What is she going to say? I asked myself silently as the room seemed to hold its breath. Everyone's eyes were on her, waiting patiently for her answer.
Then, Bella spoke, her tone calm and almost teasing.
"I'm going to sleep. What else would I do at night if not sleep?"
Kit and Taeng both chuckled quietly at her unexpected reply. Orasa, however, narrowed her eyes, her polite smile sharpening like a blade.
"Your parents must have spoiled you," she said sweetly, though her words carried a hidden sting. "That's why you act this way."
Bella's lips parted as if she was about to answer, but before she could, Chak's cold voice cut through the tension.
"Enough, Orasa. This meeting is over."
His tone left no room for argument. The air grew heavy as Bella rose gracefully, her expression calm, almost unreadable.
Chak's sharp gaze flicked to her as he spoke again, his voice low and commanding.
"You stay."
Orasa stood abruptly, her eyes flashing with irritation as she swept a forced smile across the room.
"See you around," she said, her heels clicking sharply as she left.
Vikran lingered a moment longer, his glare fixed on Bella.
"Thanks for ruining my project," he hissed bitterly.
Bella tilted her head slightly and gave him a cool, playful smile.
"My pleasure," she replied softly.
The door closed behind them, leaving only Bella, Chak, Kit, Taeng, and me in the room. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken questions.
Chak turned his piercing eyes to me. His voice was low, edged with restrained anger.
"Who is she, Niran?"
I swallowed, my pulse quickening under his intense stare.
"Don't be angry," I said gently. "When I went to get lunch for Amara, I saw her at the reception. I asked if she was from Europe and told her if she pretended to be my girlfriend, I'd take her to see you."
Chak's brows furrowed as his gaze shifted to Bella.
"To me? Why?" he asked sharply.
Bella lifted her chin slightly, meeting his glare without flinching.
"Because there's something important I need to tell you. But not here."
Chak's jaw tightened. He stood, his movements deliberate and heavy.
"Everyone grab your things. We're leaving," he said curtly before walking out of the meeting room.
I noticed Anamarija glance at me, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"Come," I told her gently.
She stood, picking up her cup and water bottle, and followed me out. As we reached Pim's desk, Amara and Non appeared.
"Where should I put this?" Anamarija asked, holding up the cup.
"You can give it to me," Non replied.
"Thank you,"she said politely, handing it to him.
Amara stared at her with wide, admiring eyes.
"I wish I had eyes like yours," she whispered.
Anamarija smiled softly.
"Thank you," she replied.
Non returned and muttered with a grin,
"What happened in that meeting… it's going down in history."
The four of us laughed lightly. Moments later, Chak emerged from his office. His eyes swept over us before landing on Amara.
"Tell everyone they can go home. Tomorrow, I expect full energy for what's coming," he said firmly.
"Goodbye," he added, motioning for us to follow him.
"Bye," Anamarija said to Non and Amara with a polite smile.
In the elevator, I kept glancing at Chak. He was quiet, his expression unreadable. Anamarija stood beside me, her gaze fixed on the floor, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
When we reached his car, Kit slid into the front seat. Anamarija took the seat by the window on the right, I sat in the middle, and Taeng settled on my left. The ride was silent, the air heavy with anticipation.
As we pulled into Chak's driveway, I noticed Anamarija's wide eyes taking in the size of his house. When she stepped out of the car, she stood frozen for a moment, whispering,
"Wow…"
Chak unlocked the door and led us inside. Anamarija removed her shoes carefully and glanced at me.
"Where are the slippers?" she asked.
"You can use mine," I offered.
"Thank you, Niran," she said softly.
When we entered the living room, Chak gestured toward the sofa.
"Sit down,"* he instructed curtly.
We obeyed, settling into the plush cushions. His sharp eyes settled on Anamarija.
"Bella, what do you need to tell me?"
Anamarija straightened her posture, her fingers twisting slightly in her lap.
"Actually… I'm not Bella," she said, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of tension.
Kit and Taeng exchanged a look of surprise.
"My real name is Anamarija," she continued. "It was Niran's idea for me to use a different name at first. He thought it would protect me from… certain people."
I nodded quickly, sensing Chak's icy glare shifting to me.
"I didn't want Orasa to find out her real name and start searching for her online," I explained.
"You did the right thing, Niran," Chak said flatly, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of approval.
His gaze turned back to Anamarija.
"Now tell me… what is it you need to say?"
I could feel the tension radiating from her as she drew a slow breath.
"Chak… I'm your half-sister."
The room fell silent. Kit and Taeng froze. I held my breath, watching Chak's expression harden. His eyes were locked on Anamarija, but his body was still, like a predator assessing its prey.
Chak stared at her in silence for a few long seconds, his face unreadable. Then, in a low voice edged with disbelief, he said,
"This… this can't be true."
He stand up abruptly, his movements sharp with tension. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the living room, his footsteps heavy as he disappeared into his office.
A moment passed. Then I stood too, my heart pounding, and followed him quietly.
I pushed the office door open slowly, peeking inside. Chak was pacing back and forth, his hand running through his hair in frustration. When he noticed me, he stopped mid-step, his eyes meeting mine.
I stepped fully into the room and crossed the floor to him. Without saying a word, I wrapped my arms around him.
He stiffened at first, but then his hands gripped my back tightly, as if holding on for support.
"I'm here for you," I whispered softly.
"No matter what happens."
Chak pulled me closer, his arms tightening almost painfully.
"Thank you," he whispered hoarsely, his breath warm against my shoulder.
When he finally let go, his eyes met mine—there was a flicker of vulnerability in them, something I had rarely seen from him.
"Do you really think she's my half-sister?" he asked, his voice low, almost fragile.
I nodded, my expression serious.
"I do. She even has that same icy glare you use… and her personality it's so similar to yours."
Chak was silent for a few moments, his jaw tightening as he turned away. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said,
"I'm afraid… of how Malai and Chai will react. And… how my mother will take this."
Chak let out a slow breath, his shoulders sagging slightly as if the weight of the world had settled there. I reached out and gently took his hand.
"Chak…"I said softly, my thumb brushing against his knuckles. "No matter how your family reacts, I'll be here. You're not alone in this."
His dark eyes flicked to mine, holding for a moment. Then he gave a faint nod, squeezing my hand once before letting go.
"Let's go back. She deserves a chance to explain."
We walked out of the office together, the tension still thick in the air, and entered the living room. Anamarija was sitting perfectly still on the couch, her hands folded in her lap. Kit and Taeng sat nearby, both watching her with quiet curiosity.
Chak stopped a few feet from her, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. Then he ask her: