M.J.

M.J.’s POV

She was so quick to cry. Zoe. It was a good thing, though. Everyone needed an outlet for their pain; if crying was hers… so be it.

Some people had weirder ways to comfort themselves. Some preferred to share the pain or inflict it on others. I wasn’t judging, but the saying that misery loved company was absolutely true.

“I’m sorry your brother did not come, Merida.” I tried to comfort her. I loved it when she smiled through her tears at the name I called her.

“I don’t feel so brave right now.” She sniffed into the handkerchief I had given her before adding, “I’m so sorry.” Another wave of tears was incoming. “I’d wash this before giving it back.”

I gave her a small smile. “You don’t have to do that,” I informed her. She really did not have to. Having that handkerchief back, even after she had used it, would be… a pleasure.

“And then, my mom sent me a text,” she continued. I gave her my ears in rapt attention even as my eyes stayed on the road. “I thought she wanted to congratulate me. I had been so happy to see her name pop up, even in a text.”

“What did she say?” I asked, letting her know I was listening.

“She said she talked to the professors—that I could still start my residency and it wasn’t too late. She said I did not have to wait until I failed and hit rock bottom before coming back home. Was she trying to prophesy my doom?” Zoe cried.

I had no experience with such parents. Mine lived long enough but were never really present, except financially, anyway. It gave me a lot of freedom and no burden at all. I was never interested in making my parents proud; their opinion had very little meaning to me because they never actually gave it. So, I couldn’t relate to Zoe’s pain. But I would do my best to make sure she didn’t feel alone.

“Have you forgotten my promise so quickly?” I said the words lightly; I didn’t want her to feel like I was scolding her. “I’ll make sure you do not fail, Zoe. I swear it on my life.” And I meant every word. I hardly ever gave out promises, but when I did, I never took them back, nor did my words ever fail. It wasn’t about to start now. I had more than enough confidence in myself. That was why Zoe’s low self-esteem did not bother me; I had enough confidence to last both of us a lifetime.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I did not mean to doubt you.”

I rubbed her head lightly. “It’s nothing. You’ll understand with time. You’ll know me better with time. Now, clean your eyes before people think I made you cry for not winning three awards. We’re here.”

I made her reapply her makeup before we stepped out of the car. Zoe had an image, a reputation to maintain: beautiful, spotless, a princess.

As we rode the elevator to her apartment, I felt my phone vibrate inside my pocket and checked it.

“Is there a problem?” Zoe asked as she noticed the frown on my face. I put the phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ before I replied, “Not at all.”

I followed her into her apartment.

“Now, take a bath, and change into something nice and comfortable. Don’t use your phone tonight. You should sleep. You need it,” I ordered her.

One thing I loved about Zoe was how obedient she was. Not to belittle her, but she reminded me of a well-trained puppy. I looked around her apartment to make sure nothing was missing or out of place. It was just as I had set it up. Good.

I whipped up some pancakes for her in the kitchen while I waited for her to freshen up. She found me when I was done; I was filling a glass with milk while three hot pancakes sat on the ceramic plate beside it. “You did not eat anything tonight. You won’t sleep well if you’re hungry.”

Her eyes watered. “Thank you for caring so much for me. Thank you so much.”

I smiled. I couldn’t prevent my smile from getting wider than I normally preferred. “The pleasure is all mine.” It indeed was.

Only I got to see Zoe like this: wet hair, comfortable clothes, and an unguarded expression. She had the face of an angel—beautiful and adorable, the kind that made a man want to go down on his knees and worship her. I would have, if it wasn't against my work etiquette. I was a man of principle.

“Take care of yourself, Merida. I have to go now. And remember: eat, and then sleep! No phones. Do you understand?” I lifted a finger as I gave the command.

Her reaction was as predictable as it was cute. A short nod and a response: “Yes, sir.”

“Good.”

I saw myself out of her apartment. It wasn’t until I made it out of the building and into my car that I freed my phone from my pocket and confirmed the news. Arman Anders had indeed had an accident. I stretched my shoulders to relieve the tension—the tension that had gathered when I noticed the blush on Zoe’s cheeks after Arman had kissed her.

My Princess, Zoe Merida, did not have to be disturbed by this news. Arman was not worth it in my book. I trusted Zoe enough to obey me. I would handle this as her manager and do her part and mine for other eyes to see.

Maybe later, we would go visit his lifeless body or put flowers on his grave, but tonight, my princess would sleep.

I haven’t felt this good in years. I knew Zoe was a good luck piece from the moment I saw her. Things were falling into place, and I did not have to lift a finger.