~Evric's POV~
Soon, my driver arrived and loaded our luggage.
Zayn and I settled into the back of the car. The trip began, but the silence between us was heavy and suffocating.
Zayn stared resolutely out the window, his shoulder barely touching mine.
I tried to break the tension. "Babe, that new highway connects further north now. It should save us at least an hour..."
He didn't respond.
"Did you want to listen to music? I can put on your playlist."
Silence. He just stared out at the passing landscape, forcing me to swallow my guilt with every mile.
I reached out slowly and placed my hand on his thigh. He didn't pull away, but he didn't lean into the touch either. It was neutral, detached.
This is going to be a long drive, I thought, closing my eyes briefly in frustration.
I tried one last time, my voice low and serious. "Zayn, look at me, please."
He finally turned his head, his expression tired and guarded.
