Chapter 3
562 Words
"Zoey, I've said it before, be my girlfriend and you won't have to worry about the rent for this cake shop anymore." Peyton blocked my path, his eyes roamed over me with a greedy glint, finally landing on my chest.
I instinctively raised whatever I had in my hands to block his leering gaze. "Peyton, I don't like you. I’ve said it many times before."
I fought to keep the anger bubbling inside me at bay, trying to appear calm.
But Peyton was a real piece of work. After hearing my words, he reached out, attempting to put his hand on my shoulder.
"Zoey, you only need to say no once. Keep playing hard to get, and you know what'll happen. Not to mention, everyone knows you did all sorts of jobs to pay off your debts, even working as a barmaid. What are you pretending here for?" He squinted, a sleazy grin spreading across his lips.
I felt my whole body tremble, my teeth sinking into my lower lip.
In the past, I would've had someone teach him a lesson. Then, with a little coaxing to my dad, this person would never dare show up in front of me again.
But now, the man who loved me most in this world is gone. Now, I have to stand on my own.
"Peyton, I..." Before I could finish, someone suddenly clamped down on Peyton's hand.
Peyton's face went pale with pain, and he shouted, "Who the hell are you?! Let go!"
"Don't you know harassment is illegal?" A familiar voice rang out from behind, freezing me.
I turned around and immediately saw Zephyr.
Peyton took a deep breath, glanced at me, then at Zephyr, and sneered, "Well, Zoey, snagged another one, have you? I underestimated you. But mark my words, this isn't over!"
Peyton yanked his arm free, flexed his wrist, and snarled a parting threat before storming off.
Now, there was no avoiding the awkward exchange. My fingers gripped the edge of the counter, desperately avoiding Zephyr's gaze.
"Thanks," I muttered, keeping my eyes down.
Zephyr's voice floated down to me. "Why didn't you just refuse him?"
"His dad runs this place. I can't risk crossing him," I explained. "Peyton is... well, a jerk, but my hands are tied."
I've been through the wringer, fallen from grace to the depths, and witnessed the darkest sides of human nature.
Initially, I was lost, drowning in pain, feeling like life was just a bleak void. But you have to keep going.
I forced myself to learn and adapt to lessons I never knew. By now, even harassment like this has become a grim routine.
I busied myself arranging cakes in the display, assuming Zephyr had left. After a long, heavy silence, he spoke softly again.
"Where's your boyfriend?" he asked.
Right then, the oven beeped, drowning out his words.
"What did you say?" I looked up, only to be ensnared by Zephyr's intense gaze.
He stood close, the faint scent of sandalwood enveloping him, just like three years ago. I was nearly suffocating in that familiar, intoxicating aroma. In these three years, I've lost count of the times I've dreamt of him by my side.
"Nothing," he murmured, gently brushing a crumb from my hair. He lowered his eyes, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Zoey, since when did you become so timid?"
- Writer
