Page 28

Both Zayn and I look down at the same time.

A message.

A name.

Axel.

“It’s late. I think we should head back to the hotel,” Zayn says, already signaling for the bill.

I don’t know why, but the fact that Axel texted me right now—during this dinner with Zayn—and that Zayn saw it makes me feel strangely awful.

There’s no reason for it. No logical explanation.

Yet a tightness settles in my chest, making every full breath feel like an effort.

My phone vibrates again with two more messages just as I’m about to speak.

Then it starts ringing.

I stare at the screen, unable to move, unsure how to react. As though a part of my life I no longer want is reaching out, trying to pull me back. A life that lasted so long, meant so much, that the weight of it crashes into me without warning.

My eyes burn with tears I stubbornly blink away, and my hands begin to tremble.

All I can think about is that I don’t want this night with Zayn to be ruined because of Axel.

“If you want to take it in private, I can wait outside,” Zayn offers, mistaking my reaction—or rather, my lack of one.

I don’t answer.

He pays the bill and rises to his feet, and that’s when my phone rings again.

I reach for him instinctively, wrapping my fingers around his hand before he can walk away.

“Can…” I begin, only to falter. I don’t know how to put it into words.

Zayn glances down at my hand around his before meeting my eyes again, confession flickering across his face as he waits for me to continue.

“Could you… please answer the call and tell him to never contact me again?”

As soon as I finish speaking, his gaze drifts to my left hand still resting over his.

It lingers there.

Searching.

Noticing.

For what?

I have no idea.

Until I follow his eyes.

My ring finger.

The one that, only a few months ago, wore an engagement ring. The finger that has remained bare ever since I called off the engagement.

Zayn looks back up, clear disbelief flashing across his handsome face, but he doesn’t ask a single question. His eyes flick to my empty ring finger once more before returning to mine.