Zayn’s POV
I tear my gaze away from her. “Alina, that’s how it’s always been. People like that… they’ve got backings. It’s just the truth.” My voice comes out flat, avoiding her eyes.
“Zayn,” she presses, annoyance sharpening her tone, “is there something you’re not telling me? Something I need to know?”
Her question cuts through the room like a blade. I meet her eyes, scoffing to mask the unease crawling under my skin.
“What’s there to tell, Alina? I’ve got nothing to lie about, and you know that.” I force my voice to steady. “I’m just worried about you, okay? I don’t want you mixed up in this.”
Noami steps in before Alina can speak, her voice calm but firm. “I’m with Zayn on this. It’s bad enough you had to witness that. Getting involved will only make things worse. I know you want
