The morning sun poured into the city like liquid gold, casting a deceptive warmth over Kuala Lumpur, as if it were trying to distract her from the storm brewing in her chest. Tasha stood outside the mansion gates, her fingers cold despite the heat, her heart pounding against her ribs as if warning her to turn back. But she didn't. She couldn't.
She was invited here by Adam's mother, a call that came out of nowhere but was loaded with unspoken weight.
"I'd like to have a word with you, Tasha dear," she'd said sweetly—too sweetly. "And please don't tell Adam. I'd like this to be just between us."
Tasha had hesitated. Something about the tone made her stomach twist, but she'd agreed. She didn't want to disrespect the woman who might one day be her mother-in-law. And so here she was, walking through a garden so perfect it felt artificial, escorted by a maid into a house that smelled of wealth and control.
The drawing room was as pristine as a magazine cover. Adam's mother sat on a pale ivory couch, legs crossed, pearls resting on her collarbone—a picture of elegance and ice.
"Tasha, come sit," she said with a smile that never reached her eyes.
Tasha obeyed, her throat tight, her palms sweating. She sat on the edge of the couch like a guest who knew she wasn't welcome.
"I hope Adam isn't aware of our little meeting," the woman said, raising an eyebrow.
"No, he doesn't know," Tasha said softly, her voice shaking slightly.
"Good," Adam's mother straightened her posture. "Because he doesn't need to."
A silence stretched between them, so thick it felt like drowning.
Tasha forced herself to speak. "Is… is there something you wanted to talk about?"
"Yes, actually," the older woman said smoothly. "I'll be blunt, because I don't have time for games. I want you to leave Adam."
Tasha blinked as if slapped. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," her tone sharpened. "You are not suitable for him. You're a girl with a broken past and a desperate heart. You see Adam as your savior, not your equal. You think I can't see it, but I do."
Tasha's lips parted, but no words came. Her mind was racing, her soul trembling.
"I love him," she finally whispered. "I would never hurt him."
"But you already are," the woman snapped. "He's blinded by you—by your pain, your fragility. He's a good man, too good to realize he's being used emotionally. You're a storm, Tasha, and I won't let him drown in you."
Tasha felt something inside her shatter. "I am not using him. I love him with every part of me."
"You love him because he gave you light in your darkness," the woman said, leaning closer. "That's not love, that's need. And you are not the kind of woman who will ever belong in our world—our business, our family, our name."
"I don't care about your wealth or name," Tasha said, her voice rising. "I've stood on my own before, and I'll do it again. But Adam—he chose me. He sees me for who I am, not where I come from."
"And that's exactly why you must leave," she hissed. "Before you ruin his future. His reputation. His peace."
Tasha stood, her legs shaking. "You're asking me to break his heart."
"I'm asking you to save it," the woman said coldly. "Be a woman for once. Walk away with whatever dignity you have left."
Tasha's vision blurred with tears. "You have no idea what love is if you think this is it."
"I know exactly what love is," she replied. "And it's not clinging to someone because they made you feel like you matter."
Tasha turned and walked out, each step a war against the collapse of her strength. Outside the gates, she finally let the tears fall, her body shaking as she stumbled onto the sidewalk, breathless.
Later that evening, in Ryan's apartment...
Tasha sat curled up on the couch, her eyes hollow, her soul scraped raw. Ryan sat beside her, hands clenched in anger. Zara knelt in front of her, holding her hands, trying to keep her grounded.
"She said I don't belong," Tasha whispered. "She said I'm not good enough for him. That I'm using him. That I'm broken."
Ryan's jaw tightened. "That woman is a monster."
"She looked at me like I was filth," Tasha said, tears spilling again. "Like I was some charity case."
Zara's eyes burned. "You are not broken. You are beautiful, strong, and worthy. And if Adam's mother can't see that, then she's the one who's blind."
"I can't tell him," Tasha whispered. "He'll hate her, and I don't want to be the reason his family falls apart."
"You think protecting him means letting yourself suffer in silence," Ryan said, his voice sharp. "But silence won't save anyone. It'll only kill you slowly."
"I can't lose him," she sobbed. "But I can't fight this either."
"Then fight for yourself," Zara said. "For the love you've built together. You are not a pawn in her game, Tasha. You are the queen, and queens don't surrender."
Tasha buried her face in her hands, shaking. "I wish I could be that strong."
"You are," Ryan said gently. "You just don't see it because your heart is too kind."
Zara glanced at Ryan, her expression knowing. "You're not alone, Tasha. We're here. No matter what."
______________
Across the city, Adam was on a call with his mother.
"Adam, darling, do me a favor," she said sweetly. "Laura's arriving tonight. Can you pick her up from the airport?"
"Laura?" Adam frowned. "Sophia's daughter?"
"Yes. She's staying with us for a few days. I thought it would be nice for you two to catch up."
"Sure, yeah, no problem," Adam said without thinking.
That Evening – Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Adam leaned against the steel railing outside the arrivals lounge, casually dressed, scrolling through his phone. He had always considered Laura a friend—nothing more, nothing less. As children, their families used to vacation together, and although they'd lost touch, she had always been polite and friendly. Familiar. Safe.
But Laura had changed.
When she appeared through the glass doors, she looked stunning—fashionable heels, a flawless designer dress, dark wavy hair cascading down her shoulders, and lips curved into a perfect smile. But beneath that polished smile was something else—a sharpness that even the gloss couldn't hide.
"Adam!" she called, throwing her arms around him as if they'd been apart for decades.
He chuckled, slightly surprised but polite. "Laura, hey! Welcome back."
She stepped back, her eyes sparkling as she scanned his face like he was a prize she'd waited years to claim. "It's so good to see you. You look… amazing."
"You too," he said, picking up one of her designer suitcases. "How was your flight?"
"Tiring, but the thought of seeing you again made it worth it," she said smoothly, walking beside him like they belonged together.
Adam laughed awkwardly. "It's been a while."
"It has. Too long. I always told my mom you and I would meet again."
Adam gave a light shrug. "Well, here we are."
Laura's eyes lingered on him, admiring the way his jaw clenched when he smiled, the gentleness in his eyes. She had heard the rumors about Adam and Tasha. Her mother had mentioned it. Adam's mother had confirmed it. But Laura didn't care. She had always been taught that nothing was out of reach. If she wanted it, she would have it.
And she wanted Adam.
As they walked through the airport toward the parking lot, Laura kept the conversation light.
"So tell me everything. What have I missed in your life?"
Adam smiled, unlocking his car. "Not much. Just working, planning a few things, keeping busy."
"No mention of Tasha?" she asked playfully, but her eyes were calculating.
Adam's hand hesitated on the car door for just a second before he opened it for her. "She's… important to me."
"Ah," Laura said, sliding into the passenger seat with the grace of a practiced actress. "I look forward to meeting her then."
Her voice was soft, but her fingers clenched on her phone. She had no intention of being anyone's second choice.
As Adam started the engine, Laura smiled sweetly at him, hiding the war raging behind her poised expression. She'd play nice—for now. Because no one, not even Tasha, would stand between her and what she believed was hers.
And thus began the dangerous dance—the start of a triangle that would one day shatter hearts and twist destinies.
____________