Tahani
The Future We Build Together
Three months have passed, and the energy in the office feels different today. It’s lighter, buzzing with excitement and celebration. Zeenith has launched, and it’s already surpassed every expectation. The numbers pouring in from clients are staggering, and everyone in the office seems to be floating on air. There’s an unmistakable sense of accomplishment in the air. A sense that we did it .
I step into my office and close the door behind me, needing a quiet moment to let it all sink in. The noise from the conference room fades, and I take a deep breath, my gaze drifting to the windows overlooking the city skyline.
I really did it.
I move to my desk, brushing my fingers over the edge of the glossy surface, remembering the late nights, the endless lines of code, the stress of wondering if Zeenith would ever see the light of day. There was a time not too long ago when I thought everything was falling apart—that all my hard work, my dreams, were being dismantled by the very people I worked with. But now, after everything, Zeenith isn’t just a success. It’s a triumph. My triumph.
A small smile tugs at my lips as I think about how far I’ve come. It’s not just the project that has grown. I’ve grown. I’ve learned to stand my ground, to trust my instincts, and to protect what I’ve built. And it hasn’t just been about the software. It’s been about discovering my own resilience.
I glance at the framed photo on my desk. One of Archer and me taken during the initial Zeenith pitch. I remember that day so clearly: his intensity, his unwavering belief in the project, and in me. Back then, I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out. I knew we had something special, but now, looking at everything we’ve accomplished together, I know it’s more than just a fleeting connection.
It’s real.
Archer believed in me even when I had doubts. He supported me through the sabotage, through the chaos, and never wavered in his conviction that we would come out of it stronger. And now, we have.
The door opens, and I look up to see him standing there, leaning casually against the frame, his eyes bright with that familiar intensity I’ve come to know so well.
“You look deep in thought,” he says, his voice low and soft, but there’s a warmth in it that makes me smile.
“I was just thinking about how far we’ve come,” I say, meeting his gaze. “And how grateful I am for everything.”
He steps into the office, closing the door behind him. “You did this, Tahani. Zeenith is your creation. Don’t forget that.”
I shake my head slightly. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Without all of your support.”
He crosses the room and stops in front of me, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders. “You could have. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. But I’m glad you let me be there for you.”
His hands slide down my arms, and I feel a familiar warmth spread through me. It’s amazing how just his touch can ground me, calm me, make me feel like everything is going to be okay because, with him, it always is.
“I couldn’t imagine going through this with anyone else,” he continues, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “You’re not just my partner in business, Tahani. You’re my partner in everything.”
I smile up at him, my heart swelling. “I feel the same way. We’ve been through so much together, and I know this is just the beginning.”
Archer leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before pulling back to meet my gaze again. “Speaking of beginnings,” he says with a sly smile, “I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” I raise an eyebrow, intrigued.
He nods, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come with me.”
He takes my hand, and we walk out of my office, through the bustling hallways of Iconic. The entire team is still celebrating, high fiving each other, and discussing the overwhelming success of Zeenith. As we approach the conference room, I notice something unusual. The atmosphere feels more personal, more intimate.
When Archer opens the door, my breath catches in my throat.
Inside the conference room are my parents—Jim and Candace—seated at the table with warm smiles on their faces. They beam with pride. My heart leaps in my chest at the sight of them.
“Mom, Dad!” I exclaim, rushing toward them. I wrap my arms around my mom first, and then my dad, tears of happiness welling up in my eyes.
“We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” my mom says, her voice soft and filled with love. “We’re so proud of you, baby.”
“You’ve done it, Tahani,” my dad adds, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve made something truly incredible.”
I can’t help the tears that spill down my cheeks as I pull back, looking at them both. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t know you were here.”
“That was Archer’s doing,” my mom says with a smile, glancing at him. “He invited us up to celebrate with you.”
I turn to Archer, my heart swelling even more. He’s leaning against the table, watching me with that quiet, knowing smile of his.
“I wanted your parents to be here for this,” he says softly. “You deserve to have your family with you for such a big moment.”
My throat tightens with emotion as I look at him. “Thank you. This means everything to me.”
“Anything for you,” he replies, his voice warm and sincere.
We all sit down together, and the team gradually joins us—Grace, Ava, Braedon, Contessa. Everyone gathers around the conference table, and soon, there are snacks and tea being passed around. The room fills with laughter and stories, everyone basking in the glow of the victory we’ve all worked so hard for.
Grace, who has been through so much with me during the project, raises her glass in a toast. “To Tahani and Zeenith,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “You’ve brought us through the fire, and we’re stronger because of it. Here’s to the future and many more millions in sales.”
Everyone raises their glasses, and I can’t help but feel a rush of gratitude. This isn’t just a team. This is a family. We are a group of people who have fought through the challenges together and come out on the other side, stronger and more united.
As the celebration continues, I find a quiet moment to step out onto the balcony. The city sprawls out before me, the lights twinkling like stars against the dusk. I lean against the railing, feeling the cool breeze on my face, and reflect on everything that’s led me here.
I think about the challenges, the moments of doubt, the times when I thought I’d lose everything I worked so hard for. But through it all, I’ve learned something invaluable: I’m stronger than I ever realized. I can face betrayal, heartbreak, and sabotage, and still come out on top. And it’s not just because of Zeenith’s success—it’s because I’ve learned to trust myself. To believe in what I’m capable of.
And then there’s Archer.
He steps out onto the balcony, joining me, his arm slipping around my waist as he pulls me close. I rest my head on his shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek.
“I never thought I’d find someone like you,” I say quietly, my words filled with everything we’ve been through. “Someone who believes in me the way you do.”
He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “You make it easy to believe, Tahani. You’re incredible.”
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “We’re a good team.”
“The best,” he agrees, his voice soft but firm. “And this is just the beginning. We’ve got so much ahead of us—Iconic, Zeenith, and everything else we’re going to build together.”
I lift my head to look at him, my heart swelling with love. “I can’t wait to see what we do next.”
He grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Whatever it is, we’ll do it together.”
We stand there for a moment, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. The city hums below us, but up here, everything feels calm, peaceful. Like the future is ours to shape, and nothing can stand in our way.
I take a deep breath, feeling the past few months lift off my shoulders. There’s still work to be done, challenges to face, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is falling into place. And with Archer by my side, I know I can face whatever comes next.
“Let’s go back inside,” I say, smiling up at him. “We’ve got a lot to celebrate.”
He takes my hand, and we walk back into the conference room, where our team—our family—is waiting for us. And as I look around at the people who have become such an important part of my life, I know that we’re unstoppable.
Together, we’re building something lasting. Something strong. And I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.