Chapter 4
Future …
"Sis, can I talk to you for a moment? There's something I want to tell you."
Nazalea, who was responding to a message from the modeling agency where she currently resides, immediately put down her cell phone and then focused on staring and smiling at the little sister she was proud of at that time.
"Just say it, I will listen to you," she replied softly.
Zamira seemed hesitant to say what she had prepared before she dared to call her older sister. However, she really had to say that so that there would be no more obstacles in her heart.
"You don't need to hesitate to express your opinion, Zamira. Don't worry, I won't be angry," said Nazalea to calm her younger sister.
"Promise you won't be angry?" the younger sister asked again.
"Of course, say it, Zamira. Don't waste more of my time. You know, I have to arrange the schedule for my photo shoot tomorrow, right?" replied Nazalea, getting serious.
"My campus will hold a tour to get to know Mediterranean culture as one of the graduation requirements later. Am I-"
"Not! I won't allow you to go if that goal is to go to a country where there are lots of bad memories etched there," said Nazalea, expressing her concern.
"But, Sis. I … th-that—"
"Do you want them to find us again, and destroy our peaceful life again? Is that what you want? If so, then go. But, don't ever ask for my help if something happens to you there," said Nazalea, with a warning.
Zamira was silent listening to her sister's story. What the older sister said was true. It's been almost three years since they left the country that brings bitter memories of their mother's death. And that was the most difficult time, when other families were supposed to help them live their lives after the divorce and death of their mother. However, both of them were ignored and driven out of their mother's apartment.
Zamira, who is aware of how hard her older sister struggles for her sake, is able to study in an elite place. Even because of that, her sister had to bury her dream of being able to continue her studies for her sake. She realized that it was Nazalea who had made her like this. So, it was appropriate for her to repay what her older sister had done to her.
"All right, Sis. I will cancel my departure from participating in the activity. Maybe, I will ask the campus to find another country so I can get to know their culture," said Zamira, looking down.
"That's better. Now, get some rest. I also have to prepare myself for tomorrow's photo shoot. Ah, I almost forgot. Your tuition fees for the next one year have been paid off, Sista. I have also transferred your allowance to your personal account," said Nazalea, and walked away, leaving her.
"Thank you very much, Sista. I don't know what else to say to express my gratitude," Zamira replied, touched.
"Never mind. This is indeed my obligation as an older sister to her younger sibling, right?" She replied smiling before entering her room.
Zamira looked at her sister's departure with feelings between happiness and sadness. She didn't know what to say anymore to express her affection. There were so many things her older sister had done to make her happy and without any flaws. Even for herself, Nazalea had to sacrifice her own happiness.
A phone call is heard. She glanced at the screen of the cell phone where a name that she missed so much was displayed. The figure of a man who has always secretly met her somewhere just to let go of their longing without anyone knowing, including Nazalea – her older sister.
"Daddy …"
**
"Was I too hard on Zamira earlier? I shouldn't have said that. But I'm afraid that going to Qatar will hurt her, and cause our enemies to recognize her as Kasia Galliano's daughter."
Nazalea expresses her guilt for being too hard on Zamira. Even if she knew, her little sister would still go along with her words and wouldn't argue back in the slightest. However, she knew, deep down, that girl would want to go out with her friends. Moreover, this is one of his college assignments.
"What if Zulaikha al Bintani recognizes Zamira as my sister? I'm afraid she will do everything she can to hurt her. Meanwhile, a man who should protect his daughter can only hide behind the name of the damn royal family," said Nazalea, expressing her frustration at Moussa al Bintani–his father.
Too many bad thoughts crossed Nazalea's brain, so she didn't realize that her sister also needed comfort and trust from her. If she kept on banning, Zamira definitely wouldn't have the confidence in herself to go any further and determine her future. She is also afraid, if she continues to prohibit and suppress Zamira with her bad doctrine about their country of birth, then one day Zamira will hate her. And Nazalea doesn't want that to happen.
Early morning in the city of Paris, which is starting to enter winter. Nazalea had returned to her activities by making breakfast for her and Zamira, who had just woken up.
"Good morning, Lazy girl. Hurry up, brush your teeth, then wash your face and have breakfast. I've made a special omelet for you," said Nazalea smiling at Zamira, who immediately followed her sister's orders.
After making sure Zamira was back in her chair, Nazalea gave her breakfast omelet and a glass of milk. Meanwhile, she was ready to go to the shooting location. She gave her younger sister a surprise before leaving for her destination today.
"After this you are going to campus, Zamira?" Nazalea asked, looking at her younger sister.
"Yes, sis. I'm going to meet with the history lecturer to cancel my participation in Qatar as you wish," Zamira answered while scrambling the omelet on her plate.
"You don't need to do that. I allow you to go with them. I hope you can take care of yourself while there, and keep in touch. Sis will have a photoshoot in Dubai next week. So, we will have a vacation together afterwards," said Nazalea, without turning towards Zamira, who was surprised to hear his narrative.
Her sister immediately stood on tiptoe and hugged Nazalea tightly. Expressing her thanks and without realizing it, her little sister shed tears of joy because she had allowed herself to go to Qatar with her campus friends and lecturers.
"Thank you sis. You are the best. I love you," Zamira said happily and kept hugging her.
"Never mind, don't hug me like that. I can't breathe. You had better prepare whatever you need to bring. You don't need to bring a lot of clothes. We'll be shopping in Dubai after your campus activities are over," Nazalea replied, patting the back of Zamira's hand, who hugged her even tighter. tightly.
"Once again, thank you, Sis."
"Remember my message. Don't let them find your whereabouts. You don't want them to interfere with our lives anymore. Keep communicating with me. Whatever happens, just be yourself," said Nazalea, advising Zamira.
"Fine, Sis. I will remember all of this. Thank you. You are indeed the best sister. I love you," said Zamira happily.
"I love you too. Never mind, let go of your arms. I have to leave now. Louis will kill your sister if it's too late," she said jokingly.
"Hahaha, why don't you just date Louis? He's handsome and also rich …" Zamira teased her.
"How can I date him? Meanwhile, Louis likes men," replied Nazalea, laughing loudly, followed by Zamira.
However, after that, Zamira asked her to find a man who could protect herself and Zamira in the future. Because, after all, they do need someone like that.
"Then you have to find a man to marry. You deserve to be married, Sis. So that someone will protect and love you," said Zamira honestly.
"I haven't thought about that, Zamira. What should I think about marriage? Meanwhile, I still have to see you become a scholar? You idiot!" The answer is trying to divert the conversation about marriage.
"But, sis—"
"It's not easy to find a man who is kind and willing to accept us, Zamira. Moreover, if that man finds out about our past and true identities. Besides, I don't want what happened to our mother to happen to me again," said Nazalea, pensively remembering her late mother.
"But, not all men are bad, Sis. After all, we also don't know what really happened, so dad doesn't want to—"
"Don't mention him in our conversation, Zamira! I hate him!" Said Nazalea in a high tone and startled Zamira.
"I'm sorry, Sista," Zamira replied, unable to hide her shock at her reaction when she mentioned their father.
After Nazalea left their apartment in a hurry, Zamira recalled her conversation with their father, who had been secretly monitoring her and Nazalea's progress.
"Nazalea doesn't let me go to Qatar with my friends, Dad," she said, complaining about her sister's refusal when she asked permission.
"Why won't she let you go? Doesn't Nazalea want to pay the fee? If that's the case, let daddy pay for it for you. After all, daddy misses you too, my little princess," her father replied, sounding disappointed.
"Nazalea is afraid that Zulaikha–your wife, and her followers will harm me when they find out that I am there. She doesn't want what happened to our mom to happen again," Zamira answered in a sad tone.
"That will never happen, Zamira. Because I would kill that woman if she did. You know I can do it, right?"
"Of course. I believe dad can do that. Even though it's too late. At least, dad still remembers us both after mom's death," said Zamira in a sad tone.
"Forgive your father's stupidity, Zamira. I can only make you both sad."
"Never mind, Dad. Forget the past. For me, the most important thing is, I know you are watching and watching us both. Even if secretly."
"That's because I realized Nazalea would never forgive me for your mother's death. This is the only thing I can do for you two. At least, until Nazalea forgives me."
"She will definitely forgive you, Daddy. Trust me. I'm sure, deep inside, she misses you very much. Just bear with me a little longer, Dad."
"Of course, my daughter. I will be patient until my last breath."