CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: FATE WON’T LET US GO

Evric’s POV

The next morning, just as the sun started to rise, I found myself standing at Chrisly’s front door. I didn’t even bother to call ahead. I just needed to see him.

He wasn’t exactly surprised to see me, but judging by his raised brows, he definitely hadn’t expected to see me this early.

"Hey, bro," he said, pulling the door wider. "How are you?"

"I’m good." I smiled, handing him a small gift bag. "Housewarming gift."

He chuckled and took it. "Thanks. Come in."

Mr. Karl stood a little distance away, giving us space as I stepped inside with Chrisly.

We talked casually at first about my speech on national television yesterday. He teased me relentlessly about being the new CEO of Draeven, but I only smiled. Honestly, none of that mattered to me right now.

After a few more jokes at my expense, he finally gave me that knowing look.

"Alright, spill it," he said. "Why the early morning visit? You? Showing up unannounced like this? This is a first."

I let out a soft laugh. "You already know, I’m not here for you."

Chrisly laughed and leaned against the counter. "Figured. So, what brings you here?"

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice like I was about to share a secret. "Do you know a restaurant around here called Zay Restaurant?"

He blinked like I just asked if he knew the sky was blue. "Of course! That’s where I get most of my food since I moved here. The place is crazy popular. Food’s amazing. Service is top-notch."

I nodded, then asked, "Do you know the owner?"

He looked thoughtful. "I’ve eaten there in person twice. Yeah, I’ve seen him. Fine young man. Polite. Keeps a low profile but runs things smoothly. Why?"

I couldn’t help the small grin that tugged at my lips. "What do you think?"

Chrisly’s eyes narrowed with suspicion, then widened in realization. "Ohhh... you like him."

I rubbed the back of my neck, chuckling. "I don’t know what it is, Chris. I can’t explain it. There’s just something about him... something that draws me in."

He gave me a teasing smirk. "Wanna hear some gossip I overheard the last time I was there?"

I raised a brow. "What kind of gossip?"

He leaned in as if preparing to drop a juicy secret. "Apparently, the CEO isn’t into love or relationships. Word said, he chases pleasure, not feelings. And... he’s straight."

I stared at him for a beat, then grinned. "That just makes me want him more."

There was a short silence, then he said gently, "I’m glad you’re finally moving on from your ex."

I sighed, eyes drifting toward the window. "I don’t know if this is really ’moving on.’ But if nothing else... I still want to meet him again. Just once. For old time’s sake."

Chrisly nodded slowly. "So? What’s the plan?"

I smirked. "Don’t worry about that, bro. When I win his heart, you’ll be the first to hear about it."

He laughed and shook his head. I glanced at the time. The sky was already clear, the day unfolding fast.

"I should get going," I said, rising to my feet.

"Keep me updated," he called as I walked to the door.

I turned back briefly, smiling. "You know I will."

Just as we pulled up in front of his restaurant, I hadn’t originally planned to go inside. I only wanted to drive past, maybe catch a glimpse of him if I was lucky. But as we got closer, something shifted inside me.

I turned to Mr. Karl and said, "Should I just give it a shot? See him in person?"

Mr. Karl glanced at me through the mirror and nodded. "It’s not a bad idea. But just see him, nothing more. Don’t push."

I agreed. At least, that was the plan.

The moment I stepped out of the car, it hit me. I had completely forgotten I was just on national TV. Faces turned, eyes widened, and before I could fully process it, a few people started whispering, pointing. Then, more eyes followed. Within seconds, I became the centre of attention.

Damn it. I didn’t come here to be recognized.

I quickened my steps into the restaurant, half embarrassed, my eyes pulled low. But it was too late, girls were already gathering near the glass, their phones up. I hated being seen like this, especially when all I wanted was to be invisible.

A waiter approached politely and asked what I’d like to order.

I asked, "Can I see your boss?"

He replied, "He’s not at work yet."

"Then I told him, I’ll order when your boss is around," I said calmly, keeping my tone sharp. I could read the nervous flicker in his eyes.

"Alright, sir,

And shut the door. Don’t let anyone else in until I leave."

The poor guy looked like I just flipped his whole routine upside down, but he obeyed. I sat there, waiting. Minutes turned into an hour. Then more. I kept checking the time, trying not to pace, but my nerves were creeping up.

Finally, he returned, looking more uneasy. "Sir... My boss won’t be coming today. He just called to let us know."

He avoided my eyes as he said it.

I leaned back in my seat and gave him a long stare. "You’re lying," I said simply. "You don’t like the crowd outside either, do you? So tell me. Where is he?"

There was a beat of silence before he gave in. "He’s... in the restroom."

That’s all I needed to hear.

I stood and made my way toward the back. My heart was oddly calm, but my steps felt heavier than they should. I knocked lightly on the restroom door. When it opened and our eyes met, Zayn froze.

He looked surprised, then immediately tried to act casual, tried to ignore me like he hadn’t just hidden here to avoid me.

Bad actor.

But God... he was attractive. Even in that casual shirt, even with irritation tightening his jaw, he radiated something magnetic. He was older than me, yes, but I still stood taller. I don’t know why that mattered at that moment, but somehow, it did.

I nearly lost control. Being this close, in a private space, his scent, his presence... it took everything in me not to pin him right there against the tiled wall.

But I didn’t.

I took a deep breath, stepped closer, and whispered, "Next time, if you’re going to keep me waiting this long, I’ll show up at your doorstep."

Then I turned and left, calm, collected, and left him there, stunned, wondering why I came at all.

After that day, a lot of coincidences kept happening.

A friend of mine asked me to meet him at a bar, and there he was, Zayn. He was standing beside his car with a lady, like they were going home together. My chest tightened. I almost lost my mind. I thought maybe he was really trying to move on to start a relationship with someone else...

So, I ruined it.

I paid another woman to act like Zayn’s pregnant ex. She walked up to him, loud and messy, accusing him of cheating and abandoning her. I watched from a distance, hidden, my eyes fixed on his face as confusion twisted through his features. Then he spotted my car. He stared for a few seconds, then muttered something under his breath and drove off without another word.

He was acting like he didn’t want to see me... but I knew better.

He wanted to. He just didn’t know how to handle me. I still teased him over the phone. Just the sound of my voice made him weak, I made him come so many times, without even touching him. I kept his mind spinning, disturbed, needing me but not admitting it.

One time, I ordered food from his restaurant for everyone at Draeven Holdings, and I made sure to tell them that Zayn had to deliver it himself. When he showed up, I intentionally spilled the coffee all over my suit.

Now he owed me.

That night, I went to him. I said I came to collect my payment for the suit he ruined... but the truth? I wanted him. So badly. I couldn’t resist anymore. Just thinking about him made me feel insane. I had to touch him. I had to take all of him.

After that night, something shifted inside me. I wanted to see him every single day. I wanted to wake up beside him every morning, to feel him again and again.

But I didn’t call him the next day. I tried to hold back. Maybe to protect myself... maybe to see if he would come to me instead.

I know he wants me, too. But he’s pulling back for reasons I don’t fully understand yet.

Still, Zayn couldn’t escape me.

I started buying up properties until the day I found a listing I really liked. The seller told me someone else had been interested before me. I asked who it was, and guess what? It was Zayn.

Another day, another coincidence.

Then my cousin told me about his wedding. He sent me the contact information of the person handling the food. I checked the name.

Zayn.