Page 77 of Symphony for Lies

Stacy and I were curled up on the couch, having fallen asleep tangled in blankets. Our bodies ached from the awkward sleeping position, but neither of us complained as we shared breakfast and got ready for the day.

True to her word, she took me to the doctor.

As we sat in the waiting room, flipping through magazines like we weren’t at the doctor’s office for a morning-after emergency, I felt something shift inside me.

A small part of the weight that had been sitting on my chest since the previous night lifted a little.

After a quick stop at home to check on my grandmother and get a change of clothes, I returned to work.

The clinic was as chaotic as ever. Robert and Rita were busy at the front desk, and the area was filled with impatient pet owners holding leashes and carriers. I barely managed a greeting, trying to slip into the locker room to drop off my bag.

Rita stopped me with a knowing smirk.“Someone is waiting for you in the lounge.”

I frowned.

Robert grinned broadly, wiggling his brows. “He’s been here since this morning.”

My stomach clenched.

Please, please let it be Spencer. Or literally anyone else. But not Zane.

I swallowed hard, turning stiffly toward the waiting area. The moment I stepped inside, I froze.

Of course, he was sitting there, dressed in black. His hair was brushed back, with a few loose rogue strands over his forehead. And in his hands, he held a bouquet of red roses.

My stomach dropped.

Zane hadn’t noticed me; he looked deep in thought, almost troubled.

I cleared my throat to find my voice, and instantly, his head snapped up. His dark eyes found mine, and for a brief moment, something like relief flickered in them.

He stood up and rubbed the back of his neck. “Morning.” He sounded almost uncertain.

“Morning. What are you doing here?”

Before he could answer, an older man entered the lounge with his dog. I stepped aside, but I could feel everyone staring. Too many people, too many listening ears.

I opened my mouth to tell him we needed to talk privately, but out of nowhere, he asked, “Was I that bad?”

The elderly man paused mid-step. And I heard Robert snort loudly, barely suppressing laughter.

“What?”

Zane’s lips curled into a lazy smirk. “Was I that—?”

I slammed my hand over his mouth. “Don’t say it.”

Without thinking, I grabbed his wrist and yanked him outside. He let me pull him along like it was second nature to do so.

I let go the moment we were outside and stepped back, desperately needing space.

“What the hell was that?” I snapped.

Zane leaned casually against the wall with the roses still in his hand, looking unbothered.But his expression was serious. “Why did you leave? Was I bad? Did I hurt you?” The words came out soft, almost hesitant or… afraid.

“No, no, Zane.” I shook my head hastily. “It was… it was good. And you didn’t hurt me. It’s just…”I bit my lip. “I thought… we’re too different.”

His brows lifted slightly, and he shook his head.“That’s it?”

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