4: Its Not Proper To Look At Someone's Fiancee That Way

**Zinnia's POV**

Chris tugged at my sleeve, pulling me along until we got to a room. Elara had excused herself to use the restroom, so it was just us. His nails dug into my skin, pain shooting up my arm.

“Hey, let me go! What’s with you?” I snapped, his eyes burning with a mixture of rage and jealousy.

“What was that just now?”

“What was what?” I asked, even though I knew exactly what he was talking about. My mind drifted to Grayson—the way he looked at me made my chest tighten for some reason—but I squashed that thought before it could fully bloom.

He swept his hair back, pacing across the room. “I shouldn’t have allowed Grayson to come with you.” He snapped his gaze to me. “Did he say anything to you?”

“No, he didn’t.” My brows knitted. “Or was there something I needed to know?”

“There’s nothing,” he dismissed with a snap.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Don’t. Don’t look at Grayson that way. You don’t know him the way that I do. He’s dangerous. Very dangerous.”

I almost chuckled. So that was it. He was jealous.

A small flutter stirred in my chest. So he did still have feelings for me. I reached for his hand, taking it in mine slowly. “It was just a glance, and he was the one looking at me,” I explained. He didn’t seem convinced. “Come on, babe. You don’t expect me to fall for a stranger just like that. I barely know him.”

“He has that kind of effect on people, and I just…” His voice broke as he met my gaze, his eyes glistening. “I just don’t want to lose you.”

My chest squeezed, warmth filling my veins. “You won’t lose me. You’ll never lose me, because I love you, I've made that clear many times.”

“I know you love me. But just please, stay away from my brother, okay?”

I nodded quickly. “You won’t even see me near him. I promise.”

He smiled, and silence settled thickly between us. I closed the distance, my heart pounding loudly in my chest, but he stepped back, bracing my shoulders.

“We can’t do that.”

“There’s no one here, Chris. You don’t have to worry,” I assured, leaning closer, but he stepped back and walked to the door.

“I need to go before Elara starts to get suspicious. I’ll ask Axel to bring your luggage up so you can get some rest.” He yanked the door open before I could protest.

Elara found him, and he faced her with a smile.

“I was looking all over for you.”

“Sorry, love. I was just showing our guest to her room.”

She turned to me, her face set in a smile that made dread settle in my stomach. “Join us tonight for our engagement party—that is, if you want to. But I’m sure Chris wouldn’t be pleased if his best friend didn’t attend his engagement party.”

The thought of spending the entire evening watching Chris touch and probably make out with someone else filled me with disgust.

Chris nudged her slightly. “She’s tired, and I don’t think she’d want to atten—”

“I’ll be there,” I replied quickly, my fists tightening.

It was just one night.

And if I wanted to be a good girlfriend, I should get used to seeing him with her.

Soon, he’d come back to me, and that was all that mattered.

“Alright then, see you there,” she chimed as she pulled Chris away, shutting the door behind her.

I sank onto the edge of the mattress. “It’s just one night,” I mumbled, my back pressing against the foam. Comfort engulfed me, making my lids grow heavy with exhaustion.

____________

It was evening, and I had just finished getting ready. Chris had sent me a green evening dress, and of course, it was a perfect fit. I twirled in front of the mirror, checking myself out.

I looked perfect.

And I couldn’t wait for Chris to see me too.

As much as I wanted to support Chris on his mission, a few glances my way wouldn’t hurt, right?

No. It wouldn’t.

I assessed myself one last time and walked out of the room, making my way down the stairs.

The living room that had welcomed me earlier had now been cleared. Those huge couches and tables were nowhere in sight, replaced with a bright red carpet spread across the floor.

My eyes searched the crowd for Chris and finally spotted him. He was beside Elara, of course, his hands curled around her waist, I tried not to linger on that thought. Instead, I focused on his face and how incredible he looked in that black suit.

His pearly white teeth caught the light every time he spoke. His golden-blonde hair was styled perfectly —slicked back.

He looked prim. He looked proper. He looked perfect.

Perfectly mine.

The thought of peeling that suit off him burned in my mind.

Maybe we could spend the night together.

Or we could do something else.

My cheeks heated.

“I don’t think it’s proper to be staring at someone’s fiancée that way.”

A voice brushed my ear, startling me. I turned, meeting his gaze with a glare.

Grayson.

“I’m not staring. And how is it your business?”

“It’s my business because I want my brother to be happy, and I don’t want anything to come in the way of his happiness.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes so hard it hurt. “Chris doesn’t want this.”

“And how do you know that?”

I’m his girlfriend. The words almost slipped, but I swallowed them. “Look at him. Does he look happy to you?”

He leaned closer, my breath stuttering as the smell of his cologne filled my nostrils. I tried to ignore the closeness between us and how gorgeous he looked, especially with those glasses.

I mentally face-palmed.

No.

I shouldn’t be thinking of him this way.

He pointed toward Chris, and I followed his hand. My gaze rested on Chris. His lips curved into a smile as he whispered something into Elara’s ear. She smiled, turning to him. Their lips brushed accidentally, and she turned away shyly. Chris grinned

He looked happy.

A kind of happy too real to be fake.

No.

Chris loved me.

And Grayson was just trying to get into my head.

“Fuck off!” I snapped and walked away, the sound of his chuckle trailing after me, igniting flames in my veins.

I reached the bar and ordered a drink. The bartender served it within minutes. I half expected Grayson to follow me so I could toss the drink in his stupid face, but he didn’t.

And I was grateful he didn’t.

The liquid rolled down my throat, leaving a burning sensation in its wake.

Instinctively, my gaze drifted back to Chris and I saw Elara stand up and walk away.

I would’ve ignored it.

I should’ve ignored it.

But when I saw her tailing after Grayson, I knew I needed to stand up.

And that I did.

After chugging what was left of my drink, I made my way toward the stairs, trailing after her slowly, trying my best not to make a sound but that was impossible, especially in a body-hugging dress and heels.

Thankfully, she didn’t notice me.

She turned a corner, and I halted, hiding behind the wall, peeking at her.

I watched as she scanned the area before slipping through the half-open door of what I could only assume was Grayson’s room.

She pushed it open, and I saw Grayson inside. He seemed to be on a call, but when he noticed her, he stopped and ended it.

She closed the door behind her, and finally, I stepped out of my hiding spot.

My heart was in my throat. My mind raced with possibilities, especially the thought that Grayson might be having an affair with Elara.

And for some reason, it made me happy.

Because if the press found out about Elara cheating, Chris could finally leave her. His parents wouldn’t want him tied to a cheater.

I crept toward the door, scanning the surroundings to make sure no one saw me. Slowly, I pushed it open.

What I saw made my heart skip.

Elara had Grayson cornered. They were too close, so close it looked like they were about to kiss.

I slowly pulled out my phone to take pictures.

But when I clicked the shutter, the sound echoed across the room.

They both pulled apart instantly, their gazes snapping to me.

But that wasn’t the worst part.

I tried to run but my dress caught on my heel, sending me crashing face-first into the room.

Shit.