Some Kind of Love

CHAPTER 4

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

Simon's face lit up the moment he saw me. His eyes sparkled, and that smile—he looked genuinely happy to see me. Simon wasn’t bad at all. In fact, he’s handsome, well-mannered, and comes from an influential family. The kind of guy anyone would dream of.

But I’m not from that world.

I didn’t grow up surrounded by wealth or privilege. A lot of people think my mom and I hit the jackpot when we became part of Tito Ernest’s family, but I never saw it that way. I’ve always felt like a guest, a shadow, someone simply passing through their glittering life. That’s why I never let myself dream of someone like Simon. He was too good, too unreachable.

But now… now I’m desperate to escape. From this suffocating place. From Atlas.

I need saving.

“Oh, hi,” he said warmly.

He stood up and pulled out the chair beside his, gently motioning for me to sit. Once I was settled, he sat back down. Such a gentleman. Always so polite.

“Sorry again. I-it was the traffic,” I stammered, hating the lie that slipped from my mouth. I couldn’t possibly tell him the real reason I was late. I couldn’t tell him that Atlas—like some unhinged storm—had interfered again.

If Simon knew, he might walk away. And I can’t afford that. This might be my only shot.

“Don’t worry. What matters is—you’re here now.”

His words, so simple, somehow managed to steady the pounding in my chest. Maybe this could work. Maybe he could be my way out. After what happened earlier, I’ve never been more sure: I need to get away from the El Fabians. Especially Atlas. He showed me just how much control he still has over me. And I can’t live like this anymore.

Even hell might be better than this prison.

“What do you want to eat?”

His voice broke me out of my spiraling thoughts. I blinked, trying to remember where I was.

Focus, Zia. This is your lifeline.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” I replied quickly.

“Good choice. I’m actually a regular here,” he said with a wink, which made me smile. He had that charm, that warm, easy energy that made people feel at ease. He was talkative in the best way—curious, kind, and totally present. For the first time in a while, I relaxed.

He wasn’t like the others. Despite his background, he wasn’t arrogant. He actually listened.

Then his voice turned serious.

“I have something I want to ask you. It might sound odd, but I hope it won’t ruin the mood.”

I froze slightly. My heart skipped. That kind of line always comes before something awkward.

“Go ahead,” I said, forcing a smile.

“This might sound forward. If you’re uncomfortable, you don’t have to answer. I just… I want to be honest.”

Now I was really nervous.

“I’ve liked you for a long time. Maybe you’ve noticed. But I guess you’ve also wondered why I never pursued you… even though I had plenty of chances.”

I was caught off guard.

Yes, I had noticed. His lingering glances at family events, the subtle compliments. Friends whispered that he liked me. But I never let myself dwell on it. I knew I didn’t belong in his world.

Not until now.

“Maybe it’s because… I’m not like you,” I said truthfully.

If I want to start something with him, I can’t hide behind polite lies.

“What do you mean? Not like me?” he said, incredulous. “Zia, you’re amazing. You’re smart, kind, beautiful—Tito Ernest always talks so proudly about you. Don’t ever think you’re less than anyone.”

I blushed. His words hit me somewhere soft. I’d gotten used to men staring at my body, craving only what they could take. But Simon… saw me. And that mattered more than I could admit.

“T-then why?” I whispered, unable to hide the confusion in my voice.

“There were… rumors. People said you and Artemis were dating. I didn’t want to step into something that could jeopardize our families’ friendship. I respected the El Fabians too much. But when Tito Ernest asked me to take you out—I knew the rumors weren’t true. Am I right?”

I stared at him.

Rumors? About me and Artemis?

Is that why Atlas hated me so much lately? Is that why he looked at me with so much… fire?

“Of course not!” I said a little louder than I meant. “Artemis is like a brother to me. That’s absurd!”

Simon reached out, gently touching my hand across the table. I almost pulled away, but stopped myself.

“I believe you. And I’m really glad,” he said, his voice soft.

But even though he was sweet and everything a girl could want, his touch made me feel uneasy. Not because he was doing anything wrong… but because someone else's touch haunted me.

I shook my head. No!

I can’t think about him.

Simon is kind. I can learn to love him. I have to.

We spent a few more hours together, laughing and talking. And yet… something felt missing. A tiny emptiness I tried so hard to ignore.

“We’re here,” I said softly, breaking the silence as his car stopped in front of the mansion.

“Yeah… we are,” he echoed, but didn’t move to open the door right away.

“I should go,” I gently reminded him.

“Right. Sorry.”

He scratched the back of his neck, then hurried around to open the door for me. I smiled—he was awkward but adorable. I stepped out and turned to him.

“Thank you for tonight.”

And before I could lose my nerve, I leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. A small thank-you for a kind evening.

I didn’t see how his cheeks flushed bright red.

I also didn’t see the clenched jaw and dark eyes watching us from the shadows.

Atlas.

*****

The next morning, furious knocking woke me. The door swung open before I could even speak.

Artemis.

“Tell me it’s not true,” he demanded, storming in.

I blinked groggily. “What?”

Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I tried to process what was happening. I hadn't gotten much rest. Every time I closed my eyes, his face appeared in my mind.

“Did you go out with Simon yesterday?”

His voice trembled with anger.

“Yes,” I answered calmly.

“Why? You said you didn’t like him! You told me that yourself!”

He sat at the edge of my bed, visibly upset.

He was right. I had told him I didn’t like Simon. But that was before. Before all this chaos. Now, what I felt didn’t matter.

“He’s a nice guy. I could learn to like him,” I said quietly.

Artemis looked devastated.

“I’m nice too, you know.”

My heart skipped a beat.

What did he just say?

“W-what are you talking about? We’re like siblings. We grew up together,” I said, pulling the blanket closer to my chest.

He looked down, as if ashamed. Then, with sudden resolve, he stood up and turned away.

“I never wanted you to be just my sister!”

And with that, he left.

I sat there stunned.

Atlas knew. He always knew. That’s why he hated me so much. That’s why he kept interfering.

I’ve been blind this whole time.

I need to do something. I need to leave. Before this twisted web gets worse.

I have to get out of this house—now.