Zain's POV
The second I spoke up, Joanna—who'd been crying quietly—spun around.
When she spotted me, she completely fell apart. Her heartbreak seemed to deepen, and all that pent-up pain just poured out.
Tears streamed down her face, falling like scattered pearls, each one landing with a gentle sound.
Without hesitation, Joanna launched herself into my arms, not giving a damn about anything else.
She clutched my shirt and started pounding my chest while sobbing, "Zain, why did it take you forever? How come you're only showing up now?"
She kept repeating it, her voice getting more shattered each time.
I listened to Joanna's quiet weeping. I cradled the back of her head, my chest tight as I said, "I'm sorry—I should've been here. I can't believe I made you face this alone."
Joanna's sobs came out jagged and broken. "Zain, I was scared... I was scared you'd given up on me," she whispered.
I pulled her closer, my voice gentle and calming, "Never, Joanna. I'd never abandon you."
