First Date

After all the pep talks from Mum, my sister, and Theo about how Damien was the perfect match for me and how we’d be a power couple, I was still unconvinced. Even after reminding Mum of his scandals, she just said I could “change him” once we were married. I practically rolled my eyes.

Earlier, I called Dante after seeing a load of missed calls and messages from him checking if I was okay. After apologizing, I spilled all the tea. He was shocked and sorry to hear that my fiancé was the infamous Damien King. We scheduled to meet the next day at our favorite café.

I adjusted my red dress, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

“You look beautiful,” Mum said as she stepped in.

I ignored her compliment.

“You knew about this?” I asked, picking up my purse.

“Honey, we talked about this,” she said. “The Kings family will make you power—”

“Or Dad powerful. I’m just a pawn in the game,” I cut her off.

“Zara—”

A knock interrupted us.

“Ma, the driver is here,” a maid said.

“I’m off,” I said, heading out.

“Look beautiful, Zara,” Damien said as he pulled out a chair for me. He looked handsome, no lie. I glanced around—he’d reserved the entire restaurant for us.

“What would you like, ma’am?” a waitress asked, trying to take my order.

“So, what do you want to know about me?” I asked Damien.

“Easy, Red. We’ve got all night,” he said with a smirk.

“No, we don’t. You know me, right?” I challenged.

“Yes, I’ve been watching you,” he said, sipping his wine and locking eyes with me.

“For how long?” I asked.

“Long enough to know your best friend fucked your man,” he said bluntly.

My mouth dropped open.

“I don’t think this date is going to work out,” I said, grabbing my purse and about to leave.

“Zara, sit,” he said, his tone not commanding but serious. “I mean no harm. I just wanted to know the woman my parents are giving my last name to.”

“Well, I’m Zara. I just came out of a five-year relationship. That’s all you need to know, Mr. Kings.”

“You still love him,” Damien said.

“Yes, I do,” I admitted, looking down at my black-and-red manicured nails.

“Well, time to undo that, Miss Quinn. I don’t know how to share,” he said, possessiveness flashing in his eyes.

“What?”

I was about to reply when our food arrived, so I held back.

We ate in silence, but I felt his gaze burning into me.

“I’m not a view worth seeing, Mr. Kings,” I said.

“Says who? I’d love to have a painting of you on my wall, Zara. You don’t know how beautiful you are. That motherfucker doesn’t know what he lost,” he said softly.

“Whatever happened between us was a mistake—”

“Keep telling yourself that. Do you think I didn’t notice when you walked out? Funny—there’s no place in this world you can hide from me, Red,” he said, his voice low.

A warning settled in my stomach.

⸻

I stepped out of his car. He pulled me close and kissed my forehead.

“Have a good night, Zara,” he said, walking back to his side of the car.

I watched the car drive away down the driveway.

“Hey girl, you look smitten,” a voice said.

I turned to see Mandy, my cousin.

“Of course,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m sure Mum’s told you all about Dad selling me off.”

She grabbed my hands as we walked inside.

“Well, he doesn’t look like he’s going to treat you right.”

“I’m not ready for any man, Mandy. Not after Jason.”

“I’m so sorry, hun. Dante told me about it.”

Clearly he did—they had been dating since college.

“Jason should pray I don’t see him. I’m definitely chopping off his dick,” she said, making me laugh.

“How was it?” Mum asked as she stepped in, dressed in her robe.

“Not bad,” I said, heading upstairs with Mandy following.

“Zara, the engagement party has been moved to Friday. I think his parents want to speed things up,” she said.

“Whatever,” I muttered, stepping into my room. It wasn’t like I had a choice. No one was listening to me or caring that my heart was broken.

“Everything will be fine,” Mandy reassured me.

“I’m not ready for any of this, Mandy. I need space, time to heal.”

“You really do. But what if Damien isn’t who you think he is?” she asked, sitting on the fluffy couch in my room.

“Have you seen his reputation with those models?” I said, clearly pointing out his history as a playboy with A-list women. It felt like no one cared.

“You can change him.”

“Of course,” I muttered. “Sounds like something Mum would say.”

“Hey, Zara. I know it may seem like love isn’t meant for you, but give it time. Try to give Damien a chance.”

“It’s not that easy, Mandy. I still love Jason,” I said, feeling the ache in my chest.

“I know. No one said it was easy. But when love comes calling, you might want to answer…”

She might be right, but can I? I feel like I’ve built a wall, and the phone call love might use to reach me has been cut.

⸻