Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Evric’s Rule. Boundaries of Love
~Zayn’s POV~
He didn’t waste a second. His voice came clear and sharp through the line.
"Can you stop reaching out to Evric?"
I froze, my lips parting but no words coming out right away. After a brief silence, I finally answered, steady but tired. "I already gave you my promise."
His voice cut back, low and firm. "I’m not saying you should break it. I just mean... while he’s there, with her, stop contacting him."
"I inhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. ’If you want me to stop reaching out while he’s with her, I can do that. But I can assure you, if he doesn’t hear from me, he’ll be back within three days. He won’t finish the project he went for.’"
Rogan went quiet. The silence stretched, heavy, almost suffocating.
"I pressed on, steadying my voice. ’I already told you, I won’t interfere between the two of them. We barely even talk, but those little moments are enough to keep his mind at rest. If Evric goes a day or two without hearing from me, he’ll get distracted, restless, and come back without completing what he went for. So please, let’s just stick to the first deal."
Again, silence. Then at last Rogan’s voice returned, quieter this time. "Okay. But when it’s your time to leave... don’t hesitate. Don’t look back. Just disappear."
My chest tightened, but I kept my reply short.
"Okay, sir."
The call ended, the screen going black. I let the phone slip from my hand and collapsed onto the bed, my mind heavy, my body drained.
The call ended, the screen dimming to black. I let the phone slip from my hand and sank onto the bed, my body drained, my mind weighed down with thoughts I didn’t want to carry.
After a while, I pushed myself up. I wasn’t going to let Rogan’s words eat at me. I got myself ready for the day, moving through my routine with deliberate calm. Dean had already left, and I bid farewell to Nantam before stepping out.
Even though he had moved into his new place just last weekend, Nantam still preferred hanging around my house. I couldn’t blame him, my place sat in the center of the city, far more convenient than the drive back to his. I hadn’t seen his house yet, but Dean and I had already talked about heading over this weekend. We’d spend the night there, make it a little house-warming of our own.
I hadn’t mentioned it to Evric yet, but I planned to tell him later today, before confirming anything final with Dean.
Sliding into my car, I started the engine and drove straight to the restaurant.
When I arrived at the restaurant, I slipped into my usual routine. The morning passed with Doreen hovering around me, talking about nothing in particular, mostly just trying to keep me busy.
Ever since Evric started showing up at my restaurant, none of my staff had dared to ask about my relationship with him. I was friendly and approachable, yes, but I’d always kept a line drawn between myself as their boss and myself as a man. Close enough to laugh with them, but never close enough to let them truly know me.
I was sure some of them had their suspicions. Maybe they’d guessed something was happening, but nothing certain. After all, most of them had worked with me for years, and all they’d ever seen was me dating women. That was the story they knew, the image they had of me.
But sooner or later, the truth would become undeniable. They would realize it wasn’t business or friendship that tied me to Evric. It was love.
The day drifted by until my phone buzzed with a text.
Evric: Hey, love.
Me: Hi, baby.
He told me he had just gotten back and would be heading to bed soon. Then he asked softly, How are you doing?
I typed back, I’m fine... but I miss you.
His reply came with a warmth I could almost feel through the screen. I miss you more.
From there, the conversation stretched out, flowing easily, full of little things and tender words. But eventually, I knew it was time to tell him.
Babe, I typed, I need to let you know something. Nantam moved into his new house last weekend, and this weekend some of our friends are going over to celebrate with him. I’ll be going too.
He answered almost immediately. It’s okay. Just don’t drink too much, so you’ll be able to drive yourself back.
I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the screen before I typed again. That’s the thing, babe. I’ll be passing the night there... maybe even the whole weekend with Dean. That’s why I’m telling you, because I feel like I need your permission. Am I allowed?
I paused, staring at my own words. I don’t even know why I’m asking for permission, I admitted to myself, but it just feels right to ask him.
His reply came back instantly, sharp and final. Babe, you are not allowed. You already know the answer. I’m not stopping you from going out with your friends, but I can’t allow my man to sleep outside with other men. No.
I blinked at the screen, rereading his words. The firmness in his tone was clear, even through text. I started to type his name, Evric... but before I could send it, his call came in.
I picked up. His voice was steady, but there was an edge beneath it, like it was holding back something heavier.
"Zayn," he said firmly, almost trembling, "do not sleep over at your friends’ house. Maybe you did that when you were single, but not anymore. You’re in a relationship now. You are not allowed to sleep in any other man’s house. It’s either you’re in my house or yours. No exceptions. Okay?"
I tried to argue, but his voice cracked, almost breaking. "Baby, please... no. Okay?"
Hearing him like that twisted something in me. At last, I sighed and gave in."Okay. I won’t sleep over. But I’ll still go and have fun."
"Just don’t drink too much," he added gently.
"Okay, baby."
There was a pause, then his tone softened.
"I want to sleep now. I love you, Zayn. You mean so much to me, okay?"
"I love you too, Evric," I whispered.
"Kiss me."
"Muah," I said, smiling faintly.
The line went silent as the call ended.
I sat there staring at my phone, my thoughts tangled. Is it normal for him to tell me I can’t spend the night at my friends’ place? Does being in a relationship mean giving up things as simple as that?
Yet even as the questions echoed in my mind, a deeper voice whispered back: He only wants to protect you. He’s afraid of losing you.
Still... I couldn’t help but wonder. Is it normal...