At the Hawke estate, Alaric dropped into the sunken conversation pit, running a hand through his hair.
Alaric (groaning):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja59tRLsdn
“Ahh… again I forgot to ask her number. Damned idiot…”
He buried his face in his hands, laughing bitterly at himself. Somewhere in the hall, Alana prowled, eyes narrowed, asking quiet questions of servants. She needed to know who this girl was that had stolen her brother’s heart—so she could destroy her.
At the Whitmore estate, Zaylee sat cross-legged in her room, the moonlight soft on her silk curtains. A maid arrived with her usual tray—warm milk infused with Kashmiri saffron. But tonight, Zayden carried it himself.
He set it down with a smile.
Zayden (teasing):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvps0N4yaHh
“Drink up, little one.”
She finished obediently, licking the golden stain from her lip.
Zayden folded his arms.
Zayden (casual, but sharp):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEm1mX4nSG
“So… he’s that old friend from HBS, is that so?”
Zaylee (blushing, defensive):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaULwPIVLMk
“Brother… don’t tease me.”
Zayden tilted his head.
Zayden:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡambj7DYeQR
“You like him.”
She lowered her eyes, voice soft but firm.
Zaylee:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV0Ft6S8hm
“…I don't hate Ally.”
Zayden blinked.
Zayden (mocking lightly):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq1OlECAY5
“Al…ly, huh? Nicknames already? Looks like you’re moving fast.”
Zaylee (pouting, throwing a cushion at him):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YB4ipbPrp
“Brother, don’t talk like some old man!”
Zayden chuckled, but his voice dropped, serious for a moment.
Zayden:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIEDBUB9e5
“So if I told you to stay away from him… you wouldn’t, would you?”
She looked up, smiling gently.
Zaylee:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gYx5LhEEx
“No.”
Zayden leaned back, sighing.
Zayden:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbief6TAflX
“Zaylee… he lost his classic self a few years ago. I won’t tell you what happened, but once he was… perfect. And maybe you’re the only one who can bring him back.”
Zaylee shook her head softly.
Zaylee:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyI8Oa7gso
“Brother, love isn’t about changing someone. It’s about accepting them as they are.”
Zayden studied her face, then smiled.
Zayden:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe3IrTt5Wv
“…I understand why he fell for you, little one.”
She grinned, launching a pillow at him. He grabbed another, and soon the room erupted in laughter, feather-light chaos filling the air until both collapsed onto the bed, breathless.
Later that night, Zayden sent a message to Alaric:
“Fighter’s Club. Ring. Midnight.”
No explanations needed.
Under the floodlights of the underground ring, the two men faced each other. Fists, sweat, unspoken emotions. They didn’t fight for victory—they fought for respect.
An hour later, Zayden sported a pair of swollen cheeks, while Alaric’s eye puffed almost shut. Neither would admit defeat.
The next morning, Zayden wore a black mask to cover the bruises as he dropped Zaylee off at HMS.
Zaylee (wide-eyed, teasing):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudLEwW5SY2
“Brother… what happened to your face?”
He just winked, refusing to answer.
At the same time, Alana pulled up beside Alaric at HMS. He stepped out, wearing dark sunglasses—despite the rain.
From across the street, Zaylee spotted them both. Her jaw dropped.
Zaylee (muttering to herself):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauXinscBM2
“…Do they… share the same brain cell? Only one left between them, clearly.”
She shook her head and walked into class, biting back laughter.
The day became comedy itself.
At HBS, Alaric wore his shades indoors, dodging questions from amused classmates.
Friend:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe4qTDoaez
“Bro… why sunglasses? It’s raining.”
Alaric (grumbling):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKxPsK6O74
“Shut up.”
At HLS, Zayden deflected stares with his mask.
Friend:47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFoHLYR476
“Are you sick? Coughing? Or are you robbing a bank later?”
Zayden (deadpan):47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hjmpB23z4
“Mind your own business.”
Both looked ridiculous. Both were clowns. And neither cared—because both, in their own way, were guarding the same girl.
ns216.73.216.158da2
and then Add to home screen.