Arabian Nation Of Zidra
Zayed stared at the oil minister furiously.
"How the hell did this happen?" Zayed's voice boomed in the minister's cabin
"It was approved from the Royal House of Zidra. I proceeded only after I got the go ahead" the minister said, sweating.
"Rubbish. This document never came to my table." Zayed said
"With due respect, your highness, you weren't in Zidra for quite a few months. You had relegated the work to other people" the minister pointed out slyly
"My works were relegated only to Basim" Zayed thundered making the minister flinch lightly. But he was quick to compose himself
"Who also left Zidra not long after you" the minister said making the brothers more and more furious.
"What the hell is your point? People are fighting for life because of your carelessness. Where did the approved budget money go to, if you had used such low quality rigs for the oil factory?" Basim asked
"Bloody greedy people. It's about time we formed a new ministry here." Zayed muttered making the minister smirk
Only if you are allowed to stay in the Royal family that is, the minister thought evilly.
According to their plan, there will be a huge unrest among the common people, because of this accident. And the blame will definitely go to Zayed.
His Highness Salim would be forced to throw Zayed and most probably Basim out from the council.  And they have even arranged for mass movements to take place, against Zayed's children inheriting the crown.
****
Ahmed Palace, Zidra
"Zayed. How did this happen?" Salim asked sternly
"I don't know, Salim. That oil minister. He is the one behind all this. A huge budget was allowed for the oil rigs. And the rigs used were of very low quality" Zayed said
"How did they start the construction without your approval? Didn't you look into it?" Salim asked
"I was in UK at that time. Basim was supposed to go for the inspection" Zayed said guiltily.
"That is not an excuse, Zayed. Personal life and responsibilities are two different things. You should have found a balance." Salim said
Zayed knew whatever Salim is saying is right. He should have paid more attention to the matters of his nation too.
"I apologise. I will look into this matter more. I will find out who is behind the mishap" Zayed said and walked out of Salim's office room.
****
Zayed was at the end of his tethers. He had a lot on his plate.
His marriage is dwindling. Not that it had been stable ever. But, he could feel it slipping from his fingers now. He had hurt Aveline too much.
Then there is Brianna. He need to sort it out soon. Before Aveline finds out.
And as if problems were any less, political matters are added.
His phone rang, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Zayed Ahmed" he said, attending the call.
"Zayed. It's me Ben. Benjamin Lockwood" the person on the other side of the call said
Benjamin Lockwood went to University with him. They have been pretty close friends during the college days. He doesn't make friends easily. He has trust issues. So he only has a very few friends in his circle. Benjamin and Julian are two among them. But it has been a while since he talked to either of them
"Hey, Ben. What's up man? It's been a while" Zayed spoke to his friend
"I read about the oil disaster of Zidra, in the newspaper. I wanted to check in with you" Ben asked worriedly
"Thank you for calling Ben. Yeah, there has been a huge mishap. There are casualties too. We hope to handle it properly" Zayed said
"Benji Benji Benjii" Zayed frowned hearing the sing song voice from the other side of the phone.
"Who's that?" Zayed asked in confusion
"That's my daughter, Sapphire" Benjamin said
"You got married? Wow? When? You finally found your special one?" Zayed asked
Benjamin always believed in true love. He believed that he would one day meet his soulmate. But when did it happen.
The child is able to speak, which means she is at least one and half years old. That would only mean Ben got married a couple of years ago.
Why was he not informed about it. He even met Benjamin last year.
'You have been married for nearly eight years. Did anyone knew about it until recently?'a voice from his head taunted and Zayed shook his head guiltily.
"I got married a month ago" Benjamin said with a laugh.
"Uh oh"
"I know what you are thinking. Sapphy is my niece actually. And Bella... Well it's a long story. So much has happened. Hopefully, I can introduce you to my Isabella soon. And I would like to meet your wife too Zayed. And the triplets. You sly dog, you kept them out media eyes for eight years. You didn't even tell us" Ben complained
"That is also a very long story Ben. Hopefully, next time we meet, we can swap stories" Zayed said dryly earning a chuckle from Zayed.
****
London
Ava sat there looking at the two pink lines with a mix of wonder and fear.
Fear of what might happen next!
Wonder at the thought of another baby!
What is she? A goddess of fertility!!
Her sister took seven years to get pregnant
She only ever had sex twice in her life and she managed to get pregnant both times.
And her husband! How is he going to react?
For the past four weeks Zayed had been too distant.
Even with the kids, there was a reserve.
And there is the usual Friday trip to Us. And that's where he is now.
And the frequent calls from B
Ava could still hear Cassandra's words from today morning..
"Heard that your husband's ex girlfriend is back. Brianna O'Connel. And that that's where he spends every Friday night" Cassandra had told her with a malicious glint in her eyes.
But she knows her husband.
Whatever sins he might commit!
Infidelity is one he wouldn't stoop to.
Or so she believes.
Ava was brought out of her thoughts by a call from her sister, Camille asking her to check her mail and call her back...
Ava walked into Zayed's home office and checked her mail and was stunned to see that she belongs to the French aristocratic family, House of Amboise.
Salim had done a deeper research on the sisters and had found out their ancestry. And their only living relative is their father Andre Amboise's great aunt who is ninety three years old now
Who would have thought??
Ava shook her head in disbelief.
As she stood up to leave, she accidentally dropped a few files on the table but she stood froze as she saw the content of one particular envelope.
Divorce papers!