Chapter 132: Chapter 132: The Ride That Almost Wasn’t
~Zayn’s POV~
Running my hand through my hair, I let out a sharp breath. What the fuck is going on? Who’s trying to mess with my head?
Time slipped by until my phone buzzed with a message from Evric: Baby check the time. Don’t you think it’s getting late? It’s time to go home.
It sounded controlling initially, but I knew him well enough to understand that he was just ensuring I got home safe.
I turned to Nantam and Dean. "I’ll be heading out now."
"Why the rush? We can..." Nantam began, but Dean quickly cut him off.
"Nantam, just let him go. You know he’s still recovering. Let him rest early."
Nantam sighed, then gave me a slight smile. "That’s true. Alright then, see you around, my friend."
I stepped outside the bar and slid into the car. The drive home was smooth, and soon I was back in our room, finally able to settle down.
Not long after, my phone lit up with Evric’s name. I smiled and picked up.
"Baby," he greeted softly. "You didn’t drink too much, did you?"
I chuckled. "No, I only had a little."
"Okay, baby." His voice eased with relief, and we talked on and on, just enjoying the sound of each other.
Then, out of nowhere, he asked, "Is there something you’ve always wanted to buy or get?"
I shook my head even though he couldn’t see me. "Baby, there’s nothing I want right now."
He sighed gently. "Why is it that you never want anything?"
I hesitated before answering. "I’m sorry... I didn’t grow up in a rich family. I’m not used to wanting too much. I’m not the type who’s lavish with desires."
But he cut in quickly, reassuring, "It’s okay."
I smiled faintly. "Still, whatever you gift me, I’ll always appreciate it."
"I understand, baby," he said softly, his tone filled with affection.
After a pause, he asked again, "Since you already have the money for your second restaurant, why haven’t you started yet? It’s been a while, and I haven’t heard you mention anything about renovation."
I admitted honestly, "That’s true. I’ve just been taking my time."
"Don’t take too long, baby," he urged gently. "If the money you have isn’t enough, just tell me. And if you want me to step in fully, I will.
Just tell me your vision for the restaurant, and I’ll bring in my team to manage the renovation, every detail from design to completion."
His words warmed my heart. I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my lips. "Okay, baby. Let’s talk about it properly when you’re back."
"Deal," he said, his voice full of certainty.
"Babe," he called softly.
"Yes?" I answered.
There was a small pause, then his voice grew more serious. "On your birthday... you know I won’t be around."
I sighed, a smile tugging at my lips even though I already knew. "Yes, I know."
"Please, babe," he began again, his tone full of concern, "be careful of what you eat and drink. And more importantly, don’t get close to water. You told me yourself, you can’t swim. So promise me you won’t risk it."
I couldn’t help but smile at his protectiveness. "Okay, baby. I promise."
"Thank you, love," he said softly, and I could hear the relief in his voice.
We talked a little longer before his voice softened again. "I love you, Zayn."
"I love you, Evric," I whispered back. With that, we ended the call, my heart calmer and lighter than it had been all day.
I stretched out on the bed, my thoughts circling only one thing, him. I pictured Evric coming back, the way I’d curl up against his chest, breathing in his scent, letting his warmth wrap around me. Even though he wouldn’t make it to my birthday, I held on to the comfort of knowing he’d be back next week. Back in my arms, where I could have full access to my man again.
That thought alone was enough to soothe me. A soft smile touched my lips as I closed my eyes, and before long, I drifted into sleep, wrapped in the dream of him.
When morning came, the sharp buzz of my phone woke me up, it was Evans. His voice came through, smooth and insistent, inviting me to go horse riding.
"I don’t know how to ride a horse," I muttered, still half-asleep.
"That doesn’t matter," he replied quickly. "I’ll teach you."
I tried every way possible to turn him down, but he wouldn’t let up. "I have work," I said finally, hoping that excuse would hold.
He scoffed. "It’s not like you don’t already have people managing that for you."
I frowned, irritation pricking at me. "I don’t even know how to explain this to my boyfriend."
That’s when he went too far. "If you’re that scared of your boyfriend, especially one younger than you, then that’s not even cool. You should have your freedom regardless of the relationship."
I opened my mouth to snap back, but he cut me off with a teasing laugh. "Just come out. All you have to do is ride a horse. I’m not asking you to ride me."
That jab made my stomach twist. I muttered under my breath, "I can never ride you."
But he heard me. "You never know," he replied smoothly.
"What?" I asked sharply.
"Come out here, Zayn. I’ll be waiting. I’ll send you the time and location."
The call ended, leaving me staring at the phone in disbelief. Then I chuckled to myself, shaking my head. No matter what you say against my man, Evans, I will still choose him over anyone, a thousand times over.
I went downstairs to find Nuala already at the table. We shared breakfast together, and she told me she’d be at my birthday celebration too. "Liana and I already talked about it," she added with a smile.
"That’s fine," I said softly. "You’re both welcome."
One thing about Nuala, she always had something to say. Conversation with her never ran dry.
After breakfast, I headed back upstairs, showered, and dressed for the day. Before leaving, I noticed Evans had already sent the location and time. I sighed and typed out a quick message to Evric:
Hey babe, just to let you know, I’ll be going horse riding today with a friend.
With that done, I slipped my phone into my pocket, ready for the day. Evric’s driver dropped me off at the restaurant and would return at night to pick me up, just as always.
The day slipped by in a blur, customers walking in and out, orders piling up, work flowing like it always does in the restaurant. Before I knew it, the time had come to meet Evans. He’d already said he would send his driver to pick me up.
When the car finally arrived, I grabbed my phone and wallet and slid inside. The drive felt longer than I expected, and when we finally pulled in, I realized this wasn’t just some horse-riding venue like I thought. No, this was Evans’ estate. His own grounds, complete with stables and a wide garden made for horse riding.
In short, I hadn’t just come to ride horses, I had come straight to Evans’ house.