The door creaked softly as River turned the handle, his heart pounding in his chest.
Zayn was inside, standing near the bed, a faint smile on his face as he admired the dark navy suit laid neatly over the duvet. The morning light filtered through the curtains, catching the sharp lines of Zayn’s jaw and the glint in his eyes. He looked so calm, so unbothered — a picture of composure and quiet confidence.
River just stood there in the doorway, frozen. His head felt heavy, his body numb. The echoes of the night before kept flashing before his eyes — the blurred ceiling, the feeling of disorientation, the scent of cologne and champagne, Adrian’s quiet smile. He could still feel the cold that had washed over him when he woke up.
His throat tightened, and his vision blurred as tears welled up. He wanted to move forward, to tell Zayn everything — or at least the little he could make sense of. He wanted to say something before the fear swallowed him whole. But his lips wouldn’t move. The words were trapped somewhere between guilt and disbelief.
So, he just stood there, unmoving, until Zayn turned around, catching him staring.
“River?” Zayn’s voice broke the silence, a soft curve of a smile still on his face. “You okay? You’ve been standing there like a statue.”
River blinked quickly, forcing the tears back and curling his lips into something that vaguely resembled a smile.
“Oh—uh, yeah. Sorry, I was just… thinking.” His voice trembled slightly.
Zayn’s gaze narrowed with mild concern as he crossed his arms.
“You look worn out. I looked for you everywhere. You slept out again.” He gestured at River’s clothes, still rumpled from the night before. “Where were you? You left your phone in the room. Everyone was wondering where you disappeared to during dinner.”
River’s pulse raced. His mind scrambled for something — anything believable. He swallowed hard and forced a small laugh.
“I, uh… I was checking out the resort. Your father mentioned the library, remember? I went there to look at the books. Lost track of time.”
Zayn raised a brow.
“The library?” He tilted his head, smirking slightly. “You really are weirdly nerdy, you know that?”
“Guess I am,” River said softly, trying to laugh but it came out strained. He crossed his arms, partly to hide how much his hands were trembling.
“Well,” Zayn said with a light shrug, “next time, let me know. You had everyone thinking you bailed or something. I had to explain why you didn’t show up for dinner.”
River walked closer, forcing his expression to soften, to appear normal.
“I just didn’t want to waste any time. The days are numbered here,” he said quietly. “After tonight’s dinner with your family, it’s the wedding. Then our little plan will be over.”
Zayn’s smirk faded slightly, his eyes softening as he looked at him.
“Yeah,” he said under his breath. “You’re right.”
For a moment, his gaze lingered on River — longer than it should have. Then, with that teasing tone of his, he said, “You’ll finally get my face out of your face for good.”
River managed a weak smile.
“Yeah.” He said it like a joke, but it felt like a knife twisting somewhere deep inside.
Zayn chuckled but the sound died quickly as he studied him again.
“Hey,” he said, his tone quieter now. “You sure you’re okay? You look pale. Like you haven’t slept.”
River nodded quickly, looking away.
“Just tired. I think I need a warm bath and a bit of rest. I’ll be fine.”
Zayn stepped closer, his voice softer now.
“You know what?”
Before River could respond, Zayn reached out and gently grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. River’s breath hitched as he felt Zayn’s arms slide around his back, holding him tightly against his chest.
“Thank you,” Zayn murmured against his ear. “For everything. For coming here with me. For being patient through all this chaos. For helping me prove to my father that not all gay people are what he thinks they are.” His voice grew more earnest. “I know he’s been speaking to me again because of you.”
River trembled slightly in his hold, forcing himself to stay still. His chest ached at the warmth in Zayn’s tone, the genuine gratitude that made it hurt even more. He swallowed hard and whispered,
“You’re welcome.”
Zayn smiled and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek.
“You know,” he said quietly, “aside from Harry… this—” he gestured vaguely between them “—even though it’s fake, it feels like the realest thing I’ve had in a long time.”
River felt his throat close up. Every word felt heavier than the last. He couldn’t breathe properly, couldn’t keep the emotion from breaking through. He forced a faint chuckle.
“Don’t say that,” he whispered, trying to sound light. “You’ll make me blush.”
Zayn grinned, still close, then slowly let go.
“Go take your bath. You look like you need it.”
River nodded quickly, grateful for the excuse to leave before he broke down.
“Yeah. I will.”
He grabbed a towel from the dresser, turned, and walked toward the bathroom, his movements stiff and hurried. The moment the door closed behind him, he locked it and leaned back against it, his chest rising and falling in shaky breaths.
The silence in the bathroom felt suffocating. He walked to the sink and stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were red, tired, glassy. He barely recognized the man staring back at him.
Images of the night before flashed again — Adrian’s voice, his touch on his shoulder, the glass of champagne, the dizziness, waking up in that bed. His stomach twisted violently.
He gripped the edge of the sink and whispered to himself,
“Pull yourself together… pull yourself together.”
He splashed cold water on his face, gasping slightly as it hit his skin.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he whispered shakily. “You didn’t… you didn’t ask for any of that.”
But even as he said it, the doubt gnawed at him. He couldn’t remember. He didn’t know.
He stared harder at his reflection — at the trembling lips, the tear that slipped down his cheek despite him trying to stop it.
“Even if something happened… I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” he muttered.
But then his voice broke, softer, weaker:
“So why does it hurt so much?”
He covered his face with both hands and cried — silently, shoulders shaking, careful not to make a sound that Zayn could hear through the door.
Outside, the faint murmur of Zayn’s voice on a phone call drifted in, calm and composed, unaware of the storm breaking just meters away.
River pressed his palms harder against his face, his breath catching. Today, there would be dinner. Today, he’d have to smile again.
He didn’t know how he was going to survive it.
***
Zayn and River walked side by side along the cobblestone path leading toward the courtyard, where the resort’s staff were busily preparing for the evening’s family dinner. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the canopy of bougainvillea overhead, casting pink and gold hues on the ground.
Zayn nudged River playfully with his elbow.
“You know, I can’t believe you actually slept after that long ass shower you took,” he teased, a smirk curving his lips. “What happened, did the books in that library whisper to you to seize the day?”
River forced a small laugh, trying to sound as normal as he could.
“Something like that,” he said, his voice soft.
He tucked a strand of his hair behind his ear, keeping his eyes fixed on the path instead of Zayn’s warm grin. His chest still ached, his heart pounding every time he remembered the night before—the blurred flashes of Adrian’s face, the feeling of helplessness, the scent of cologne and confusion. He tried to push it all away.
Zayn chuckled.
“You’re hopeless, River. I’m convinced you’d rather marry a bookshelf than a human being.”
River smiled faintly.
“Depends on the bookshelf,” he murmured, managing a teasing tone.
Their laughter mingled briefly, and for a moment, the tension in River’s chest eased—until they reached the courtyard and saw Elena standing there, radiant and commanding as always, giving instructions to a group of caterers arranging silverware and floral centerpieces. Her smile widened the instant her gaze fell on them.
“Zayn! River!” she called out, her voice carrying warmth that instantly brightened the air.
Zayn grinned and went to hug her.
“Mom, you’re running this like a general preparing for war.”
Elena laughed, brushing her hand affectionately against his cheek.
“Someone has to make sure everything’s perfect, darling. It’s not every day I get to host both families under one roof.” Her eyes then landed on River, softening even more. “And look at you, sweetheart—you’re glowing. Are you excited for the dinner?”
River’s cheeks flushed lightly as he nodded.
“A bit nervous, actually.”
“Nervous? Oh, nonsense!” Elena said, waving her hand. “You’ve been such a wonderful guest. Everyone adores you. Even your shyness makes you lovable.”
Zayn crossed his arms, pretending to sulk.
:You’re going to make him think you like him more than your own son.”
Elena gasped dramatically.
“Well, maybe I do!” She looked between the two of them with a twinkle in her eyes. “If you don’t marry him soon, Zayn, I might just adopt him myself.”
River’s smile froze a little, his throat tightening. He looked away, pretending to laugh it off. But Zayn just stood there—speechless for a heartbeat—watching his mother’s sincere expression, her joy so genuine it hurt to see.
“Mom…” he began, his voice quieter now, his teasing gone.
Elena touched his arm.
“I mean it, Zayn. I haven’t seen you this happy in years. You’re smiling again, you’re lighter… And River—he’s such a kind soul. You’re lucky, my son. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say fate brought him to you.”
River’s chest tightened at her words. He felt Zayn’s gaze linger on him, warm and searching. He dared not look up, afraid that if he did, Zayn would see the turmoil hiding beneath his forced calm.
Zayn inhaled deeply, his heart pounding with a strange mixture of guilt and yearning. He was supposed to end this act soon—supposed to walk away once his inheritance and reputation were secured. But standing there, hearing his mother’s voice tremble with happiness, watching River shift shyly beside him… it suddenly felt impossible.
“Yeah,” he said softly, finally meeting his mother’s eyes. “Maybe fate did bring him to me.”
Elena’s face lit up instantly, her hands coming together in delight.
“Oh, sweetheart!” she exclaimed, and turned to River, grabbing his hand warmly. “You see what he just said? You have no idea how happy you make me, River. You’re exactly the kind of man I prayed Zayn would end up with—humble, grounded, gentle. I can already picture you standing beside him at the altar one day.”
River tried to smile, but his lips trembled slightly. He couldn’t speak. His eyes darted toward Zayn, and their gazes locked for a long, heavy moment.
Zayn’s pulse quickened. He could see the pain in River’s eyes, the way he was struggling to hold himself together. He wanted to ask what was wrong, to take him aside and make him talk. But his mother was still smiling, her hand resting fondly on River’s shoulder, and Zayn couldn’t bear to break her joy.
Instead, he smiled—a gentle, conflicted smile—and said,
“Well, if she keeps talking like that, River’s going to run for the hills before dinner even starts.”
Elena laughed, touching her son’s cheek lovingly.
“Don’t be silly. He’s not going anywhere.”
But River’s heart sank at those words. If only she knew, he thought. If only any of them knew.
As they walked away, Elena called after them,
“You two make such a beautiful pair!”
Zayn chuckled faintly, shoving his hands into his pockets, trying to act casual.
“She’s something, huh?”
River nodded, forcing a small smile.
“She really is.”
Zayn’s voice softened.
“You okay?”
River’s throat tightened, but he kept his gaze forward.
“Yeah,” he whispered. “Just tired.”
Zayn stared at him for a moment longer, feeling something twist deep inside his chest. He wanted to believe that everything between them was pretend… but it didn’t feel that way anymore.
And as River smiled faintly beside him—his heart breaking quietly—Zayn realized, with a chill he couldn’t explain, that he was no longer sure where the lie ended and where the truth began.
Elena’s voice rang out across the courtyard, cutting gently through the warm chatter of the afternoon.
“Zayn, darling, could you give me a hand here? These flower stands are heavier than I thought!”
Zayn turned toward her with that familiar boyish grin, his hands still tucked casually in his pockets.
“Mom, you’ve got half the staff here, and you’re calling me?”
Elena gave him a playful glare.
“You’re my son, not the staff.”
He sighed dramatically, flexing his arms in mock pride as he said,
“Fine, fine—let the world witness the mighty strength of your son.” He gave a wink, rolling up his sleeves with exaggerated flair before lifting the vase of peonies with one arm.
Elena clapped her hands.
“See? Strong and handsome, just as I raised you.”
Zayn laughed and, before following her inside, leaned closer to River and whispered with a wink,
“Don’t miss me too much. I’ll be right back.”
River’s lips curved faintly, though his chest felt unbearably tight.
“I’ll try not to,” he murmured softly, watching as Zayn disappeared behind his mother, both laughing and teasing each other.
The sound of their voices fading left an echo of warmth that didn’t reach River’s bones. He wrapped his arms around himself, letting out a shaky sigh. For a moment, he simply stood there, staring at the decorations that now seemed too bright, too cheerful for the storm building inside him. His pulse was still heavy with dread, his stomach knotted by the memories of that morning.
He started to pace slowly along the garden’s edge, running a trembling hand through his hair, when a hand suddenly clamped around his arm.
He gasped and turned sharply—only to find himself face-to-face with the one person he least wanted to see that day.
Adrian.
The man stood there, his expression unreadable, eyes dark with something River couldn’t quite name.
River’s stomach dropped. He instinctively pulled his arm free, stepping back as if burned.
“What the hell are you doing here?” His voice shook with anger he could barely contain. His eyes darted around—searching for Zayn, for anyone—but the courtyard was empty now except for them.
“River,” Adrian said quietly, his tone controlled. “We didn’t get to talk about what happened.”
River’s jaw tightened. He turned on his heel, walking away.
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
Adrian followed, his strides longer, voice firmer.
“There are things you don’t understand. I need to explain—”
“Explain what, Adrian?” River shot back, spinning around to face him, his eyes blazing. “Explain how the hell I woke up in your bed?”
Adrian flinched slightly but said nothing.
River’s voice broke, rising with every word.
“Because the last thing I remember was sitting with you, talking about my father, and then—then everything just went dark. I woke up naked beside you, in your bed. Do you know what that felt like?” His voice cracked. “Do you?”
Adrian’s face paled.
“River—”
“Did you put something in my drink?” River demanded, his voice trembling now but sharp as glass. “Did you drug me so you could—”
“Stop!” Adrian’s eyes widened, his voice desperate. “No! I would never do that. I drank from the same bottle you did! Why would I—”
River stepped closer, his face inches away from Adrian’s, his tone low and furious. “I am a student lawyer, Adrian. You know what happens if I find out you’re lying to me. If you did anything to me—I swear to God—I will make your life a living hell.”
Adrian raised his hands slightly, his voice trembling but calm.
“I didn’t do such a thing. I swear to you. But… did you tell Zayn about—”
River laughed bitterly, a sound that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Are you crazy?”
“River—”
“What am I supposed to tell him, huh?” River’s voice dripped with sarcasm and fury as he took a step forward. “That I just happened to wake up in his cousin’s bed? That I probably—God knows what—after being drugged? That I might’ve betrayed him without even knowing it? Should I just go up to him and say, ‘Hey, Zayn, I just had sex with your cousin, hope you don’t mind!’”
Adrian’s face twisted in discomfort.
“That’s not what I meant,” he muttered, shaking his head.
“Then what did you mean?” River snapped, his chest rising and falling quickly.
Adrian hesitated, then slipped a hand into his pocket, taking out his phone. His tone softened.
“I meant that… it also means Zayn doesn’t know about your father—your financial problems. You need help, River. Just—send me your bank details. I’ll transfer some money for his hospital—”
River’s breath hitched in disbelief.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Adrian blinked.
“I’m trying to help.”
“Help?” River spat, his voice trembling with rage. “Don’t you dare insult me. I’m not one of your hookups, Adrian. I’m not some—some whore you can throw money at after…” His words broke, the end of the sentence dying on his lips. He clenched his fists, his throat tightening painfully.
Adrian’s expression flickered with regret.
“River, please—”
“No!” River shouted, his eyes glistening now. “You let it happen! Whatever the hell that was—you let it happen. You could’ve stopped it. You should’ve stopped it!”
He turned abruptly, his breath shaking, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes as he started walking away.
“River, wait—” Adrian called after him, his voice almost pleading.
But River didn’t stop. His legs carried him faster and faster, his heartbeat pounding in his ears, every step heavier with anger, shame, and confusion.
By the time he reached the end of the garden path, his vision was blurred with tears he refused to let fall. He wiped them furiously, forcing his breathing to even out.
He couldn’t let anyone see him like this—not Zayn, not Elena, not anyone.
But deep inside, he knew that whatever had happened that night… it was already too late.
The damage was done.
***
The mellow hum of the piano filled the air—soft, velvety, and distant. A romantic tune, the kind that made moments linger longer than they should. Zayn’s hand held River’s firmly, his other slipping to the younger man’s waist, pulling him closer until their chests brushed. They were so close that River could feel the heat of Zayn’s breath ghosting against his temple, and the quiet thud of his own heart syncing with the older man’s.
River’s head tilted slightly, his eyes darting down before he whispered, barely above the music,
“Is this really necessary?”
Zayn’s gaze flickered from River’s lips to his eyes, his breath hitching before he found his voice.
“It’s not hard,” he murmured, forcing a half-smile, “and besides… it came as a late request from Liana and Damian. I already know the moves—I just need to show you. It’s not a big deal.”
River swallowed, trying to pull back a little, but Zayn’s hand at his waist only tightened.
“Then why can’t you just perform it with Harry?” he asked quietly, his voice trembling between curiosity and quiet defiance.
Zayn froze for a heartbeat, his throat tightening. He looked away briefly, exhaling through his nose.
“Because Harry’s not my boyfriend,” he said at last, softly but firmly. “Not yet. And… you’re the one everyone knows. It makes sense.”
River’s lips parted slightly, his eyes studying Zayn’s expression.
“For one more day,” he whispered. “After that, you’ll have to let your feelings be known. You’ll have to move on, Zayn. Because we both know what happens after the wedding.”
Zayn’s fingers faltered for a moment on his waist, his brows furrowing.
“Why are we having this conversation right now?”
“Because it’s long overdue,” River said quietly, stepping back. His hand slipped from Zayn’s, leaving behind a strange emptiness. “We both need to come to terms with it.”
The music continued faintly in the background, but Zayn barely heard it. He stood there, arms heavy at his sides, watching River walk toward Liana.
“She already knows the moves,” he said, his voice a little too sharp. “Why are you asking?”
River turned slightly, meeting his gaze.
“Because I’m more comfortable practicing with her.”
For a moment, Zayn didn’t say anything. His throat went dry.
“River—”
“I’ll be fine,” River interrupted, his voice gentle but firm.
Zayn stood frozen, watching as River reached Liana. She smiled, radiant and full of warmth, and took River’s hand without hesitation. The two began to move gracefully to the rhythm of the music, laughing softly as they missed a step, teasing each other lightly before trying again. It was light, natural—something Zayn couldn’t seem to have with River anymore.
His chest tightened painfully. He swallowed hard, trying to force away the strange ache creeping up his ribs. He didn’t know why it hurt so much to watch them.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?”
The voice startled him. He turned his head sharply to find Damian standing beside him, arms crossed, a soft grin playing on his face.
“Look at them,” Damian said with a chuckle, nodding toward the pair. “Our partners are stealing the show already.”
Zayn forced a weak smile.
“Yeah… they are.”
Damian glanced at him curiously.
“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind, brother. Everything alright?”
Zayn shrugged slightly, eyes still fixed on River.
“Just… a lot to think about with the wedding coming up.”
Damian chuckled.
“I know the feeling. Planning it almost drove me mad.” He exhaled softly, his gaze following Liana as she twirled under River’s arm, her laughter ringing clear. “Still… worth it.”
Zayn turned to him, his expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
Zayn hesitated, his voice quieter now.
“How did you know?”
Damian raised a brow.
“Know what?”
“That she was the one,” Zayn said, his voice low. “Despite everything—ups, downs, fights… how did you know to choose her? How did you know you wouldn’t regret it?”
Damian’s smile softened. He folded his arms, his eyes thoughtful.
“You just know,” he said quietly. “There’s this… peace. Even when everything around you feels chaotic, there’s this one person who somehow makes it all feel right.” He chuckled softly, his eyes distant. “Liana wasn’t perfect. God knows we had our share of disasters. There was a time I thought she didn’t want me anymore. But even then—when I looked at her, my heart knew. It always did.”
Zayn looked down at the floor, his chest heavy.
Damian continued, his tone gentler now.
“I’ve met people who said love fades, that it’s about convenience or timing. But it’s not. It’s about knowing someone’s flaws, their fears, and still choosing them—every damn day. Even when they walk away. Even when you feel like a fool for loving them. That’s how you know.”
Zayn’s throat tightened painfully. His eyes drifted back to River—laughing, eyes shining in the golden light spilling through the windows, completely unaware of the storm in Zayn’s chest.
His voice came out softer than he intended.
“What if… you made a mistake?”
Damian turned to him, frowning slightly.
“A mistake?”
Zayn swallowed, his voice unsteady.
“What if you found out you lied to the person you love? Would they forgive you?”
Damian studied him for a moment, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
:You’re my brother,” he said quietly. “And I love you more than anything. Not even a lie could change that.”
Zayn blinked, feeling his chest tighten as he gave a small nod.
“You always make it sound so easy.”
“It’s not,” Damian admitted, glancing toward Liana again. “But it’s worth it. Every single time.”
Zayn followed his gaze, his eyes softening as he watched River spin Liana one last time, both of them laughing breathlessly. The music ended, and River turned, his eyes accidentally meeting Zayn’s across the room.
For a split second—everything else fell away. The noise, the laughter, even the light.
Zayn’s heart thudded because it was probably the last day they were gonna be like that. One more day and they'd go back to the way they were. And about Harry, maybe Damian was right. No matter what they had passed through, Harry was gonna be the right person for him. And he knew exactly what he needed to do.
***
The air outside was soft and scented with lavender and smoke from the torches lining the garden path. River stood there for a long moment, one hand pressed lightly over his chest as if to steady the storm beneath his ribs. He had dressed simply that night — a crisp white shirt, tucked into dark trousers, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hair falling slightly messy against his temples. Under the golden light spilling from the windows, the faint red highlights shimmered vividly, like strands of flame hidden beneath autumn silk.
He exhaled slowly. The sound of laughter and faint music reached him from inside, mixing with the clinking of glasses and the warmth of voices. Everyone was already there, and the idea of stepping into that room — that perfect little world full of eyes, smiles, and secrets — made his palms sweat. But he gathered himself, forced a small smile, and pushed the door open.
Inside, the scent of wine, fresh flowers, and roasted herbs wrapped around him immediately. The long table was breathtaking — gleaming cutlery, crystal glasses catching the soft light, every plate perfectly placed. People were standing in groups, talking animatedly, no one yet seated. For a brief second, it almost looked magical.
Then River’s eyes found Damian and Liana standing together across the room, arms loosely around each other, the kind of closeness that made everything around them seem distant. They were speaking to two people whose backs were turned to River. A rush of relief warmed him — familiar faces — and he started toward them quickly.
When Liana saw him, her face lit up. She pulled away from her parents, smiling wide.
“River!” she exclaimed and rushed to him, kissing his cheek. “Come here — I want you to meet two very important people.”
He smiled, a little shyly, and followed her as she turned to the couple.
“River,” she said proudly, “these are my parents.”
Her mother was elegant, her beauty softened by time but her eyes sharp and warm. Her father stood tall beside her, his suit perfectly tailored, his presence calm and commanding.
Liana’s mother’s face broke into the kindest smile.
“So this is River,” she said, moving forward and hugging him tightly before he could even respond. Her perfume was floral and familiar. “It’s so good to finally meet you! Liana’s been talking about you all week.”
River chuckled nervously.
“I hope all good things,” he said.
She leaned back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes glinting.
“Oh, all good things. I haven’t heard her speak so highly of someone in years.”
They both laughed, and she hugged him again, warmer this time, as if she’d known him forever.
Over her shoulder, River caught sight of Adrian across the room, standing alone. His eyes were fixed on him — unwavering, dark, and cold. A chill spread down River’s spine, the breath catching in his throat. He quickly looked away, forcing his lips into a faint smile as Liana’s mother released him.
“So,” Liana said, glancing around, “where’s Zayn? He told me he’d be here early.”
“He said he’d gone ahead,” River answered softly. “Wasn’t he here already?”
Liana frowned.
“I haven’t seen him.”
Before River could speak again, the soft buzz of conversation broke as the doors opened once more. Both of them turned — and there was Zayn, stepping inside.
He looked almost too perfect — dark suit tailored to his frame, hair neatly styled, that easy charm radiating from him. But it wasn’t his appearance that made River’s stomach twist — it was Harry walking beside him, both of them smiling, laughing quietly as they entered together.
Liana’s expression fell.
“Speak of the devil,” she muttered under her breath. “And why is he with Harry?”
“I… have no idea,” River said, voice lower than before.
Liana looked at him sharply.
“Are you okay?”
He took a deep breath, keeping his eyes on the pair approaching.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Zayn patted Harry’s shoulder and said something that made the other man beam. Then he left Harry’s side and came toward them. His face was glowing — not just handsome, but excited, almost nervous in a way that River hadn’t seen before.
“Hey,” Zayn greeted, hugging Liana’s parents and exchanging a few pleasantries, his laughter rich and unguarded. When he finally turned to River, his voice softened. “Can I steal you for a second?”
River followed him a few steps away, his pulse uneven.
“What’s going on?”
Zayn looked unusually bright.
“Nothing bad,” he said, smiling faintly. “I know we’re here for Damian and Liana — this is their night — but this week, you’ve been telling me to be brave. To stop holding back. To do something meaningful.”
River blinked, uneasy.
“Zayn, what are you—”
He cut him off with a breath.
“Our deal ends in a few hours, and I just want you to be proud of me. Tonight, I want to make things right.”
River frowned, his heartbeat climbing.
“Make things right? How?”
Zayn only smiled.
“You’ll see.”
Before River could say another word, Zayn turned and clapped his hands lightly.
“Excuse me, everyone,” he said, his voice rising just enough to draw the room’s attention. “Sorry to interrupt the night — I promise I won’t take long.”
The chatter fell quiet. Even the servers paused. Zayn’s eyes swept across the crowd, briefly landing on Harry — whose smile widened — and then on River, who felt something fragile inside him tighten painfully.
“I just wanted to say,” Zayn continued, “thank you all for being here to celebrate my brother Damian and the amazing woman he’s about to marry, Liana. But… before we toast them, I’d like to borrow a little of your time.”
He took a breath, his voice suddenly trembling slightly.
“There’s something I haven’t done in a long time — something I’ve been afraid of doing. But tonight, I want to do it for someone who reminded me what it feels like to believe again.”
Harry’s smile was radiant.
Zayn walked over to the piano that had been set near the window. The light fell across his face as he sat down, adjusting the microphone.
“It’s been years since I touched a piano,” he said quietly, half to himself, “so… go easy on me.”
Laughter rippled softly across the room.
Then he began to play.
The first notes of Your Love by Juris floated gently through the air, tender and haunting. And when he sang —
“You’re the one that never lets me sleep,
To my mind, out to my soul, you touch my lips…”
— the room seemed to hold its breath.
River sat frozen beside Liana, his hand gripping the edge of his chair. Zayn’s voice was low and raw, the melody trembling with emotion.
“Now that you came into my life,
I feel complete…”
River’s chest ached. He blinked hard, feeling the sting behind his eyes. Zayn wasn’t even looking at him — his gaze had drifted somewhere else, soft and full of something River couldn’t name.
And then the chorus hit.
“Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world,
I feel the warmth inside…
Your love is like a river
That flows through my veins,
I feel the chill inside…”
Every word burned and soothed at once. Zayn’s voice cracked slightly on “chill,” and River felt it like a knife twisting in his chest. Across the room, Harry’s eyes shimmered, his lips parting in a small, overwhelmed smile.
By the time the song ended, the room erupted in applause. People stood, cheering softly, clapping with admiration.
Zayn bowed his head slightly, smiling in that humble, radiant way that made everyone adore him.
River quickly turned his face away, rubbing a tear from the corner of his eye before anyone could see. He tried to smile, to clap along, but his throat felt like it was closing.
Beside him, Liana glanced sideways, her expression full of sympathy and quiet concern.
Because even though Zayn had been singing about love, even though everyone else saw beauty — River only felt loss.
The clapping still echoed faintly when Zayn stood from the piano bench. His face was calm, but his eyes glowed with an intensity that made it hard for anyone to look away. He smiled — that small, polite smile he always wore — and walked slowly toward the table. Every step carried weight, and River’s pulse picked up with a strange sense of unease.
Harry caught his gaze first, those soft, adoring eyes sparkling with pride. His lips curved into that familiar, in-love smile that said more than words could. Zayn smiled back briefly — almost absentmindedly — then, without breaking stride, he passed right by him.
Harry’s smile faltered slightly as Zayn moved past him… and went straight to River.
River’s breath caught in his throat when Zayn stopped in front of him. The sound of conversation in the room faded; only the faint hum of the air-conditioning and the thudding in River’s chest remained. Zayn reached out, his hand warm, firm — and before River could react, he took his hand and pulled him up from the chair.
“Z–Zayn,” River stuttered, blinking rapidly, his voice cracking under the tension. “What are you doing?”
Zayn didn’t answer. His grip only tightened as he led him toward the open space in front of the table. Everyone turned their heads, the rustle of dresses and chair legs echoing in the silence that followed. The room’s golden light shimmered faintly against the crystal chandeliers, but the air had shifted — thick, charged, full of something no one could name.
“Zayn, what’s going on?” River whispered, panic rising in his throat.
Zayn turned to him then — his smile soft but strangely resolute — and looked around the room, his gaze moving from face to face, stopping on his parents.
“A few days ago,” Zayn began, his voice steady but low, “this man…” He looked at River. “…told me that I could be a better person than I was. That I needed to be truthful to myself, to come to terms with my feelings, and to stop living for other people’s expectations.”
River blinked rapidly, dread crawling up his spine.
“He told me,” Zayn continued, his tone firming, “that being your most true self is the path to happiness. And tonight, that’s what I want to do.”
Leonardo, his father, stiffened in his seat, eyes narrowing slightly.
Zayn looked at him, his expression turning grave.
“Dad… I’m very sorry. I know this isn’t the right time, but families come together at weddings. And maybe, this is the right moment for ours to start anew — with the truth.”
River tugged at his hand, whispering fiercely, “Zayn, stop it. This isn’t the time—”
But Zayn didn’t even flinch. His gaze stayed locked on his father’s face.
“I lied to you,” Zayn said quietly. “The truth is…” He hesitated, his jaw tightening. The silence was suffocating. “The truth is that I… hired River to pose as my perfect boyfriend, so I could get my inheritance.”
The gasp that erupted across the room was deafening. Someone dropped a fork; a glass clinked. Damian froze mid-movement, Liana’s lips parted in shock.
Leonardo sat motionless, staring at his son. The weight in his expression was unreadable — disappointment, disbelief, and something colder beneath.
River’s body went cold. It felt like someone had poured ice water over him. His knees weakened, and if Zayn hadn’t still been holding his hand, he might have fallen. The murmurs around the room turned sharp and incredulous, eyes darting between them like knives.
Zayn squeezed his hand tighter, as if to say it was okay — but nothing about it was okay.
River’s voice trembled.
“Please, stop… Zayn, stop.” His eyes glistened with tears he tried so hard to hold back.
Zayn turned to him, smiling softly, his tone calm.
“It’s okay, River.” He faced the room again. “I wanted to come clean because… coming back home, I realized something. I realized that this family — this place — still holds love. Maybe I’ve been wrong, but I don’t want to keep lying. I want to set things right.”
Elena covered her mouth with a trembling hand.
“Zayn…”
“I know you’re angry,” Zayn said, his eyes sweeping across their faces. “And you have every right to be. But, Dad, you always told me that to be a better man, I had to do the right thing — even when it’s hard. And that’s what I’m doing.”
Leonardo’s silence was heavy enough to crush air.
Zayn took a breath, turned his head slightly, and found Harry’s gaze.
“And… coming here also made me confront my feelings. Feelings I’ve had for a long time.”
Harry’s face softened, a smile curling again, eyes glimmering with expectation.
“I realized,” Zayn continued, “that I never stopped caring for the man I once loved — Harry.”
Harry’s chest swelled, his smile growing.
Zayn paused. Then his gaze shifted back to River.
“And it was because of River that I understood it. Because of him, I finally faced myself.” He turned to River fully now. “And not only that — there’s something I need to say to him, too.”
River looked up at him, dazed, his heart hammering.
Zayn’s tone gentled.
“River… a lot has happened between us. And I was confused for a long time. But now… one thing’s clear.” He stepped closer, his voice trembling slightly. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”
It was as if the entire room froze. Every sound died. Even the air seemed to still.
River’s heart stopped. His lips parted soundlessly as his wide eyes searched Zayn’s. The world blurred at the edges.
Harry’s smile collapsed instantly. His jaw tightened; the muscles in his face hardened, his eyes darkening into something wounded and furious.
A tear slipped from River’s eye before he even realized it. He shook his head slightly, whispering,
“No… no, Zayn…”
Zayn reached up and brushed the tear away with his thumb, his hand trembling slightly.
“I know it’s a shock,” he whispered, his voice full of sincerity that tore through the silence. “But I’ve been confused for days, trying to understand what I felt. And now… now I’m sure. Because this—” he touched his chest, “—is what love feels like.”
River sobbed softly, shoulders shaking.
“Z-Zayn, please, wait—”
Zayn smiled faintly through the storm in his eyes.
“I know you’re scared. I know being with someone like me isn’t easy. But I’m asking you to give me a chance. Let me prove I can make you happy.”
River’s mouth trembled as he tried to speak, but the words died before reaching his lips.
Zayn took his hand and kissed it softly, his lips lingering.
“I love you, River,” he whispered. “Can you love me too? And never, ever leave?”
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Elena covered her mouth again; Damian’s eyes darted nervously between them; Liana’s hand was on her chest. Some smiled softly, others whispered, but no one dared to interrupt.
River stood trembling, his tears streaming freely now, when suddenly —
“Since we’re being honest…”
A sharp, cold voice sliced through the silence.
Everyone turned.
Veronica stood from her chair, chin lifted high, eyes glittering like shards of glass. Her tone dripped venom.
“Then I suppose it’s only fair I be honest too.”
Zayn’s expression tensed.
“Aunt Veronica—”
“No, Zayn,” she snapped, her voice cutting through his. “Enough lies for one night. Because despite all these confessions, I refuse to sit here and watch you be manipulated by him.” She pointed straight at River, her finger trembling slightly. “Over my dead body will that boy destroy you.”
Elena rose immediately.
“Veronica, stop this drama right now and let the young ones talk—”
“Drama?” Veronica let out a bitter laugh. “I’m the only sane one here! You’ve all lost your minds if you think this boy isn’t dangerous.” She glared at River. “I always had my suspicions about him. And now your dear son just confessed he hired him?”
“Enough!” Zayn said, voice firm. “Please, don’t make a scene—”
“Oh, I’m not making a scene, sweetheart,” she said coldly. “I’m saving you. Because that boy—” her voice rose — “has played you for a fool.”
“Aunt, stop it,” Zayn said again, his tone warning.
But Veronica only smirked, reaching into her clutch.
“I knew you’d say that. Which is why…” She held up her phone. “I came prepared.”
She tapped the screen.
And suddenly, the sound of River’s voice filled the room.
“Zayn’s an idiot,” the voice said — River’s voice, unmistakably — followed by a soft laugh. “The fool of the Monroe family. If it wasn’t for his money, I wouldn’t even come close to him. But the plan’s simple — prey on his feelings, get some money, and dump his ass.”
The sound echoed, cold and cruel, through the stunned silence.
Zayn froze. His eyes widened — his chest tightening painfully. His ears rang with those words, each one cutting deeper than the last.
He looked at River.
And in that moment, River’s face drained of all color. His lips parted, shaking, as horror and disbelief filled his tear-stained eyes.
The room was dead silent.
Zayn’s eyes locked on River, disbelief and confusion flickering like lightning behind them. His chest felt tight, his mind barely processing what had just been said. The entire room was frozen — whispers hanging in the air, tension pressing down like a storm about to break.
Finally, he spoke, his voice trembling but firm.
“I don’t believe her,” he said, shaking his head slowly, his gaze never leaving River. “All I believe is what you’re going to tell me.”
River’s lips trembled, his eyes swollen with tears.
“Zayn, I didn’t say that… I swear to you, I would never say something so horrible about you. Yes, I— I called you an idiot once, but that was it.”
Zayn let out a shaky laugh that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Well… I am an idiot most of the time, aren’t I?”
But River didn’t laugh. He just looked at him, trembling. His silence said too much.
That’s when Veronica’s sharp voice cut through the air like broken glass.
“Who are you going to believe, Zayn? Some whore you hired to pretend to love you, or your family?”
Zayn’s expression snapped. His tone sharpened instantly, protective and wounded.
“What the hell is your problem, Aunt Veronica? River’s not a whore!”
“Oh, please,” she scoffed, laughing manically. “Do you even hear yourself? You paid him to be your boyfriend, Zayn! Don’t stand there and pretend you don’t know who he really is.”
“I know both of you,” Zayn shot back fiercely. “And I know you’re lying.”
“Really?” Veronica asked, her voice dripping with venomous amusement. “Am I also lying when I tell you that what you thought you saw in that bathroom—that little scene you thought was an assault—was actually an arrangement? Or that... Adrian...”
The color drained from River’s face instantly.
“Veronica, please don’t—” he begged, his voice small, pleading.
Zayn turned sharply toward him, confusion etching every line on his face.
“What is she talking about?”
“Don’t,” River whispered, tears already streaming down his cheeks. “Please, Zayn. Not here. I was going to tell you myself.”
Zayn’s voice cracked.
“Tell me what, River?”
But River couldn’t find the words. He looked down, his lips parting, trembling—but nothing came out.
Veronica smirked.
“Exactly,” she said, turning to the table. “He wasn’t going to tell you because he knows how disgusting the truth is. So let me do the honors, since he clearly can’t.”
“Veronica, stop it!” River pleaded, clutching his chest.
But she didn’t. Her eyes were cold, triumphant.
“Did you know, Zayn,” she said slowly, savoring every syllable, “that Adrian has been fucking River?”
The air died. The soft clatter of cutlery stopped. You could have heard a heartbeat echo against the walls.
River froze—utterly pale—his tears flowing freely now as his breathing hitched. His heart pounded so violently it hurt. He shook his head slowly, terrified.
Zayn’s face twisted, disbelief painted across it.
“What—what did you just say?”
Veronica laughed softly, like she had just revealed the punchline to a cruel joke.
“You heard me.”
Zayn’s gaze darted between River and his aunt. He tried to laugh, but it came out broken.
“No… this—this is insane. River, tell me she’s lying.”
River took a shaky step toward him, his hands trembling.
“Zayn, I—I didn’t… it’s not what she’s saying. I swear to you, it’s not.”
“Then what is it?” Zayn asked, his voice cracking. “Tell me what the hell is going on!”
“Mom, what are you doing?” Adrian interrupted.
“Telling the truth,” Veronica said, glancing at him. “In the Monroe family, sacrifices have to be made in order to save one another. And the truth is, that boy seduced him. For money. Because apparently, that’s what people like him do.”
“Lies!” River shouted, his voice breaking. “That’s not true! I didn’t—”
“Oh really?” Veronica sneered. “Then how about we talk about the forty thousand dollars you begged Adrian for?”
River’s body went cold. His lips trembled violently.
Zayn turned to him, his voice quiet but trembling with barely-contained panic.
“River… what is she saying? Is it true?”
River could barely breathe.
“I—my father… he’s not well. I was desperate, Zayn. But I didn’t— I couldn’t sell myself. She’s lying.”
Zayn’s hands were shaking.
“And Adrian?”
River froze, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably. He opened his mouth, but the words came out like broken glass.
“I— I stayed in his room last night and… I think we had sex.”
It was like all the air had been sucked from the room.
Zayn’s face went blank, his lips parting in stunned silence. He looked at River, at the man who had just confessed something that tore him apart from the inside. His chest rose and fell sharply, like every breath hurt.
His father’s face was buried in his hands. Elena sat frozen, tears gathering in her eyes. Adrian stared down at the floor, guilt heavy in his posture.
Finally, Adrian whispered hoarsely, “I didn’t mean to, Zayn. I was drunk. River… came on too strong. I couldn’t resist.”
The words hit like a blade.
Zayn’s hands fell to his sides, his heart breaking audibly in the silence that followed. He let go of River’s hand, his eyes glassy with betrayal.
Harry sat at the end of the table, his lips curving into the faintest victorious smile.
Veronica moved toward Zayn, placing a false-sympathetic hand on his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, darling,” she said softly. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way. But you were manipulated. People like him know how to make someone like you fall for them. He was just after your money. After your name.”
River sobbed, shaking his head.
“That’s not true. Zayn, please listen to me,” he whispered. “Despite everything—despite how it started—I love you. I fell in love with you.”
Zayn’s jaw clenched as tears burned his eyes. He rubbed them furiously, his breathing loud and uneven.
“So all this time,” he said hoarsely, “you were just playing me? Pretending to care? Pretending to make me a better man?”
“No, Zayn, please—”
“For once,” Zayn said, his voice cracking, “I thought I could believe in someone. I thought I could love someone other than Harry. And turns out… it was just another joke. Another performance. Bravo, River. Really.”
“Zayn, please—”
He stepped back, his voice cold now.
“The deal’s done. You got what you wanted. Pack your things and get out of here. I don’t ever want to see you again.”
River’s heart broke right there. He stumbled forward, reaching for him.
“I’m sorry—”
“Get out!” Zayn shouted, his voice trembling violently.
River flinched, tears streaming down his face, then turned and bolted out of the dining hall, his sobs echoing behind him.
Zayn stood there like a statue, his entire world collapsing around him. He didn’t even blink as his aunt gently rubbed his shoulder, whispering, “I told you so.”
No one moved. No one spoke.
Dinner was over.
But the night wasn’t.
Because as the silence settled, Leonardo’s eyes—cold, sharp, and calculating—lifted from his plate to stare at Veronica. And he just sighed and shook his head.
To be continued...
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