Chapter 2

I took my sweet time in the shower, and by the time I came out, Zane had already grabbed his pajamas and disappeared into the other bathroom. He was clearly in a mood, so annoyed he didn't even want to share the same space.

I had no clue what exactly he was mad about. He'd been acting paranoid all evening, convinced I was upset, and now he was the one sulking like a kid.

I flopped onto the big, soft bed, bored out of my mind. Tapping at my phone screen, I half-heartedly played some mindless farming game while trying to figure out how I'd go about calming down Zane once he came out.

After all, I still lived under his roof, and dealing with someone like Zane meant managing his mood was less a choice and more a strategy.

Looking back, the whole night had been a series of weird events and coincidences.

Zane had some dinner to attend and texted me right before heading out, asking me to pick him up afterward.

He had a driver, obviously, but insisted I get him. At that time, I thought he didn't like me lounging around the house and wanted to give me something to do.

So, of course, I went. It's not like I really had a choice.

I arrived early at the entrance of a swanky private clubhouse. The whole place reeked of luxury perfume, too sweet and heavy for my liking, so I stayed near the door and didn't bother going in.

To kill time, I crouched near a flowerbed and got invested in watching a bunch of ants hustling in and out of their nest. Feeling extra generous, I pulled a half-eaten pack of soda crackers out of my bag, broke off a piece, and dropped it in their path.

Watching those little guys team up to haul a crumb five times their size back to their little nest was oddly satisfying.

Just as the little workers finished hauling off their third cracker piece, Zane and his group finally came out.

I heard his voice first and started to stand up, but what I saw made me freeze in place.

There was Zane, towering over a sea of sharp suits with that effortless height of his. Next to him stood my father, considerably shorter, wearing a grin so eager it looked almost desperate, nodding and bowing like a salesman begging for a miracle.

I was about to toss one last cracker crumb to the ants before going over to meet my generous boyfriend.

When suddenly, this girl in a fancy cocktail dress lifted her hem and practically twirled her way toward Zane like she was auditioning for some modeling stint.

"Zane," she chirped sweetly, "I knew it was you. You came all the way here for me, didn't you?"

She looked up at him, eyes sparkling like she had a whole galaxy tucked behind her lashes. "You knew I was back in town today. You came all the way here just to see me, didn't you?"

Oh? What was that about? Some long-lost ex suddenly showing up? A dramatic reunion with an old flame? Maybe even the legendary first love making a surprise appearance?

I lowered myself right back into a squat and shifted my attention back to the ants, which were far more peaceful to look at.

I broke off another bit of cracker and dropped it in their path. They swarmed instantly, kicking off their next big project.

How nice. They're definitely eating well tonight. I'm basically a saint.

Just as I was getting back into my benevolent ant-goddess groove, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

It was a message from Zane: [Babe, are you here yet? Where are you?]

Yes, sir. I'm here, just busy playing god to a colony of ants.

I popped the last piece of cracker into my mouth, brushed the crumbs off my hands, and stood up. "I'm over here!" I called out.

Zane's head snapped in my direction the moment he heard me. His eyes found mine instantly, and within seconds, he was striding over like a man on a mission.

I meant to meet him halfway, but the moment I took a step, I realized something was off.

My legs were completely numb from squatting too long, and every move felt like stepping on a bed of needles.

We were maybe thirty feet apart, but he closed the gap like it was nothing. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

"Baby, did I keep you waiting?" he murmured, voice low and rough with wine. "I missed you."

I was about to reply when I caught sight of the woman from earlier still standing nearby, watching us with a bitter glare.

Something snapped inside me, and before I could stop it, the words slipped out: "So, did you two finish catching up?"

Zane tensed, his brow furrowing. "What?"

Realizing I had spoken too much, I tried to backtrack fast. "Nothing, just kidding. Forget I said anything."

"Babe, I…" he started, clearly wanting to explain.

But right now, all I wanted was to get out of the place. My legs were totally numb, and I wasn't about to deal with drama on top of pins and needles.

"Can we just get in the car?" I cut him off, trying to sound casual but probably came off a little snappy. "And maybe hold the small talk? I seriously can't feel my toes."

Zane gave me a long look, then said nothing. He took my hand, squeezing a little tighter than usual, and led me toward the car.

Once we got in the car, I buried my face in my phone, pretending to search for ways to fix numb legs. But the truth was, I didn't want to talk.

Neither of us spoke, and the silence settled over us like a thick, suffocating weight all the way home.