Chapter 220.
By the time I get home, everything in me feels... drained. I barely remember the ride back. I barely ly remember walking into the house. I just know that at some point, I ended up sitting at the dining table, staring down at the plate Margaret set in front of me. But my appetite is gone again, h pick at it anyway and move the food around. Taking small bites that feel like they take too much effort to swallow.
Zane isn’t here, he’s usually here by now. Even if we don’t talk. But tonight.....Nothing.
I glance at the empty chair across from me, a small frown forming.
Maybe he’s working, maybe he’s still out Or maybe....i don’t know.
I push the thought away and force another bite down. It tastes like nothing.
Time passes slowly and I’m still sitting there when I hear r footsteps. I look up just in time to see him walk past the dining area. He doesn’t stop, doesn’t even look my way but he’s dressed...Dressed like he’s heading out.
I push my chair back quickly.
"Zane..."
He doesn’t stop so I hurry after him.
"Zane, wait."
This time, he slows just enough for me to catch up and I fall into step beside him, my brows pulling together.
"Where are you going?" I ask.
"Work," he replies shortl
I glance at him.
"Work?" I repeat. "What kind of of work?"
He exhales Long like I just asked something tiring.
"Are we doing this?" he says, glancing at me. "Interrogation?"
I stop walking, fold my arms and just look at him.
He notices, stops walking and sighs again, dragging a hand briefly through his hair before answering.
"The club," he says.
I blink.
"The club?"
He nods once.
I hesitate for a second Then t.....
"Wait," I say quickly.
"What?"
"Wait for me," I say. "I’ll go get dressed and we can go together."
His reaction is instant.
"No."
"Zane...."
"No," he repeats. "You’re not coming."
I stare at him.
"Why not?"
"Because I said so," he replies simply.
I let out a small, disbelieving breath.
"That’s not a reason."
"It’s enough," he says.
I narrow my eyes slightly.
"No, it’s not."
He starts walking again and I follow after him.
"Zane," I press. "I’m serious."
"And I’m not?" he shoots back without looking at me.
"I’ve been in this house all day, well not really in the house but still." I say, my voice tightening slightly. " I’ve been doing nothing and Thinking too much."
He doesn’t respond so I keep going.
"My grandpa is in the hospital," I add, quieter now. "I’ve been thinking about that all day and it’s driving me insane."
That makes him slow a little.
I notice it so I push.
"I’m bored," I say, softer this time. "And I just... I don’t want to sit here and think anymore."
He stops walking and turns to look at me fully this time. I don’t miss my chance, I soften my expression, let my shoulders drop slightly and let the edge leave my voice.
"Please," I say.
And yeah.....I know exactly what I’m doing.
I’ve done it before.... With my dad and with my brothers. That look and that tone.
I tilt my head slightly, looking up at him.
"Just tonight," I add quietly.
For a second...He just looks at me, like he’s trying to figure out if I’m being real or if I’m playing him. Maybe both.
Then he exhales.
"Ten minutes," he says.
I blink.
"What?"
"Ten minutes," he repeats. "You go upstairs, get dressed, and come back down."
My face lights up instantly.
"Wait.....really?"
He gives me a look, like he already regrets saying it and he’s not going to repeat himself.
"If I come back down and you’re gone....." I start, narrowing my eyes slightly.
He raises a brow.
"I will find a way," I continue. "And I will sneak out and meet you there."
That earns me a small, almost amused look.
"I don’t doubt that, little spit fire." he says.
There’s a faint hint of something in his tone something lighter and I grin despite myself.
Then immediately turn and head for the stairs.
Energy I didn’t have five minutes ago suddenly rushing back. I’m glad I still have my charm, I’m even happier that it worked on him.
"Ten minutes!" he calls after me.
"I heard you!" I shoot back, already halfway up.
And for the first time all day.....My chest feels a little lighter.
I don’t even waste a second once I get upstairs. My heart is still beating a little faster than normal, not from anything serious...just... excitement. A distraction. Something to pull me out of my head for a while.
I head straight for my closet and push it open, my eyes scanning through everything quickly.
If we’re going to a club, then I’m not about to show up looking plain. I reach for something fitted....something that actually makes me feel like myself again. Not the weak, tired version I’ve been these past few days. Something bold and confident.
I pull it out and hold it up for a second, then nod to myself.
"Perfect."
Getting dressed takes longer than I expected....not because I’m slow, but because I keep adjusting little things. Fixing. Rechecking. Making sure everything sits right.
I brush out my hair, letting it fall naturally, then move to my mirror and do my Makeup next.
Nothing too heavy....but a little something that sharpens my features just enough to match how I want to feel tonight.
By the time I’m done, I step back and look at myself properly and I just stare because I don’t look like the girl who sat crying a few nights ago.
I don’t look like the girl who stood in that hospital room feeling like her world was about to fall apart. I look.....put together
"Good enough," I mutter. Then I turn and head out