130 A New Friend
130 A New Friend
*****
******
CHAPTER 130
Snow and I stepped out of the car, and as Snow escorted me to my room, I couldn’t shake the warmth that had settled in my chest.
Was this love?
I mean, I once loved Ivan, but after his cruel betrayal, I saw myself as level–headed with my feelings but
meeting Snow proved I had more work to do on myself.
The mansion was quiet as we climbed the stairs, proof that Aira and Storm weren’t back or even if they were, sleeping would be the best course of action given that Storm had school the next day.
When we reached my door, he paused, his gaze
lingering on me. “Goodnight, Zara,” he said, his voice low.
“Goodnight, Snow,” I replied, watching as he turned and walked away.
09:28
177
130 A New Friend
I stepped into my room, closing the door behind me. Tonight was unforgettable, and as I crawled into bed, my heart felt full in a way it hadn’t in a long time.
Suddenly my phone screen lit up, signalling a text message I hadn’t expected and from…
“Zade,” I gasped almost in shock. I wasn’t expecting him to contact me but I guess our conversation left quite an impression on him.
Zade: I had a wonderful day. Thanks, Zara, it was nice talking to you.
My eyes brimmed with joy as I typed a response.
Zara: Same. Happy to be of help. Have a good night,
Zade.
***
**
~Zara’s POV~
The soft morning light poured through my window as I stretched lazily in bed. The events of the previous night still swirled in my mind–the meteor shower, the laughter, and that unexpected text from Zade.
I had barely finished my breakfast when my phone buzzed again. Picking it up. I noticed Zade’s name
09:28
2/7
130 A New Friend
flashing on the screen.
“Good morning,” his voice came through warm and steady.
“Morning, Zade,” I replied, smiling despite myself.
“Are you free today? There’s something I think you’d enjoy seeing.”
I hesitated, glancing toward the hallway as if expecting Snow to appear. “What is it?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said with a chuckle. “You’ll love it. I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
Before I could respond, he hung up, leaving me slightly puzzled but intrigued. True to his word, Zade arrived exactly an hour later; his car pulling into the driveway smoothly mirroring his personality.
As I stepped outside, he leaned casually against the driver’s side, his sharp blue eyes scanning me briefly before nodding in approval. “Ready?”
I nodded, climbing into the car.
Snow’s POV
From my study window, I caught sight of Zade’s car
09:28
3/7
130 A Now Friend
pulling into my driveway and my lips curled up.
He had not informed me of his visit but I was getting eager to meet with my best friend. There was so much I needed to tell him, especially how I felt about Zara.
I know all we had was a contract marriage but now the lines had blurred within the two. I needed his guarded advice and hopefully to inform him of any progress to happen.
Just the thought kept my heart in my mouth. I brushed off my thoughts and stood, looking out the window in my study, when I saw his car drive off.
Straight out of the driveway with Zara in the passenger seat, her face animated with laughter at something he
said.
A low growl rumbled in my throat before I could stop it. Glacier stirred restlessly. My grip on my desk tightened, breaking up a part of the table I held.
Then, as though his anger shifted, Glacier narrowed his eyes at me in or subconscious. “What’s the matter, Snow?” he teased knowingly.
“It’s nothing,” I muttered, returning to my chair. “She’s
just getting some air.”
09:28
4/7
130 A New Friend
“Right,” Glacier replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Well, friend or foe, that fresh air doesn’t sits well with us. She’s ours.”
To Glacier’s surprise, I sighed, my mind flashing back to the memory of her telling me about how I do not own her in the contract.
I had to admit, I made a mess there and she found the loophole that she could see against me.
“Being married to me doesn’t remove her right to mingle.”
“But not when Zade excludes us and Zara didn’t inform
you.”
I shut my eyes, hoping to silence Glacier. His words were true and they hurt because the two people I cared about left me out of whatever fun they were having.
“Fun, right,” Glacier scoffed. “Fix this, Snow. Either claim her or lose her. And I won’t sit for the latter either. Do the right thing or I take over and do it for
us.”
***
09:28
******
5/7
130 A New Friend
~Zara’s POV
Zade took me to a tranquil wildlife sanctuary nestled on the edge of the city, the kind of place that made you forget the world’s noise.
As we strolled along the shaded trails, he pointed out different plants and animals, his knowledge both surprising and fascinating.
“You know a lot about this,” I commented, glancing at
him.
He shrugged. “I find peace here. And after last night, I thought you might too.”
It was hard not to appreciate his thoughtfulness. Zade had a way of making you feel like you mattered, even in the smallest moments.
As we reached a small clearing overlooking a serene lake, he handed me a book. Its leather–bound cover looked worn but cared for.
“It’s a collection of old wolf lore,” he explained. “I thought you’d find it interesting.”
2
I flipped through the pages; my curiosity piqued. “This is… incredible, Zade. Thank you.”
00:38
6/7
< 130 A New Friend
“It’s nothing,” he replie