The morning sun stread through the sheer curtains of Zara's small but cozy apartnt. The soft hum of the city outside mixed with the faint sound of birds chirping, signaling the start of another day. Zara stretched lazily in her bed, groaning as she reached for her phone to check the ti.
"Oh, shoot!" she gasped, bolting upright when she realized she had overslept by ten minutes. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, rushing through her morning routine. Her long brown hair was still damp from a quick shower as she hastily pulled it into a ponytail.
With a half-eaten piece of toast hanging from her mouth, she threw on a simple white blouse and a beige skirt, her usual attire for work. Grabbing her bag, she hurried out of her apartnt and down the stairs. The kindergarten where she taught was only a short walk away, but she still needed to be there early to prepare for the day's lessons.
The fresh morning air greeted her as she stepped onto the sidewalk, a slight chill making her shiver. She wrapped her arms around herself and quickened her pace. Despite her rush, her mind wandered to Raelynn.
"She's going to be a mother," Zara muttered under her breath, shaking her head with a mixture of amusent and concern. She had always supported Raelynn, reassured her that she would be a great mom, but the thought still left her uneasy. Raelynn was still so young. If she had been truly responsible, would she have gotten pregnant in the first place? Zara sighed, rolling her eyes at herself.
"Well, it's not like she can turn back ti," she mumbled, adjusting the strap of her bag. She knew Raelynn would do her best. And Elion—he seed reliable, even if he was a little intimidating.
The mont she stepped through the kindergarten doors, she was greeted with a chorus of tiny voices. "Miss Zara! Miss Zara!" her students called out, their excited faces lighting up her morning. She grinned, crouching down to their level.
"Good morning, little monsters," she teased, ruffling a boy's hair as he giggled.
"No, we're not monsters!" a girl protested, crossing her arms with a pout. "We're good kids!"
Zara laughed. "Oh, my mistake! My wonderful, amazing students, is that better?"
Satisfied, they nodded, giggling amongst themselves. The morning went on with lessons about numbers and shapes, followed by storyti. As she watched the children interact, she found herself smiling.
"Maybe one day," she thought, resting her chin on her hand, "I might even teach Raelynn's kid." The thought was amusing. But knowing who the father was, she doubted it. Elion Vaelorian would probably enroll his child in the most elite school money could buy.
Still, she couldn't shake off the concern. Was Raelynn ready for this? Being a mother was a lifelong commitnt. Zara shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.
By the ti the day ended, she was exhausted but content.
She waved goodbye to her students, collecting a few enthusiastic hugs along the way before heading to the parking lot. Sliding into the driver's seat of her old but reliable car, she let out a heavy sigh, stretching her fingers before gripping the steering wheel.
The mont she turned on the engine and was about to pull out, she felt it—a sudden jolt from behind. Her entire body tensed as the sound of tal scraping against tal echoed through the quiet parking lot. Her heart skipped a beat.
"What the—?!"
Zara's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter as she quickly checked her rearview mirror. A sleek, black luxury car was parked behind her, its front bumper pressed lightly against her back bumper. It wasn't a heavy hit, but enough to leave a dent.
With a groan, she turned off the ignition and pushed open her door, stepping out. "Are you kidding ?" she muttered under her breath.
The driver's side of the black car opened, and a man stepped out. Tall, broad-shouldered, with slightly tousled dark hair that fell effortlessly into place, he carried himself with a composed yet casual air. His sharp, handso features were unreadable as he glanced at the dented area before shifting his gaze toward Zara.
"I'm really sorry about that," he said smoothly, his deep voice carrying an effortless charm.
"Are you okay?"
His voice was smooth, deep but not overly concerned. More like he was just checking because it was the right thing to do, not because he thought she was actually hurt.
"I'm fine," Zara replied, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Zara folded her arms, raising a brow at him. "You hit my car."
He exhaled softly, nodding. "Yes. That much is obvious."
Zara blinked at his lack of panic. Most people would be groveling or at least offering an imdiate solution. But he was just… calm.
She gestured to the damage. "Well? What are you going to do about it?"
"I'll get my insurance information," he said evenly, his gaze flicking back to her. "Give a second."
Zara blinked, a little surprised at how smoothly he was taking responsibility. No excuses, no arrogance—just calm efficiency.
He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few tis, and then turned it toward her. "Here. Take a picture of it."
She hesitated for only a second before taking out her phone and snapping a photo. Then, with the sa steady composure, she said, "I'll need your license, too."
Without argunt, he pulled out his wallet, retrieved his license, and handed it over. Zara glanced at it briefly—not bothering to morize the na—before taking a picture and handing it back.
"I'll send you the repair estimate when I get it," she said, slipping her phone back into her pocket.
"Sounds good," he replied, tucking his wallet away.
Zara exhaled, glad the situation hadn't escalated into a disaster. She still had a headache forming, but at least it wasn't because she had to deal with an entitled jerk.
"Well," she said, giving him a small, professional nod. "Drive safe."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, almost amused. "I'll do my best."
Zara stared at him, thrown off by his response. She had expected an annoyed rich guy who would either yell at her or throw money in her face. But instead, he was standing there, watching her with a calm intensity, as if waiting to see what she would do next.
At least he was willing to take responsibility. That was a good thing. Right?
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