Taylor's nodding at whatever he's murmuring, tears sliding down her perfect cheeks, and the sight twists in my chest so hard it's hard to breathe.
Zach swore there was nothing going on between them. He swore it was all an act, just a front for everyone else.
But from where I'm standing now?
It looks like the biggest lie I've ever been fed.
I bite down on my lip, hard, trying to stop the sound that claws at my throat when Taylor suddenly steps into him, wrapping her arms tight around his waist.
And Zach—God—he doesn't just stand there.
He hugs her back, chin tipping into her hair, his hand sliding up to the back of her head, fingers stroking slow and gentle, like he's trying to soothe her.
My chest stings, sharp and familiar, the kind of ache I thought I'd already burned out of myself.
This isn't for show. No way. Right?
No one holds someone like that if it's fake.
No one looks that close, that intimate, unless there's something real there.
From behind me, a voice cuts through the lump forming in my throat.
"Wow. Looks like Zach and Taylor are really a thing now."
Another girl chimes in, her tone edged with envy. "Yeah, I mean—look at them. I think they're more than fuck buddies now. Maybe they're dating already."
"I've been saying it for weeks," a third pipes up.
"I mean, come on—look at them. They're stupidly gorgeous together. Face card on face card. It just makes sense."
"Yeah. Like, it almost feels unfair? As if the universe handpicked them to match."
Another laughs. "Taylor taming Zach Westbrook. Who would've thought?"
"Please," someone else cuts in with a snort. "Taylor could tame literally any guy she wanted. With that face? That body? You'd have to be blind not to fall for her."
"Facts. If I were a guy, I'd be down on my knees too."
A ripple of laughter follows, and another voice adds, "Honestly, I'm shocked it didn't happen sooner. If anyone was gonna lock him down, it'd be her."
"Honestly? She's the only girl who even comes close to his league. The looks, the vibe, all of it—they just fit. Total perfect match."
My throat burns as I swallow, eyes locked on Zach's arms still wrapped around Taylor.
Of course. Should've known better.
Actually believing him when he swore there was nothing going on.
Maybe I made a mistake.
Maybe giving him another chance was just me signing myself up for round two of disappointment.
Because right now? This feels like déjà vu—like I've walked straight back into the same fire I once swore I'd never touch again.
*****
ZACH
