[BL] CRAVING HIM: Addicted to His Voice Chapter 136: When Silence Cuts Deeper

~Zayn’s POV~

Dean had found a way to cut Nantam off before he could press with more questions about where I was. But no matter how hard I tried to shake it off, the thought lingered, if Nantam ever found out about Evric, it would turn into sothing big between us.

We stayed on the call a little longer, the conversation shifting. They both pressed about Evans, asking if he was still coming. I told them honestly, "I don’t know. Didn’t Nantam already share the location with him? If he wants to co, he’ll find his way there." That was all I said, and I left it at that.

Before the call ended, they told they’d be heading to the resort tomorrow evening, but that I should only co on the actual day of my birthday. I don’t know what they’re planning, but just the thought of it already made smile. I appreciated them more than I could put into words.

Yet, when the call ended, my thoughts drifted back to Evans. A part of prayed he wouldn’t show up. Because no matter what, if Evric ever found out about him, there would be trouble. He might even think I was trying to replace him while he wasn’t around and I could never stomach Evric looking at that way.

I didn’t know why I was so worked up, but I did know this, I couldn’t bear to argue with Evric. Not about Evans, not about anything. Still, I couldn’t explain that to Nantam. Dean understood, but Nantam... No. He wouldn’t.

Maybe I was just worrying too much. Maybe Evans wouldn’t even matter in the end. But the fear alone told how much I valued Nantam’s friendship, and how badly I wanted him to take the truth about and Evric gently, whenever that day finally ca.

He was my only real worry... because more than a friend, Nantam had always been good to .

Just as I was still lost in my thoughts, I heard Nuala’s voice downstairs. They were back, with Liana.

I quickly stood up, slipped into a decent outfit, and went down to et them. The mont I reached the bottom of the stairs, Liana rushed toward and threw her arms around .

"Hey, brother! How are you? Happy birthday in advance!" she chirped, then leaned closer to whisper in my ear, "Bro, this house is huge. Damn, your man is so freaking rich."

I couldn’t help but smile, shaking my head at her bluntness.

The driver and helpers carried in her belongings, along with the things my mom had packed, so for , and quite a lot for Evric too. The pile was so much that I blinked in disbelief.

Turning to Liana, I teased, "If all of this is what you brought here, then what exactly is left at ho?"

She only grinned, but before she could answer, Nuala cut in, already tugging at her arm. "Co on, let show you to your room. You’ll be staying here for a while. And if you don’t want to be alone, you can always share a room with . You’re welco."

I watched them with a small smile as they headed inside, chatting like old friends already. Nuala looked genuinely happy to have Liana around, soone she could talk to, soone to keep her company.

And ? I was happy for them... but at the sa ti, I felt a hollow ache.

Because all I could think was... God, I miss my man.

I sat alone in the living room, the TV humming softly as I flipped through channels without really watching. My mind was elsewhere. Nuala and Liana had gone Indoor, their laughter echoing faintly before the house fell into a comfortable quiet.

Pulling out my phone, I typed a quick ssage to Evric. He hadn’t replied all day, probably busy on set. Still, I left him a note telling him my friends would be heading to the resort tomorrow and that I’d only be joining them on my birthday. I knew he’d respond when he finally ca online.

The day slipped by faster than I expected, and before long, evening had rolled in. At night, we all gathered at the dining table...Nuala, Liana, and I.

Between bites of food, Nuala suddenly said, "Chrisly might show up too. Not certain, though. You know how he is, doesn’t talk much. The only thing he seems to enjoy is bullying ."

Liana burst into laughter, teasing her instantly, and the two of them went back and forth, trading jokes until the table was filled more with laughter than the clinking of cutlery. I smiled quietly, letting them have their fun, even if my mind was still drifting elsewhere.

When dinner was done, I excused myself and headed upstairs. Still no reply from Evric. A small weight pressed on my chest, but I brushed it off. He was busy, that’s all.

Back in my room, I lay on the bed, almost ready to drift off, when my phone buzzed. A new ssage. From Evans.

Will I have a room with you if I show up? I heard soone’s boyfriend won’t make it to his birthday.

I stared at the screen for a mont, then let out a short, humorless chuckle. "It’s just a birthday, not a wedding," I muttered under my breath. Without replying, I locked my phone and set it aside.

And with that, I closed my eyes and let sleep take .

The next morning, the first thing on my mind was Evric. I reached for my phone, hoping to see a reply waiting, but nothing. Not a single ssage.

With a sigh, I dragged myself out of bed and headed downstairs. There, I found Nuala on the phone, her voice soft, almost playful. From the way she spoke, I could tell imdiately... it was Evric.

When she noticed , she smiled. "Your man is awake," she teased.

I lingered a step away, hoping Evric would ask her to hand the phone. But when that didn’t happen, I finally said, "Can I speak to him? Or maybe just put it on speaker."

Nuala nodded and tapped the speaker button. "Evric, your man wants to talk to you," she said.

But his reply... it wasn’t what I expected. His voice ca through sharp, cold. "Tell him I’m busy. I’ll talk to him when I need to speak to him."

I froze. My chest pulled taut, the words hitting harder than I wanted to admit. Even Nuala’s eyes widened in shock.

"Bro, what’s with that tone?" she asked him quickly. "What’s wrong with you?"

But instead of answering, the line went dead. He hung up.

Silence filled the room. Nuala turned to , her brows furrowed. "What was that attitude? Did you guys fight or sothing?"

I stood there, numb. I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. My throat burned, but no words ca out. I didn’t even know how to react.