Chapter 143: Chapter 143: The Night of Truth and Surprises
~ Zayn’s POV~
He stepped closer, his eyes locked only on me, the world falling away until it was just the two of us. Then, with the faintest smile tugging at his lips, he leaned down and whispered,
"Did I get you big?"
And in that moment, I couldn’t even answer, my heart was too full, my chest too tense.
Tears fall hot and unashamed down my cheeks, and I let them. I can’t stop them. I can only fold into them, into the relief and the ache and the overwhelming, aching happiness of seeing him standing there, real and in front of me.
He steps closer, voice puny and raw. "Happy birthday, my love," he says, and it’s like the words are a key that finally unlocks me. I stumble forward and he catches me arms strong and certain and everything that hurt the last few days dissolves in the press of him. I don’t care who’s watching. I only know I am finally home.
Behind me, Nuala’s voice rang out gently, guiding the moment:
"You can all open your eyes now... and witness the magic."
Gasps filled the air as the crowd opened their eyes, but from where they stood, all they could see was a man’s back turned toward them. Only I could see his face. Only I could see him.
And in that instant, I realized, it was never just a surprise. It was a message, a promise.
Evric was here. For me.
I threw my arms around him, sobbing into his shirt, holding him so tightly it felt like I never wanted to let go again. He let me cling to him, his hand pressing gently against my back, until he slowly pulled me just far enough to see my face.
"Baby... did I..." he started, his voice soft, but before he could finish, I beat my fists against his chest, my tears blinding me.
"You don’t get to do that to me ever again," I choked out, the words tumbling with all the pain I’d been holding back.
He flinched and gave a little wince. "Ohh, my big baby... I’m really sorry."
But I didn’t stop. I kept pounding against his chest until he groaned slightly and caught my wrists. "Babe... you’re hurting me."
Instantly, my panic rose. "Are you hurt? Where?"
He touched his chest and whispered, "Here. My heart hurts when I see you cry like this."
That broke me even more. His thumb brushed across my wet cheeks, wiping away my tears, his eyes soft, pleading.
"Stop crying, baby..." he murmured.
I lifted my gaze to his, searching for answers, my lips trembling. "Whose idea was this? I know it can’t be yours."
He pouted, boyish and guilty, and pointed toward the corner where Nuala and Liana stood.
The moment I turned to glare, both of them spun on their heels, pretending to know nothing, their backs stiff with fake innocence.
I narrowed my eyes. "You two witches... I’ll get back at both of you."
When I looked back at Evric, his eyes were already glossy with guilt. He reached for my hands and whispered hurriedly, "I’m sorry, baby... for making you cry, for hurting you. I was in as much pain as you."
I stared at him, torn between anger, love, and relief.
He leaned closer, his voice breaking. "Babe, I couldn’t sleep or eat well, just thinking about how you would be feeling. But those two..." he darted a glance toward Nuala and Liana "...they threatened me to follow their plan. I was left with no choice. Nuala even instructed Mr. Karl to collect my phone. I begged them, baby, I swear I begged them to let me at least send you two replies before they cut me off. Trust me... you know I would never hurt you intentionally."
My lips opened, but no words came out. I just stood there, staring at him, my chest heavy with emotions I couldn’t name.
Then he tilted his head, a faint, boyish smile tugging at his lips. "Did I get you big?"
Confused, I frowned softly. "What do you mean?"
"Did my surprise..." he paused, searching my eyes, "...get to your heart?"
The sincerity in his voice made my throat tighten. I nodded slowly, tears still glistening in my eyes. "Yes."
"How big?" he pressed gently, his tone almost pleading.
I let out a shaky breath. "Big enough... more than I can even imagine. This got to me so much, Evric. I was so worried, I thought you were losing interest in me."
His expression hardened with determination, his hands tightening around mine. "That will never happen. I can only love you more with each day. Zayn, I love you so much."
My lips trembled as I whispered back, "I love you too, Evric."
His smile broke through the tears, soft yet desperate. "I missed you so much... Can I kiss you already?"
My heart skipped. All I could do was nod. "Yes."
Then we kissed hot, desperate, like two people starved of each other for far too long. His hand slipped behind my shirt, pulling me closer, until I forgot there were dozens of eyes on us. Even when I heard the murmurs and gasps rippling through the crowd, I didn’t care. In that moment, there was only him.
When he finally tried to pull back, his hand slipped lower, sliding into my trousers until his palm wrapped firmly around my cock. The sudden grip made me gasp against his lips. He held me there, not moving, just feeling me in his hand like he was memorizing me all over again. His breath was hot against my mouth as his smile curved into something both tender and wicked.
"I missed you, Zayn," he whispered, his voice thick with longing. "I missed this, missed holding you, feeling you. Do you know how much I craved you?"
The intensity in his words pierced straight through me. It wasn’t just lust, it was the ache of someone who had been starving without me.
I broke into a small smile despite my tears. He withdrew his hand, lifted it to his nose and inhaled like he was breathing me in, before kissing his own fingers and then pressing another kiss against my lips.
At last, he pulled away, his voice steady now. "Your friends are waiting to see the face standing in front of them. Once I turn, everyone will know you’re not with a woman... You’re with me. Are you ready for that, Zayn?"
My chest narrowed. "Listen, Evric... I don’t know what my reaction will be after they find out. You know how I was when Dean discovered us. I just want you to be patient with me. I promise it won’t hit me that hard this time, but still... facing it, I’m shaking, baby."
He held my trembling hands in his firm grip, his gaze unwavering. "Whatever happens tonight, we’ll face it together. Don’t be afraid. I’ll take the blame, I’ll take the fault because I’m the one who pulled you into this. No matter what, Zayn, handle it fairly. I just want my man to myself. I’ve only just come back, and I can’t stand you creating distance again. You know I love you, baby. Don’t shut me out this time."
I nodded faintly. "Okay..."
"Only look at me," he said softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Think about me, about us. Everything else will be fine. Trust me."
Again, I nodded. "Okay."
I glanced toward the crowd. Their faces were bright with curiosity, their whispers sharp with anticipation, none more eager than Nantam’s stare, fixed on me like he already sensed the truth. My stomach twisted, but I drew courage from Evric’s hand holding mine.
"Just kiss me one last time," I whispered.
He did. First my lips, deep and lingering, then a gentle press to my forehead. "It’s okay," he murmured. "I’m here."
And then he turned.
The crowd’s anticipation exploded into a collective gasp, followed by a unified cry that shook the air.
"Evric!"
The name hit me like thunder, rattling through my chest. Especially Nantam, Nicki, and Dean... their voices were the loudest, so sharp and full of shock that I could feel them vibrating in my very soul.
To be continued...