chose to stay."
Zara narrowed her eyes slightly, but her tone softened. "You really love her?"
Kain didn't blink. "With everything I have."
Naya looked down at her wine glass, cheeks warming.
"And you?" Maverick asked, turning to Naya. "You're happy?"
She looked up, her smile subtle but sure. "I'm peaceful. I wake up and feel like I belong somewhere. I don't think I've ever had that before."
Zara softened. "Okay, you're glowing. I'll shut up now."
Conversation flowed more easily after that. They talked about Zara's chaotic work at her firm, Maverick interest in corporate ethics, Kain's love for classic jazz, and how Tami had taken over Naya's entire Instagram page with her doodles.
"Can I just say," Zara said between laughs, "your daughter is a mini Picasso. And she's smart too."
"She's everything," Naya said, pride glowing in her voice.
Kain reached across the table and squeezed her hand gently.
As dessert came—chocolate lava cake and raspberry cheesecake—the conversation deepened. They spoke about love languages, childhood lessons, the kind of future they wanted.
"So, what's your love language?" Maverick asked Kain.
Kain glanced at Naya. "Acts of service. And probably quality time. I like doing things for the people I care about."
Zara smiled. "Yeah, Naya told me you cook. We still don't believe her."
"He makes the best fried rice," Naya added. "And he cuts fruit into shapes. For Tami."
"Heart-shaped pineapples?" Jide joked.
Kain chuckled. "I've done that once. Maybe twice."
When they finally stood to leave, the city lights painted the skyline in gold and steel. Kain excused himself to bring the car around while Zara pulled Naya aside.
"I like him," she admitted. "I wanted to hate him, or at least intimidate him a little. But he's genuine. And he loves you."
Naya smiled. "I know. I love him, too."
Maverick came over, wrapping his arm around Zara's waist. "Ready to go?"
Zara looked between them. "Let's plan another night like this. Maybe next time, we'll bring the kids and cause a scene."
Naya laughed. "Deal."
As they walked to their cars, something inside Naya settled. The two worlds she'd been trying to balance—her past and her present—were starting to blend.
And for the first time, it didn't feel impossible.