1 spoke slowly, my tone calm. "When ites to material aspects, Zane clearly treats me better. On top of that, he respects me more. No first love lurking in the background, and no entanglements in messy emotions." Steven quickly retorted, "What if he''s just like me? What if he has a first love who hasn''te back in town yet?


    That, I thought, had little to do with me. But Trouldn''t say that outright. As I milled over how to respond, Steven pressed further.


    "Can you guarantee that if his supposed true lovees back, he won''t be worse than me? Herees the home.


    Zane sat down beside me. "Mi. Pelham, I''d like to take this opportunity to ask you something too. Who exactly is this supposed true love of mine?


    Zane felt aware of relief wash over him. It was a good thing he had followed along; otherwise, if Steven''s nonsense had been allowed to continue unchecked, his path would undoubtedly be even more challenging Steven froeal Zane''s pointed question


    Zane''s one was key as he spoke. "I understand the pain of losing someone you love, but that doesn''t give you the right to spread baseless rumors."


    Seven''s expression hardened. "Can you sweat that, from childhood until now, Annalise is the only woman you''ve ever had feelings for?"


    Zane responded calmly. "Absolutely"


    Steven soled. "That''s imposable"


    Zane''s expression didn''t waver, but his lips curled into a faint smick. "Oh?"


    To win Annalise over


    Steven pressed on, almost triumphant. "Everyone has moments of infatuation when they''re young. You must have, too. You''ve been surrounded by outstanding people your whole life. there''s no way you haven''t felt attracted to at least one or two of them." His certainty was almost as if he had uncoveted undeniable proof of Zane''s dishonesty


    Zane, however, kaned back again the couch, unfazed. "I was focused on studying during school


    "In university, I was busy building my career. I didn''t have time for such distractions. Unlike you, it seems. You''ve always had plenty of time to dwell on love


    Steven''s face trose as he struggled on e


    Bane stood, reaching for my hand. "Let''s go."


    "Alright." 1 followed him out, all processing what had just happened


    Even as we reached thepany lobby, I couldn''t help but ask, "Really? You''ve never had feelings for anyone during your school years?"Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Zane''s response was immediate and numes-of-fact. "Never."


    He shrugged. "I guess I gave much thought to rtionships


    "In high school, I was too focused on goofing off. Then I got serious about my studies, which left go room for anything else


    "And when university caround, I was consumed by my business ventures."


    I liked in surprise Sounds you had a pretty fulfilling lide."


    Zate smiled. "You could say that."


    Back at the office, adjusted my mindset and focused on my workly the time I finished coloring the drafts I had saved, I finally felt a sense of aplishment.


    Lying on the office couch, I took a well-deserved beak. When I felt rented enough, I stood and told Zane, "I''m beading downstairs for a little walk"


    said, ncing up from his work. The past couple of days had kept him tied to his office with a pile of overtime. "If anythinges up, call me. Don''t hesitate to reach out." His page soloened as he added. "Arer all, at least for now, your boylulend in name." The environment dowenitalis was serene, with lush trees and wilight filtering through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground.


    1 strolled along at a leisurely pace, enjoying the


    stude and the quiet moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, experienced a profound sense of freedom