CHAPTER 109: CHAPTER 109: CAUGHT IN HIS EYES

Just then, I heard a voice. When I lifted my head, it was Nitammi, standing there, waving at me with that same bright smile I remembered. For a moment, I froze. It had been a while since I last saw her... Evric had taken up so much of my time that I barely thought about anything else but him.

Quickly, I stood and greeted her. "Nitammi, how are you?"

She replied that she was fine, that she’d been out of town for a while. Then, with a little pout, she added, "I bet you didn’t even notice I was gone."

I couldn’t lie. So, with an apologetic smile, I said, "I’m sorry. Work has been taking up my time."

She waved it off with a smile. "It’s okay."

I invited her to sit, and when I asked what she wanted to order, she shook her head. "No, I’m not here for that. I came today to invite you out."

"To invite me out?" I repeated, a little startled.

She nodded with a small, almost nervous smile. "Yes. To have dinner with me. There’s something I really need to tell you."

I hesitated. Memories of the last time she was around flashed through my mind, the chaos, the misunderstanding, the issue it caused between me and Evric. I wanted to refuse. But instead, I asked softly, "When do you want us to have...?"

She cut in her eyes lit up. "Tonight, if you don’t mind."

My heart sank. Tonight wasn’t a good idea... I had already told Evric to pick me up after work.

Before I could answer, she leaned forward, pleading. "Please, Zayn. Don’t refuse me. I really need us to talk."

Her hand rested on mine, and I gently pulled away. "Okay," I agreed quietly.

She smiled in relief. "Good. I’ll pick you up myself."

"Is that proper? Shouldn’t I be the one picking you up?

" I asked, but she shook her head firmly.

"No. I want to pick you up."

I sighed and finally nodded. "Okay."

With excitement shining in her eyes, she stood up and left, calling over her shoulder, "See you later tonight."

I thought deep down I knew why. She wanted to make sure I wouldn’t back out, that I wouldn’t disappear before the dinner even happened.

When she finally left, I sat back and debated whether I should tell Evric. But no... Evric wouldn’t handle this gently. He’d get angry, maybe even jealous, and I didn’t want to risk that. So I convinced myself I would go, listen to what Nitammi had to say, and return before Evric arrived.

At least, that was the plan.

Then I went back to finish up the work that still needed to be done at the restaurant. Just like that, the day passed quickly, and by evening, I received a chat from Evric.

Evric: Hey, babe. How’s your day going?

Great, babe. What about you?

Evric: A lot. I’m so tired... I’ve been working nonstop without resting.

Sorry, babe.

Evric: I can’t wait to return so I can recharge myself with you. I already miss you.

I laughed softly and replied, "Okay, baby."

Evric: Do you miss me?

Yes, baby... I miss you.

Evric: How much?

A lot.

He sent me heart and smile emojis that made me chuckle. Then he added:

Evric: Babe, I’ll be going out later to meet a client, so it might take a while before I come to pick you up. But I’ll come get you as soon as I’m done.

It’s okay, baby.

After my chat with Evric, time moved quickly. Nitammi arrived again, dressed more elegantly this time. She looked beautiful, her effort clear.

We walked together toward her car, and I slid into the passenger seat as she drove.

When we reached the location, I realized it wasn’t just any restaurant, it was a high-class lounge. Soft, slow music drifted across the floor, and the lights dimmed to a warm glow. I turned to her and said, "You have nice taste."

She opened her mouth to speak, but I beat her to it. "Pick the menu and place the order."

She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "I was going to say the same thing, but you’re too fast."

We ordered a simple meal and a glass of fine wine, the kind reserved for people who belonged in places like this.

As we ate, I looked across the table and asked, "So, what is it you wanted to tell me?" My voice was calm, but inside I was uneasy. Time was already slipping away, and I couldn’t risk Evric arriving at my restaurant before I got back.

Nitammi hesitated, then smiled faintly. "I don’t want to take too much of your time, Zayn. I’ll just say why I invited you here."

I nodded. "Okay. Go on."

She drew in a breath. "Zayn, I think you’ve guessed it already, but I want to say it out loud. Since the first time I came to your restaurant, you’ve been on my mind. I was always too busy, but today, I had time... and I wanted to tell you how I feel."

I stared at her quietly, knowing deep down what she felt, but still hearing the words tightened my chest. I didn’t hate her... far from it. But I couldn’t return what she wanted. Not when my heart already belonged to someone else. Not when I didn’t just like him, I loved him.

"Zayn," she continued softly, "I like you. And I’d like you to like me back."

I cut in gently, "Nitammi... I’m glad you had the courage to tell me how you feel. But right now, I’m in a very serious relationship. And I can’t..." I paused, lowering my gaze, "I can’t give you what you’re asking for. I’m sorry."

She smiled faintly, though it didn’t hide the hurt in her eyes. "It’s okay. I knew you’d probably have someone... I just wanted to try my luck. Still, it hurts, but I understand."

We talked a little more, and though she tried to mask it, I could see how much it stung her. But I had to be honest. Evric wasn’t someone I could ever betray. He gave me everything... and I owed him the same loyalty.

When the evening wound down, we walked to the car park together. "You don’t need to drop me back at the restaurant," I told her gently. "I’ll find my way."

Her expression softened, and I gave her a quick side hug before she left.

Just then, my phone rang. Evric.

"Hey, love," his voice came through, warm and familiar.

"Hello, babe," I answered, my chest tightening.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"At the restaurant," I said automatically.

"Your restaurant, or where?"

The question caught me off guard. My mouth opened, but no words came out.

"Your restaurant," he repeated, his tone calm but firm, "or somewhere else?"

I swallowed and instead asked, "Where are you?"

His reply sent a chill through me. "Look straight ahead."

Slowly, I lifted my gaze.

There he was... Evric. Standing beside his car, waving at me with a faint, unreadable smile.

My heart dropped. If he were there, then he had seen everything. And worse... he might have been waiting for me to finish...

I sighed... and walked toward him without saying a word. He opened the car door silently, his eyes fixed on me.

I met his gaze, searching for an answer, but he only gestured for me to get in.