Paths To Forever

By My Side

My father, to his credit, didn't react immediately. He simply raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze flickering between me and Mahi, clearly assessing whether she was joking or if he had somehow missed a life-altering announcement.

I was still trying to regain control of my lungs when Mahi sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Okay, fine, not technically his fiancée, but we're definitely in deep discussions. Right, Zian?"

She turned to me with a sweet smile, her eyes daring me to play along.

I blinked. Was this girl insane?

Before I could formulate a response, my father exhaled, unimpressed. "Is this supposed to be funny?"

Mahi gasped, looking genuinely offended. "Funny? Sir, this is a serious matter. In fact, Zian and I were just discussing how overwhelming these events can be. So much pressure, so many expectations. It's exhausting, don't you think?"

She tilted her head, her loose curls shifting as the golden light of the chandeliers reflected off her earrings. Her dress-a soft shade of emerald green-draped elegantly over her figure, and for a second, just a second, I found myself noticing.

She looked beautiful.

But I shoved that thought away before it could settle. Dangerous territory. I wasn't going there.

Meanwhile, Mahi, oblivious to my internal crisis, continued smoothly.

"Zian is already balancing so much-football, public image, obligations. But at the end of the day, he's still a person, not just a figure for people to admire or critique. Sometimes, he just needs space." She smiled, shrugging. "That's why I'm here. Emotional support girlfriend and all."

I stared at her, a little in awe.

She was actually standing up for me.

Not in an over-the-top, dramatic way, but in a way that made it impossible to argue against her logic.
She had just twisted the entire conversation in my favor so smoothly that even my father, a man who could debate his way out of anything, was forced to pause.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then my father let out a quiet breath. "If you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with the human hurricane that was Mahi.

She grinned at me, swirling her drink. "You're welcome."

I finally found my voice. "What the hell was that?"

She leaned against the bar, looking way too satisfied with herself. "That, my dear Zian, was a masterclass in problem-solving. See, your dad was coming at you with expectations, so I countered with distraction, confusion, and just enough truth to make it believable."

I just stared at her. "You told him you were my girlfriend."

"Temporary. Don't worry, we can break up tomorrow," she teased, winking.

I shook my head, exhaling a disbelieving laugh. "You're insane."

Mahi smirked, tapping her fingers against her glass. "Maybe. But admit it-you were a little impressed."

I wasn't going to admit anything.

Because the truth was, I was impressed.

And that was exactly the problem.

I barely had time to process what had just happened when a slow, amused whistle came from behind me.

"Girlfriend, huh?"