Chapter 28: When The Other Shoe Drops

I take a shaky breath as I address the gathered staff of Lavish Lifestyles - stylists, servers, boutique associates, and more looking at me with worried eyes.

"I...I wish I wasn't having to say this, but we've been the victims of malicious sabotage on a massive scale."

Gasps and murmurs ripple through the crowd as I recount the poisoning incident, the chemical burn, and the discovery of product tampering throughout all our facilities.

"The authorities have ordered us to cease operations until every inch can be thoroughly examined and decontaminated by professionals. I'm so sorry, but effective immediately, Lavish Lifestyles will be shutting down for an indefinite period of time."

The weight of my words seems to crush the room as I see loyal employees who have put their blood, sweat, and tears into this place along with me begin to cry and console each other. Just as I feel I can't handle any more devastation, Zayn steps forward and places a hand on my trembling shoulder.

"I know this is the worst possible situation."

He addresses the staff.

"But Kattie and I want you all to know that you won't be going unpaid during this shutdown period. We'll be continuing your salary payments until we can reopen safely, no matter how long it takes."

I turn to him in shock as the room bursts into stunned cheers and applause.

"Zayn, we never discussed this...how can we afford that?"

I whisper urgently. He just gives me a loving look and says loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Because you've all worked too hard to be left out in the cold like this. Lavish Lifestyles and its incredible people are the highest priority. We'll finance it."

I ask everyone to please excuse us. I then pull Zayn away privately, I feel angry that he committed to continuing everyone's salaries without discussing it with me first:

As the staff disperses, many stopping to hug me or pat Zayn's back with grateful tears in their eyes, I keep a firm grip on Zayn's arm and yank him into my office, slamming the door behind us.

"What the hell was that?"

I hiss, rounding on him with fists clenched.

"Continuing everyone's salaries indefinitely? Zayn, do you have any idea how much money that is? How can you just decide that without consulting me?"

Zayn holds up his hands defensively.

"Kattie, I know it was a huge commitment, but I had to do something to take care of these people during this nightmare."

"Take care of them? At what cost?"

I cry, throwing my hands up.

"I'm already facing potential lawsuits, investigations, who knows how long we'll be shut down...and now you've saddled us with staying afloat financially for every single employee's pay?"

"It's my money I'm going to use baby"

Zayn states, his voice stern yet gentle.

"I'm not going to let your staff starve or end up on the streets because of this sabotage."

Tears of anger, fear, and desperation prick my eyes.

"But Zayn, what if it bleeds you completely dry? What if you go bankrupt trying to pay everyone while also covering the costs of basically rebuilding from the ground up?"

He steps closer, cupping my face in his strong hands. "Trust me Kattie. I have more than enough money for this. I know I should have discussed things with you first but I'm not about to let things get completely out of control, abandoning the family you've built here at your most vulnerable time. Please...let me bear this burden with you, my love. For you."

I open my mouth to keep arguing, but Zayn's warm brown eyes stop me. He's not backing down on this. Finally, I give a resigned nod.

"Okay. We're in this together, no matter how insane the cost."

I pull him into a fierce hug, burying my face in his chest.

"I'm just so scared, Zayn. So scared of losing everything."

"I know, I know."

He murmurs, stroking my hair.

"But united, we have the strength to survive this and remake your dream into reality again. I believe in you, in us. We won't let the saboteur win."

I cling to him tightly, finding solace in his embrace and determination. With Zayn at my side, maybe there's still hope to persevere through this catastrophe.

The sizzle of the pan and aroma of garlic and olive oil provides a brief respite from the weight on my shoulders as I stand over the stove. Cooking has always been a form of therapy - familiar movements, vibrant ingredients coming together into something comforting and nourishing. I need that today more than ever.

I give the sautéing vegetables a toss, then wipe a bead of sweat from my brow. It's a dreary, overcast day outside but the kitchen feels humid and oppressive, mirroring the storm of emotions swirling within me. Despair, anger, fear for the future - they all bubble up volcanic and explosive.

Then I hear the front door open and little footsteps pounding towards me.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

Avery races in, his twin sister Madison hot on his heels. Before I can react, they both collide into my legs, hugging me tightly.

"My babies."

I exhale, a lump forming in my throat. Their sweet, innocent faces are untouched by worries. I force a smile, ruffling Avery's curly hair

"Did you have a good day at school?"

"I drew the best picture for you!"

Madison bounces excitedly, thrusting a crayon drawing into my hands. A bright sun, a rainbow arcing across the sky, flowers and...what appears to be an ice cream sundae all decorate the page.

"It's beautiful, lovebug."

I say, trying to keep my voice from wavering. How do I shield them from this storm?

Zayn appears in the kitchen doorway then, giving me a weary but loving smile. He must have seen the emotion wavering across my face.

"Hey kiddos, let's get cleaned up for lunch okay? Auntie Candy will be here soon."

"Yay!!"

They instantly abandon me to race towards their dad, laughing and squealing as he scoops them up in his strong arms. Yes, they now call him daddy. Over their heads, Zayn mouths, "I love you."

I mouth it back, fresh tears springing to my eyes. My little sunshines, brighten the darkness even for a few fleeting moments. I take a shuddering breath and return to the sizzling veggies and boiling pasta water.

Candy's supportive presence is coming, and I need to hold it together for her visit. Whatever storm rages on, I have to stay anchored lest my family's world gets swallowed by the chaos.

The savory aroma of the pasta and veggies I've cooked fills the dining room as we all take our seats - Zayn at the head of the table with Avery on his left and Madison to his right, me beside Avery, and Candy pulling out the chair next to me.

"This looks absolutely delicious, Kattie."

Candy says warmly, squeezing my hand.

"You always did have a gift in the kitchen."

I manage a small smile at the compliment as Zayn begins dishing out the steaming plates of food.

Avery immediately digs in, slurping up a long noodle loudly until Zayn gently scolds,

"Hey bud, don't be a sewage mouth, use your manners."

This sets off a fit of giggles from Maddie, who then proudly shows Candy her latest artwork.

"This is all of us - me, Avery, Mommy, Daddy, and you Auntie Candy! See the sun shining 'cause you make everything sunny!"

Candy's eyes well up as she pulls my daughter into a tight hug.

"You're such a sweet little angel, just like your mom."

I have to blink back my own tears, so immensely grateful for Candy's supportive presence during this emotional tumult. Under the table, Zayn gives my knee a squeeze. He can always read me so well.

"So Candy."

He interjects,

"We really can't thank you enough for dropping everything to come support us. Especially after..."

He doesn't need to finish the sentence about her recent traumatic experience before a comfortable silence settles over us as we dig into the meal.

For these few peaceful minutes at the family table, the stresses of the sabotage, the shutdown, the frightening unknown...it all melts away. Candy's familiar face and these four people I cherish more than anything provide a revitalizing calm in the eye of the storm.

A reminder that through any darkness, any tragedy, we will persevere together with love, resilience, and hope. The jovial, family atmosphere is abruptly shattered when Zayn's phone starts ringing.

He excuses himself from the table with an apologetic look and steps just outside the dining room to take the call. At first, I try to continue the conversation with Candy and the kids, but my eyes keep getting drawn back to Zayn.

Through the entryway, I can see him pacing back and forth, one hand running agitatedly through his hair. His expression has morphed from the warm, relaxed one he had moments ago at the lunch table. Now his brow is furrowed deeply, the corners of his mouth turned down in a harsh frown. I can't hear what the person on the other end of the line is saying, but with each passing second Zayn seems to tense up more and more.

Suddenly he stills, his whole body going rigid. The color visibly drains from his face until he looks deathly pale and shaken. That's when the first lick of dread snakes its way up my spine. Something is very, very wrong with this phone call.

"Who is that, Mommy?"

Avery's small voice pulls my attention away momentarily. I realize both kids have stopped eating, their eyes wide as they watch Zayn's distressing reaction.

"I'm not sure, sweetie. Daddy's just taking a call for work."

I say, trying to keep my voice light and reassuring. Inside, my heart is pounding harder by the second.

Zayn has started pacing again, but vigorous this time, each stride fueled by what seems like unbridled anger and disbelief. When he catches my concerned look, he averts his eyes, jaw clenched tight.

Candy leans in close, her hand covering mine on the table.

"Kattie, what's going on? Should I...?"

I shake my head, not wanting to drag her further into this heavy tension I can physically feel descending. Because one thing is ringing louder and louder - that lick of dread has turned into a raging fire of premonition.

Zayn's call is about to deliver news. News that will be our family's next unraveling.

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