Zara and Julian had been together for almost four months before they amicably broke up. Julian had to leave for abroad to pursue further studies, and they both knew a long-distance relationship wasn't for them. The goodbye stung, but it wasn't heartbreak—it was more of a quiet acceptance. They stayed friends.
After the breakup, Zara slowly eased back into the dating scene. She met new people, went on casual dates, but none of them felt serious—not the way it had been with Julian.
One time, Zara and Simone went on a double date. Zara was paired with a guy named Bryan—four years older, charming, and recently back in the country after growing up in Londen. He had the accent, the confidence, and the kind of smile that made girls look twice.
They dined at an exclusive restaurant in the city, the kind that whispered luxury and old money. Zara was just starting to relax—until her gaze wandered across the room.
Adrian.
He was there. Seated at a corner table with a stunning woman, all elegance and red lipstick, her laughter soft and polished. Adrian didn't notice her—at least not right away—but Zara's heart dropped into her stomach. Of all the places.
Beside her, Bryan leaned in a little too close, his hand brushing her lower back as he whispered, "So, Zara… What's a girl like you doing single?"
Zara gave a polite smile, shifting slightly away. "Maybe I like being single."
"No way," he said, laughing. "You're too pretty to be alone. If I had met you sooner, you wouldn't have stayed single for long."His hand hovered a second too long on her thigh under the table.
Zara's smile faded. "Can you not?" she said under her breath, her tone still soft, but firm.
Bryan blinked. "Relax, babe. I'm just being friendly."
"Well, friendly doesn't mean grabby," she replied, straightening up.
Before he could say more, Simone spoke up from beside them, sensing the tension. "Everything okay here?"
Zara's eyes flicked back across the restaurant. And there he was—Adrian, now looking straight at her.
His expression was unreadable. Calm. Distant. Almost indifferent.
But his eyes… they didn't move.
Bryan followed her gaze and smirked. "You know that guy?"
Zara tore her eyes away. "Just… someone I used to know."
Bryan leaned closer again, lowering his voice. "Ex-boyfriend? Should I be worried?"
"Only if you keep touching me without asking," she shot back.
Simone choked on her drink.
Bryan leaned back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Feisty. I like that."
Zara offered him a tight smile, suddenly aware of Adrian's lingering stare. But instead of approaching, he just… watched. Like she was a puzzle he couldn't quite solve—and wasn't sure he wanted to anymore.
Then he turned away, refocusing on the woman across his table, as if Zara was nothing but a passing thought.
But she knew better. He saw.
Zara shifted again in her seat, trying to create more space between her and Bryan. But the guy didn't take the hint. His hand grazed her arm, then her thigh—again.
"Stop," she said, this time more clearly.
Bryan chuckled. "You're cute when you act all proper," he whispered, leaning in closer. "But I know you like me."
Zara's chest tightened. She looked at Simone, who was mid-conversation with her own date and didn't notice. She turned back to Bryan. "I said stop."
"Don't be such a prude." His hand slid along her lower back.
Zara froze.
That was it.
She pushed his hand away harshly and stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the marble floor. Heads turned—including Adrian's.
Bryan stood too, raising his voice slightly. "Oh come on, don't be dramatic—"
CRACK!
A sharp, explosive sound silenced the restaurant.
Bryan flew sideways, crashing into the empty chair beside him. A gasp rippled through the room. Glasses clinked. Utensils froze midair.
Zara's eyes widened.
Adrian stood at the end of their table, his fist still clenched, breathing hard. The veins in his forearm were taut, his jaw tighter.
Bryan groaned, already on the ground, clutching his cheek.
"What the—who the hell are you?!" he spat, blood on his lip.
Adrian stepped closer, towering. "I'm the guy who's going to break your jaw if you touch her again."
Zara was speechless. Simone, who had jumped to her feet as well, rushed to Zara's side, wrapping an arm around her protectively.
"Are you okay?" Simone whispered, looking her over.
Zara nodded, still stunned. "I—yeah."
Simone turned her glare on Bryan. "Touch my cousin again and I'll break more than your ego."
Bryan staggered to his feet, still holding his jaw. "She was leading me on—"
"Say another word," Adrian said lowly, "and I swear you'll leave in an ambulance."
Security had started approaching from the far end of the restaurant. Adrian turned to Zara.
"Let's go."
Zara hesitated—then nodded.
Simone grabbed her clutch. "We're coming with you." She shot one last disgusted look at Bryan. "Loser."
As they walked out, the stares followed. Zara felt Adrian's hand hover near her back—not touching, but steady. Protective.
She didn't know what this moment meant.
But she knew what it felt like.
Safe.