NovelFastATHENA
"I am safe," | say, forcing a weak smile, trying to play it off. | don't like worrying people. Zayan has become
someone special toover the years. He is one of the few people who actually cares about me, and it hurts me
seeing him like this.
His mother is not my biggest fan but Rose, his sister inlaw always tellsit's not justshe's like that with
everyone.
So | guess | no longer felt bad whenever we hang out. But truly, | am grateful to Zayan, without him, | don't know
if | would have found the strength to meet Anna and uncover the truth about my son.
"I mean, technically I'm breathing, so that counts, right?" I try to lighten the mood, but fail miserably because his
glare only increases.
His jaw is clenched, his brows drawn so tightly they almost touch. He stares atlike he can't decide if he
wants to hugtighter or scream until the walls shake.
"You almost died," he says. "Again."
Speaking of which, | need to investigate who was powerful enough to back Leah up.
"I didn't, though," I reply quickly, trying to lighten the mood again. "And hey, now | get unlimited hospital Jell-O.
Win-win?"
He doesn't even blink. "If that's you trying to be funny, then know that | don't find it amusing."
| sigh, my smile slipping.
“Zayan, I'm okay. Really."
"No, you're not." His voice breaks a little. "You just don't want anyone to see it. | don't blyou, | would never
do that, but | just hope you can now put it all behind you and focus on bonding with your son."
| bite my lip.
| still have so many questions. Will | be able to sweep everything under the rag and move on?
"| just have to find out one more thing." My eyes plead.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Which is?" Zayan studies me.
"I need to know who was backing up Leah and why."
"You mean there is someone else?" He asks and | nod.
"Yes, remember Alex was receiving pictures of us whenever we went out? Who was followingaround? | never
put much thought into it because | assumed it was Leah."
"It could be her. Didn't you say she was around and was looking for a way to slander your name." Zayan explains
and | nod.
That makes sense but why is my heart unsettled?
Am | overthinking things?
Before | can respond, or even figure out what to say to that, the door swings open
once more.
And everything goes still.
Noah.
Ariana.
Eli.
lan.
lzzy
The tension strangles the room instantly. No words, no movement, just the suffocating weight of unspoken
blame, unfinished fights, and wounds too fresh to touch.
This must be the reunion of the year.
Noah's eyes shift betweenand Zayan, narrowing just slightly. Ariana keeps her gaze on the floor, which is
odd because my ex-mother-in-law is always all over me. If | can dare to, | must say she looks a little guilty about
something.
Is it because of Sloane?
My heart clenches at that thought. | don't even have the strength to speak.
My eyes move to Eli, who, as usual, is unreadable. My heart beats faster and faster as | wait for green to ground
me, but it doesn't come, and something insideshifts.
Why do | feel disappointed?
Zayan's arms drop from aroundlike he's just remembered we're not alone.
Noah's the first to speak, he glares at Zayan before offeringa small smile, "How are you feeling?"
"Peachy," | reply dryly, pushing myself up straighter.
"I brought your things from the house," Ariana says quietly, placing a small bag on
the side table. "Figured you might want them." She offersa smile, but doesn't sit next toas she would
usually.
"Thanks."
We lapse into silence again.
It's thick.
Heavy.
Awkward as fuck.
Eli clears his throat. "We wanted to check in. The doctors said you're stable."
"lam."
"And Sloane?" | ask, my voice tightening.
| was updated a few minutes ago, but it wouldn't hurt to hear another update.
"Still unconscious," lan givesa small smile, “But stable. I'll make sure she walks again."
Right.
Since when were these two a couple?
Zayan shifts beside me, his fingers
flexing like he wants tg grab fay Rand
[
byt knows Better with this audience.
"We should give her space," Zayan says, his voice laced with warning.
Noah ignores him and turns to me. "I
hope you're not going to lethigwiack
in just Regyse he bholrght you tea."
His Haze falls on the paper cup and
the bag. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
How does he know-oh.
Scribbled on the cup is the nAlex.
But | don't answer Noah.
"Who brought you tea?" Izzy asks,
and | look at Noah."l did. Is that en
Forte deep Wek a es
throligh the room, making us all turn
in the direction of the door. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
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