Chapter 79: When Old Flames Resurface

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: When Old Flames Resurface I didn’t flinch. Most businessmen knew who I was, so hearing my name wasn’t unusual. But the look in his eyes, the mix of surprise and something he was trying to hide, disturbed me more than anything else. Before I could speak, Zayn’s voice called from the back, firm but curious. "Who is that, Nantam?" Nantam shifted slightly, making room for Zayn to see me. Zayn was already dressed as if he were heading out. When his eyes met mine, he didn’t say my name, and I had learned from the last time not to rush in. Instead, I stayed silent, waiting for him to react. He turned toward his friend, and before he could say anything, I saw his friend lean in and whisper something to him. I couldn’t hear the words; I only caught the subtle nod from Zayn in response. Then he disappeared back inside, leaving the two of us. Zayn stepped outside and we walked together to my car. My driver pulled away, but before I could speak, Zayn raised his hand, stopping me. I swallowed my questions, but after a moment, I asked softly, "Are you dropping off at your restaurant, or my house... or where are you going?" He didn’t answer. Instead, he kept running his hand through his hair, staring out the window in silence. The unease in my chest grew heavier until I couldn’t take it anymore. "Pull over," I told my driver. He parked at the side of the road and stepped out, giving me and Zayn the privacy to talk. I turned to him and said softly, "Please... talk to me." Finally, Zayn spoke, his voice calm but edged with warning. "I told you not to come to my house. Didn’t I say that?" His words pierced through me, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. "I was worried," I admitted. "You haven’t picked up your calls since yesterday. I thought something might have happened." Zayn let out a slow breath. "Evric, I saw your call when I woke up this morning. I intended to call you back, but I had to rush to the restaurant, you know I had things to take care of today. After I was done there, I accidentally left my phone behind. They only just brought it back to me not long ago. I was actually on my way to your place when I saw you at the door. But why do you..." His voice trailed off as his eyes searched mine. He didn’t need to finish the sentence; the guilt already written on my face told him everything. "I’m sorry, babe," I whispered, my chest tightening. "I’m really sorry." He shook his head slowly, frustration flickering in his eyes. "And how do I thank you for unlocking another problem for me? If Nantam had started asking questions, how do you expect me to explain everything? Can’t you just..." He broke off, frustration roughening his voice as he dragged a hand through his hair again. I fell silent, unsure how to react, unsure of what to even say. When he looked back at me, his tone was heavier. "Evric, I don’t want to get angry with you. Because if I do... You won’t like it. Just listen to me. If I ask you to come, then you come. If I tell you not to, then don’t. This is already too much for me. I’m carrying all of this for us. You just need to trust me." His words stung, but I could see the weight he was carrying, and my heart softened. He added, "I know why you rushed to my house this morning, it’s because of what happened yesterday. But I’m not going anywhere. Trust me." I looked down, ashamed. "I’m sorry," I said quietly. "I won’t do it again." Finally, his eyes softened. He reached for me. "Come here." The moment I leaned in, he pulled me into his arms. His embrace was firm, steady, grounding me. His voice was low, close to my ear. "Let’s trust each other. I’m not leaving you, okay?" Pressed against his chest, I nodded. Inside, I whispered to myself: I need to control my thoughts... if not, they’ll get me into trouble. Lifting my head slightly, I gazed at him. "Baby..." I hesitated, then asked, "What did your friend say to you earlier?" Zayn sighed, leaning back against the seat. "Honestly? I had a feeling you might show up, so I told him earlier that I was handling the catering for Draeven’s cousin’s wedding today. He was already teasing me about it, saying I’m starting to build connections. So when he saw you, he thought my chances had finally started, that I was getting to know more rich people. He whispered that if I ever got to the top, I should also connect him. Basically, he assumed you came because of the wedding. I don’t even know how that makes sense to him, but... It’s a relief. At least he understood it that way, and it saved me from unnecessary questions and explanations, for now." "Baby, how are you feeling now? Do you feel stronger than yesterday?" I asked gently. "Yes, I’m better," Zayn replied with a faint smile. "So will you come and pass the ni..." I began, but he cut me off. "No, Evric. I’m just getting better. I’ll stay at my place for now." I looked at him, my chest tensed. "But I can’t come to you... Why not just stay with me?" He met my gaze and shook his head softly. "Just give me two more days to rest. After that, I’ll be with you again, okay?" I nodded reluctantly. "Okay." He reached over, brushing his hand against mine. "Now go back and prepare for your cousin’s wedding." "Aren’t you coming?" I asked quickly. "No," he said simply. "I’ve already arranged for my staff to handle everything. The food is taken care of, so there’s no reason for me to show up." "Alright... if you say so." I called my driver back into the car. When we stopped at his restaurant, Zayn leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips before stepping out. When I got home, Chrisly and Nuala were already almost ready, and the time was running late. I hurried upstairs, took a quick shower, and dressed. By the time I came back down, I had slipped into my suit. The fabric hugged my frame perfectly, sharp and clean, and even I couldn’t deny how fine I looked in it. Chrisly’s eyes lit up the moment he saw me. "Wow... you look incredible," he said with a teasing smile. Nuala nodded in agreement, adjusting her earrings as she studied me. "Your cousin’s wedding might just turn into your runway." I smiled faintly at her words. Soon after, we headed out. Nuala followed in my car while Chrisly drove his own. The drive didn’t take long. Soon, we pulled into the wide, gated compound of the mansion where the wedding was taking place. The mansion grounds were alive with elegance, sunlight spilling across the wide driveway where expensive cars gleamed like jewels. White tents had been set up in the garden, and laughter drifted through the warm afternoon air. Guests in designer suits and glittering gowns moved gracefully, the kind of gathering where wealth was displayed in every detail. As I stepped out of the car with Nuala at my side, the brightness of the day felt almost blinding. I adjusted my suit jacket, preparing to slip into the crowd of polished faces, when my gaze froze. Standing near the entrance, framed by the sunlight and the arch of fresh flowers, was a figure I hadn’t seen in years. The boy who had once made my teenage heart race, the one who had awakened feelings I didn’t fully understand back then, my high school sweetheart. Thorley. High school memories, once buried, rose sharply, stealing my breath.