~Evric's POV~
I couldn't sleep deeply all night. The chemical urgency had faded into a dull, agonizing ache, and the image of Zayn's face as he'd slapped me replayed on an endless loop. I rose early, my body exhausted but my mind racing. I moved silently, dressing quickly in a dark suit.
I was finishing adjusting my cufflinks when the mattress shifted behind me.
Zayn's eyes snapped open. He didn't just wake up; he bolted upright, guilt and panic etched onto his face. He quickly stood up and rushed toward me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.
"Good morning, baby," he whispered into my back, his voice thick with unsaid apologies.
"Good morning, love," I replied, my voice flat. Nothing had changed. The rejection from last night still felt like a physical wound.
He tightened his embrace. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to see Evans," I answered, turning to face him.
