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Because from the moment she became mine, I’ve wanted the entire world to know she belongs to me.

And they finally do.

When I pull back, Selene stares at me in shock, but the happiness shining in her eyes is impossible to miss.

“I can’t believe you just did that,” she whispers through a smile, careful not to let the press overhear.

I only wink at her, entirely satisfied, then offer her my arm so we can head to the stairs.

But both of us stop abruptly when we notice everyone standing at the top.

All the guys together with Sierra and Thalia, standing in a straight line. Every single one of them faces us with wide smiles on their faces.

Watching us proudly.

And clapping.

The gesture makes me pause because none of them usually likes giving the media extra material to write about. But apparently, tonight they care more about me and my relationship than any headline.

And I know exactly what they’re doing.

They’re showing us their support in front of the entire world.

Selene already has tears in her eyes again, so I immediately guide her up the stairs. Without another word, all of us disappear inside together.

And I can’t stop thinking that, finally, the world knows she’s mine.

Irrevocably.

THIRTY

Selene

“You really shouldn’t check any news sites,” Sierra tells me, something almost sympathetic flickering in her eyes.

“And probably not social media either,” Thalia adds immediately.

“I wasn’t planning to,” I admit honestly.

I really don’t want to see what people are saying about me, what they think about my relationship with Zayn… about the fact that he chose to be with me.

I saw the things written about Sierra and Thalia when their relationships with their husbands first became public. I know how closely the press watches everything surrounding the guys, and I’m nowhere near ready to face the wave of opinions and criticism that has probably already started.

Taking another sip of my cocktail, I let my gaze wander across the room in search of Zayn. Even though we’re technically at a party, the guys have been pulled aside countless times for business conversations, so about half an hour ago, we ended up retreating to the area near the bar.

The others are somewhere around the room, but Zayn is nowhere in sight.

Maybe he went to the bathroom. Or he’s on the phone.

“Do you think the news will die down quickly if none of us reacts to it?” I ask once I give up searching the crowd.

The two of them exchange a quick glance before turning their attention back to me.

“No,” Sierra says bluntly.

“But I also don’t think they have anything bad to write,” Thalia rushes to reassure me. “Besides analyzing your outfits and trying to dig up information about you, there’s not much they can do.”

That’s the problem.