LOGINZeta’s POV “No one would know.” She says. Isabella’s voice is soft, almost coaxing. She steps closer to me as she says it. The thin sheet around her waist shifts slightly, revealing more of her smooth legs and thigh. “No one would ever find out,” she repeats gently and I stare at her. “Isabella…” I start, but my voice trails off and she doesn’t stop moving toward me. The more she tries to convince me, the closer she gets, her body slowly invading my space. Her fingers trail lightly over my arm, then slide up to my shoulder. “You’re overthinking it,” she murmurs. Her eyes lock onto mine, dark and intense. “You’re lonely tonight. I’m lonely tonight too.” She adds and her hand glides slowly down my chest. “And Lyssa isn’t even home. She’s not coming back any time soon.” The words sit between us. I shouldn’t listen. I know I shouldn’t. But the truth is, the alcohol is still running through my veins, warming my blood and dulling my judgment. My head is pounding from the drinks, fr
Zeta’s POV Isabella lets out a sharp, frustrated sound behind me as she nags. “You know what?” she snaps. “Forget it!” Her heels scrape angrily against the ground as she storms back toward the house. The front door flies open with a loud bang, music pouring out into the cool night air again before she disappears inside and slams it behind her. I don’t even look at her. My eyes stay locked on the end of the driveway. Roland’s car is already pulling away from the curb. The headlights sweep across as he turns the wheel, before the vehicle glides down the street while Lyssa sits in the passenger seat. Even from this distance, I can tell she hasn’t turned around once to look at me. “Lyssa—!” I call instinctively, taking two quick steps forward. But it’s useless. The car is already halfway down the block. Then it turns the corner. And disappears outside the mansion. Immediately, a strange, hollow feeling settles in my chest. I stand there for a moment longer than necessary, staring
Zeta’s POV “Relax,” Roland says quickly, stepping in front of me when he notices the direction of my stare. “A friend invited her. Don’t do anything stupid.” His voice is calm, almost pleading, but it barely reaches me. My eyes stay locked on Isabella across the room. She’s still draped over Marcus’s lap like she belongs there, laughing too loudly at something he says. The sight twists something deep in my gut—not jealousy, not exactly. More like a sense of chaos spreading through something I’ve been trying desperately to keep under control. What the hell is she really doing here? Soon. Roland keeps talking beside me. “Zeta, seriously. Just let it go tonight.” I ignore him. Before he can stop me, I walk straight across the room. The party noise swells around me, music pounding from the speakers, glasses clinking, people shouting over each other—but everything fades into the background as I approach the couch. Marcus looks up first. He grins when he sees me. “There he is—” I gra
Zeta’s POV The doorbell rings just as I loosen my tie and drop my keys on the console table and I’m not expecting anyone. For a split second, my chest tightens as I wonder who it may be. My mind doesn’t go to friends. It goes to problems. Someone bringing me bad news. Ever since the whole fiasco started, I don’t trust unexpected knocks. Pushing the thoughts, I open the door anyway. Roland stands there with a wide grin, holding up a brown paper bag filled with some snacks. Marcus is beside him, balancing a large container and two six-packs of imported beer. “Surprise,” Roland says. “We brought peace offerings.” He says. Marcus lifts the container proudly. “Homemade pancakes. Don’t ask who made them. Just know they’re edible.” I blink at them. “It’s six-thirty pm…” “Exactly,” Roland cut me off immediately. “Perfect time for this.” They push past me before I can fully process it. I close the door slowly, still confused. “What’s going on?” I ask. Marcus heads straight toward t
Lyssa’s POV Mom’s call comes in as I’m about to order a ride home. She’s upset when I inform her that I’m still in class but I can’t find any ride at the moment. “I’m still on campus,” I say, stepping away from the building entrance so other students don’t overhear. The late afternoon air is cool against my skin. “I just finished class. I’m trying to book a ride, but the app keeps saying no drivers available.” “What do you mean no drivers available?” Her voice rises dramatically. “You’re standing there alone? Are you safe?” “I’m fine,” I say quickly. “It’s still early. There are people around so you don’t have to worry.” “That’s not the point.” She exhales loudly into the phone. “Why didn’t you ask Zeta to come pick you up?” There it is, bringing up Zeta again. “He’s working,” I reply gently. “He has meetings today.” “And?” she shoots back. “He’s your husband. If you call him, he’ll come.” I close my eyes for a second. She’s not entirely wrong. If I called Zeta and told him I
Lyssa POV Later on, Clara and I stop by a coffee store a few blocks away from the school to chat and catch up. The café is warm and softly lit,. There’s a display of pastries near the counter and a faint sound of conversation around us. It feels normal. Safe. Far from the chaos that exploded in class earlier. Clara holds the door open for me. I step inside, trying to shake off the worries still clinging to my chest. My mind keeps replaying Isabella’s face when she snapped at me. The way everyone stared. We settle at a small table by the window. Clara watches me carefully as she sets her purse down. “You handled that better than I would have,” she says. Before I can respond, she changes the subject gently. “How’s Anita?” A small smile pulls at my lips. “She’s good. Busy, as usual.”she ask. Clara had seen Anita once and I’d also told her about Anita. A few days ago. Clara was walking toward campus and this sleek black car pulled up near the entrance to drop me off. I can picture







