CHAPTER 4

Winter Pov

The ballroom sparkled under chandeliers that cost more than my salary. I wonder why there are so many security guards.

This party was supposed to be a gathering of powerful names and important people. And I was supposed to be invisible. But Zayn made damn sure that wouldn’t happen. He's so annoying

“Winter,” his voice purred through my earpiece for the third time that hour. I felt like walking up to him and smacking his handsome face.

“Could you bring me another glass of ice water? But this time, four cubes. Exactly four. The last one had five. I’m disappointed.”

I gritted my teeth and put on the fakest smile ever. He was enjoying this, sending me on pointless errands simply because I didn't want to talk about our one-night stand.

Earlier, he asked me to check the temperature in the penthouse, then ten minutes later, I requested I adjust the lighting in the ballroom by 5%. Five. So fucking annoying, I felt like tearing my hair out.

I found him lounging near the bar, surrounded by political sharks and women who dripped gold and thirst. His eyes slid to me the moment I appeared, he didn’t even look at the tray. I wonder what job he has to be surrounded by such powerful people.

“Four cubes,” I said coolly, holding out the glass.

He took it without a word, sipping slowly, those smug eyes dancing with amusement. “Perfect,” he said, low enough that only I could hear. “You follow instructions so well.”

I nearly dropped the tray.

Before I could hiss a reply, I heard a voice I prayed I would never hear again cut through the crowd.

“Winter, what are you doing here, of all places? Don't tell...” he scoffed. “Don't tell me that you're following me, really? Are you that desperate? You divorced me.”

My blood ran cold. He's still that narcissist prick.

Right beside him, wearing a dress that looked suspiciously familiar, was my sister Kayla.

Of course. The betrayal duo. Here. Now. How disgusting.

“It seems like it, Trey is no longer yours sissy, okay? I thought you’d disappear in shame.”

“Apparently not,” Trey added with a mock smile.

My throat tightened. My hands clenched around the tray. I opened my mouth, ready to fire back, but a hand wrapped around my waist, firm and possessive, Zayn.

He pulled me close like he’d done it a thousand times, his voice smooth but laced with steel. “Excuse me,” he said, eyes locked on Trey, “May I know why you guys are bothering Winter?”

Kayla let out a small laugh. “Who are you? And why do you think you think you can just butt into our conversation like that?”

Zayn smirked, tightening his hold.

I stared up at him, frozen.

“She’s my girlfriend,” Zayn continued, brushing his thumb along my bare shoulder as if to prove the point. “And I don’t like people speaking to her like she’s beneath them.”

Kayla scoffed. “Girlfriend? Her? That’s adorable.”

Zayn's eyes darkened, just a flicker, but it shut her up fast.

“Do you know what happens to people who try to embarrass my woman in public?” he asked softly. “No? Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Wait, Zayn Marcini?” A man said, drawing our attention. He was stout and looked very giddy. He shook Zayn's hand and exchanged pleasantries before leaving.

“What is this? Should we be impressed?” Kayla said sarcastically, and Trey squeezed her hand. “Let's go.” “What? But…”

“Now.”

Trey swallowed hard. Kayla looked away. And just like that… they backed off. For the first time, I saw fear in Trey's eyes.

Zayn leaned in closer, his lips barely grazing my ear. “You're welcome.”

I turned toward him, my voice shaking with disbelief. “Girlfriend?”

He smiled. “Temporary title. Unless you’re interested in making it real.”

I rolled my eyes, but the warmth spreading in my chest was undeniable.

“Go enjoy the party, Winter,” he murmured, stepping back like he hadn’t just flipped my entire night upside down. What the hell just happened?