“We think we know what we want—until life shows us otherwise.”

The rain drummed against the glass walls of Zayn’s office, a rhythmic pitter-patter that mirrored his restless heart. He stared out at the sprawling cityscape, his mind heavy with the events of the past few weeks. The deadline for his latest project loomed large, but his thoughts were elsewhere—on Raisa.

"Ah, damn it," he muttered, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The frustration was palpable. Despite his resolve to focus on work, her laughter and the way her eyes sparkled under the city lights haunted his every moment.

Just as he leaned back in his chair, the door creaked open.

“Zayn?” Kendra’s voice was soft, almost tentative. She stepped in, her camera slung over her shoulder and her usual carefree demeanor replaced by something more serious.

He straightened, his professional mask snapping into place. “Kendra. What brings you here?”

She tilted her head, scrutinizing him. “You’re avoiding her, aren’t you?”

“Who?” His voice was calm, but the slight twitch in his jaw gave him away.

Kendra sighed and walked over to the couch, plopping down unceremoniously. “Raisa, of course. Don’t play dumb with me.”

Zayn’s silence was answer enough.

“Why, Zayn? What are you so afraid of?”

He turned his chair to face her, the city lights casting sharp shadows across his face. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Try me,” Kendra challenged, her tone firm but not unkind.

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Meanwhile, across the city…

Raisa sat at her dining table, the glow of her phone illuminating her face. Messages from her followers poured in—comments on her latest post, questions about her skincare routine, and the usual wave of admiration.

Yet, it all felt hollow.

She scrolled to her last conversation with Zayn, her thumb hovering over the screen. The words were polite, professional even, but devoid of the warmth she had come to associate with him.

“Ugh, why does this bother me so much?” she groaned, tossing her phone onto the table.

The sharp thud of the device jolted her, and she laughed bitterly. “Get a grip, Raisa.”

The sound of the doorbell interrupted her spiral of self-pity.

When she opened the door, Luca stood there, his expression unreadable.

“Luca?”

“Hey,” he said, his usual confidence subdued. He held up a paper bag. “Thought you could use dinner.”

Back at the office…

“I’m not afraid of her, Kendra,” Zayn finally said, his voice low.

Kendra raised an eyebrow. “Then what is it? Because from where I’m standing, you’re doing a pretty good job of running away.”

He sighed, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “I’m not running away. I’m… protecting her. From me.”

Kendra laughed, the sound sharp and disbelieving. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Raisa’s stronger than you think, Zayn. And honestly? She deserves to decide for herself.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy with truth.

Later that night…

Raisa and Luca sat on the couch, the remnants of their dinner scattered on the coffee table.

“Thanks for this,” Raisa said, breaking the comfortable silence. “I needed the company.”p

“Anytime,” Luca replied, his gaze lingering on her. “But, Raisa… are you okay?”

She hesitated, the question catching her off guard. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I thought I had everything figured out, but now… nothing makes sense.”

“Is it Zayn?” Luca asked, his voice careful.

Her startled expression was all the answer he needed.

“Raisa, you don’t have to say anything. But if he’s what’s on your mind, maybe it’s time you talk to him. Running away never solves anything.”

Raisa swallowed hard, his words striking a chord.

The next morning…

Zayn stood in the lobby of his office building, clutching a steaming cup of coffee. The familiar ding of the elevator doors opening drew his attention.

Raisa stepped out, her eyes locking with his.

Time seemed to freeze as emotions surged to the surface—confusion, longing, and an unspoken truth that neither could deny.

“Raisa,” Zayn breathed, his voice barely audible.

“We need to talk,” she said, her tone firm but laced with vulnerability.

As they walked side by side toward a quiet corner, both braced themselves for the conversation that could either bring them closer—or push them further apart.