Chapter Nine

Zaine’s POV

“You, built this.” She gasps as she surveys the open plan kitchen,dining and living area. I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended that she doesn’t believe me capable. To be fair, when I look around this place, I sometimes struggle to believe I built it too.

“Do you like it?” I can hear the eagerness for her approval in my own voice. What is happening? I have never sought the approval of anyone other than my parents. I want her to love this place as much as I do. She doesn’t answer but I catch her nodding her head yes out of the corner of my eye and some of the weight lifts off my chest.

I can imagine us living here. Would she tend the garden? I dont know what she enjoys, if she has any hobbies or passions. My mother spent every waking hour outside with her herbs and flowers. Each morning there would be a freshly cut bouquet on the breakfast table and I would pretend not to notice as my father whispered sweet nothings in mother’s ear as she cooked breakfast. I was