Later that day...
The office was almost empty as everyone left.
Bree slung her bag over her shoulder, already picturing a warm dinner with her boyfriend. But just as she was about to head out, a glow from Zara’s office caught her eye.
She frowned, pausing mid-step. ’She is still here working?’ she thought in surprise.
Normally, Zara would leave early and spend her evenings with Zane, but today seed completely out of character.
Bree had already sensed sothing off in her behavior since morning, and it only fueled her doubts.
’Could that bastard Nathaniel have hurt her again?’ The question instantly rose in her mind.
"Zara, aren’t you leaving?" she called as she stepped inside Zara’s office.
Zara didn’t even look up. Her hair fell slightly into her face as she sat hunched over the table, her hand moving with quick, almost chanical strokes across the paper.
"It’s almost done. I’ll leave once I finish it. You can leave."
Instead of listening, Bree dragged a chair out and sat down across from her. Folding her arms, she leaned in. "I’m not leaving," she declared firmly. "Let see what you’ve been slaving over all day."
Bree reached for the stack of finished sketches. She flipped through them, and imdiately her face lit up. A grin spread across her lips. "Wow... these wedding gown designs are gorgeous. Nicole is going to love these."
Zara didn’t react. She kept her head bent, pencil gliding swiftly across the page as though she hadn’t even heard. Her silence wiped the grin from Bree’s face.
"What happened to you, Zara?" Bree asked with a little whine. "I’m talking, and you are not even reacting. Are you listening to at all?"
Zara finally stopped, setting the pencil down. She lifted her tired eyes to Bree. "Sorry, Bree... I was caught up in my work and didn’t hear you properly. What were you saying?"
Bree exhaled and pushed the design drafts aside. "Nothing important. It’s late already. Stop working now. Co with . I’ll take you sowhere."
She forced a smile, determined to cheer up her friend. "You’ll forget all this tension for a while."
Zara hesitated. Her heart still ached, weighed down by pain she was trying so hard to ignore. Work had kept her distracted, but the sting lingered, no matter how much she tried to bury it. Maybe going out with Bree could loosen the knots inside her chest.
"Okay," she said finally, gathering the drafts neatly into the drawer before picking up her bag. "Let’s go."
Bree blinked in surprise, her mouth falling open. "What? You are not even going to ask where I’m taking you?"
"I’ll go wherever you take . I just want to forget everything... and enjoy myself tonight."
That answer was enough to make Bree’s grin widen. "Perfect. Let’s go then."
Side by side, they walked out of the office.
As they ca out, Bree stretched her hand toward Zara. "Give the car key. I’ll drive."
Zara didn’t argue. "Alright." She slipped the key into Bree’s palm.
Bree slid into the driver’s seat while Zara settled into the passenger seat.
"Trust , you won’t forget this night," Bree said as she glanced sideways at her friend.
Zara nodded. "I believe you."
The car humd to life and surged onto the road.
From the shadows, a pair of eyes followed them, cold and burning with malice.
Jaxon sat rigidly in his car, watching them leave. "Zara... I’ll end you tonight."
He ignited the engine and tailed them.
Bree stopped the car in front of the Heritage Hotel.
Zara rolled down her window, her eyes sweeping over the elegant entrance. "Why are we here? Are you planning to pick up Jasper as well?" she asked curiously.
Bree chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "No. We are dining here. Let’s see what our chef has prepared for us tonight. Co on." She stepped out, her excitent palpable.
Zara smiled. Excitent bubbled in her chest at the thought of tasting Jasper’s cooking again. "Well, I missed his cooking."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let’s go in." Bree pulled the door open.
Zara grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car, slipping her arm into Bree’s as they made their way up the grand steps. The revolving doors opened smoothly, and they entered the lobby.
Jaxon brought his car to a halt just outside the hotel. "Damn it," he muttered, pounding his fist in frustration as he saw them vanish inside. Entering the hotel now would be too risky; he needed a disguise first.
Each day felt like a tornt to him, living in the constant fear of being caught. He wanted nothing but to leave as soon as possible.
"You won’t escape tonight," he muttered with grim resolve. "I need to get this done fast and get out of here."
Inside the hotel...
Zara and Bree made their way straight to the top-floor restaurant. The scent of exotic spices and fine wines filled their senses as soon as they stepped in. Guests in tailored suits and elegant gowns murmured, their conversations blending with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the soothing background music.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the city skyline stretched out in a dazzling panorama, breathtaking from the skyscraper’s height.
Bree led Zara to a corner table, her eyes wide with awe as she looked out. "Wow...this place is incredible."
Zara’s gaze followed hers, captivated by the view. For a mont, the pain in her heart faded, replaced by wonder.
"Hold on, I’ll call Jasper." Bree pulled out her phone and called him.
After a few rings, Jasper’s voice ca through, slightly louder than usual. "Hey, roommate, have you made it ho?"
Bree bead. "We are dining at your restaurant, with Zara."
Jasper’s voice brightened with surprise and excitent. "You two are here? Why didn’t you tell earlier? I could have prepared sothing special."
Bree giggled. "Just serve the signature dish—that’ll be perfect."
"Alright, wait a little while. Your food will be served soon," Jasper replied, his excitent clear.
Bree ended the call and looked at Zara, who was watching her with interest.
"Tell honestly, why did you bring here? Is there so occasion?" Zara asked, eager to know the reason.
It wasn’t her birthday, nor Jasper’s, and she found it hard to believe that Bree would splurge on such an extravagant outing just for a casual dinner.
"Why not? Can’t I take my friend out to cheer her up?" Bree replied with a wide smile.
"You can... but I have a feeling that’s not the only reason," Zara said, her curiosity sharpening.
Bree shook her head, a playful yet honest expression crossing her face. "I can’t hide anything from you, can I?" She bit her lower lip. "When I saw you a little upset, I thought I’d take you out for dinner to cheer you up. But I had already promised to et my boyfriend later, so I figured... this would be the perfect mont to introduce him to you."
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