CHAPTER 290: CHAPTER 290: GIFTS, GRATITUDE, AND GENTLE HEARTS

~Zayn’s POV~

When we finally separated, a quiet clarity settled between us. I knew the next step needed to be taken.

"I should inform Meera that I’ll come tomorrow," I said calmly.

"Yes," Evric agreed instantly, his gaze warm. He stood up from the armchair, still holding my hand. He then walked toward the bedside table, pulling me along. He reached down and picked up my phone and handed it to me.

I took the phone, our fingers brushing. "Thank you, baby," I said, appreciating the small, thoughtful gesture.

I unlocked the screen and opened my messaging app, quickly typing out a reply to Meera, confirming that I would meet Liam tomorrow, making the final arrangements for the difficult day ahead. The gravity of the message was heavy, but Evric’s comforting presence beside me made the task manageable.

"Ask for the address, love," Evric prompted gently, resting his chin on my shoulder.

"She will send it to me," I assured him, hitting ’Send.’

I turned in his embrace, the mood immediately lifting as I thought of our next shared activity. "Now, for something much more fun," I said, my voice playful. "What do you feel like eating this morning?"

Evric nuzzled my neck. "Baby, you’re always the one who decides for me. Your palate is far superior."

"I’m not choosing for you today," I insisted, tapping his chest. "You’re the one with the huge appetite, you decide. Pancakes? Omelets? French toast?"

He closed his eyes dramatically. "Oh, the torture of choice! Fine. If you absolutely won’t choose the superior French toast, then we shall have two plates of the most decadent, chocolate-chip pancakes and a side of perfectly cooked bacon."

"Pancakes it is," I declared, instantly dialing room service. The easy, domestic ritual of ordering breakfast felt incredibly grounding after the whirlwind of the night before.

After the delicious breakfast was devoured, followed by another round of happy, slow kisses, we decided to shower. This time, it was a much calmer affair. We emerged wrapped in robes, ready to simply exist in our newly engaged bubble.

"Ow," I winced, pressing a hand to my lower back as I sat down on the bed.

Evric was beside me instantly, his expression full of concern. "What is it, love? Did you pull something?"

"Just my back," I confessed, the ache a funny reminder of our unconventional passion in the car. "The convertible upholstery was... demanding."

Evric’s serious look dissolved into a smirk. "Ah, that’s the price of good fuck. Turn around."

I smiled and tapped his chest lightly. "Stop being naughty," I murmured.

He only smirked, whispering, "Daddy fucks so good."

I couldn’t help it another soft laugh escaped me.

Then I did exactly as he wanted, letting my robe slip a little. Evric moved behind me and sank to his knees, his palms warm as he smoothed lotion across my back. His touch was firm but gentle, each slow stroke melting the tension from my body.

"Is this spot bad?" he murmured.

"No, that’s perfect," I sighed, leaning into his touch.

Then, his fingers suddenly tickled my sides. "How about this spot?" he asked, his voice laced with mischief.

I shrieked, jumping away from him and scrambling onto the bed. "Evric! That’s cheating! You promised a massage, not a playful attack!"

He climbed onto the bed after me, his eyes bright with laughter, tackling me lightly. "A little pain, a little pleasure. Balance, my love!" We wrestled for a moment, tangled in the duvet and the glorious, post-engagement bliss, the room filled with our happy giggles.

Exhausted from the playful battle, we settled under the duvet. Evric pulled me close, and we lay on our sides, simply staring at each other. The playful chaos had ceded to profound silence.

I traced the line of his jaw with my thumb, marveling at the strength and tenderness in his face. He reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes full of that unique, deep love that only belongs to us.

He didn’t need words. He just kissed me—a slow, reverent kiss that spoke of forever.

We didn’t move again. Evric turned onto his back, pulling me instantly into my favorite place: nestled against his chest. I tucked my arm securely around his waist, letting my entire body mold to his. The rise and fall of his breathing was the only rhythm I needed.

My leg wrapped possessively over his, and I drifted off, feeling like the most precious thing in the world, occasionally reaching up to steal a soft kiss from his collarbone. Surrounded by the warmth of our tangled limbs and the unwavering promise of his heart, I slept like a baby.

I slept for long, luxurious hours and woke up later in the evening. As I stirred, I noticed Evric talking quietly on the phone. His voice was low, controlled. It didn’t take long to realize he was speaking to his driver, who had apparently just delivered some packages.

A soft, sleepy realization washed over me, while I slept, Evric hadn’t rested at all. He’d been awake, making quiet arrangements... planning ahead for me, for us, for tomorrow.

He hung up the phone and turned his head. "Oh, babe, I’m sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"No. It’s fine," I mumbled, stretching languidly under the covers.

Then I noticed a cluster of boxes stacked neatly on the floor. "Babe, what is all this?" I asked, sitting up.

He walked over to the boxes, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "I got us a few things to wear," he said, then gestured toward the larger, brightly colored boxes. "These... are something extra. Since you’re seeing Liam tomorrow, I did a quick online shopping run and had them sent with express delivery." He ran a hand through his hair, a little flustered. "I wasn’t sure what would fit him, so I grabbed a bunch of different sizes."

"Babe, you..." I started, my voice catching in my throat.

"It’s okay," he said gently. "I know it’s not everything. Some of the other items will arrive before nightfall, and the rest will be delivered before we leave tomorrow." He seemed to think I was worried the gifts weren’t enough, but the truth was, I was just overwhelmed.

I was surprised. I was not expecting any of this staggering thoughtfulness. I threw the duvet off, scrambling from the bed, and rushed across the room to throw myself into his arms. I hugged him tightly, squeezing him with fierce affection.

"Thank you, baby," I whispered against his neck. "Thank you so, so much."

He hugged me back, still sounding a little unsure. "I thought you were going to scold me."

I pulled back just enough to look at his beautiful face, my heart swelling. "Never. Evric, this is something I was not expecting. Thank you so much."

He tightened his embrace. "I’m glad you love it."

He kissed my hair, then looked toward the boxes again. "Now, let’s arrange it and prepare for tomorrow."

"Okay, baby," I agreed.

"But first," he said, holding my face in his hands, "eat. I ordered you some food when you were sleeping. It’s something I know you will love."

I looked at him, the elegant man who worried about my quiet hunger and my son’s wardrobe. I hugged him again, deeply. "I will forever love you, without one day regretting my choice for choosing you."

His smile was radiant, pure light. "Me too, baby," he said softly. "That’s all I need to hear from you. It matters that it comes from you. I love you so much, Zayn."

"I love you more, Evric," I replied, sealing the promise with a soft, sweet kiss.

I quickly ate the delicious food Evric had ordered, feeling energized and prepared. Afterward, fueled by affection and anticipation, we began the sweet...