Page 65 of Symphony for Lies

She stayed behind to take notes while I headedfor the exit.

Before I could leave, Robert practically jumped out of his chair.“Amelia! Hold up!”

I frowned when he grabbed my wrist, his face practically glowing with excitement.

“You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend,” he teased, waggling his brows.

That was so random. I couldn’t quite catch up to the situation. “What?”

“Don’t play innocent now!” He grinned. “There’s a very attractive guy waiting for you in the lobby.”

When I stared at him blankly, Robert sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine! Keep your secrets. But damn, Amelia, I was not expecting that.”

Shaking him off, I walked toward the waiting area.And there wasZane,sitting on one of the chairs and looking completely at ease. I couldn’t help but stare as he effortlessly charmed an elderly woman beside him while petting her kitten.

It was a sight that could make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

The man looked infuriatingly good, dressed in black jeans and a fitted sweater, with his dark hair neatly pushed back to reveal the sharp angles of his flawless face. His easy smile, the way his fingers stroked gently over the kitten’s fur… Every part of it seemed crafted to be unfairly mesmerizing.

Even the older woman was blushing, gazing at him with an affectionate smile.

Why does he always look ridiculously gorgeous when my entire world feels like it’s falling apart?

“Zane?” I finally called out, breaking free from whatever spell he had unknowingly cast.

At the sound of my voice, his smile stretched wider.“Amelia, there you are.” He stood up right away, briefly glancing at the elderly woman. “It was a pleasure meeting you, ma’am, but I’ve got to go now.” He turned back to me and winked.

I would be lying if I said my heart didn’t skip a beat for a second. “What are you doing here?”

“Did you forget our date?” he teased. I tilted my head up to meet his gaze as he hovered over me. “That hurts, you know.”

“Oh… right,” I mumbled, finally remembering.

Truthfully, I had forgotten. I had been ready to go straight home, considering everything that happened during the day.

Zane arched a brow, studying my face carefully. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

He didn’t look convinced. His eyes scanned my expression as if trying to see through me.

I turned away before he could read me any further.

“Anyway, have you eaten yet?”

“I’m not hungry. Can we just get the book?” I avoided looking at him, keeping my voice neutral.

There was a beat of silence.

“Ouch,” I barely heard him mutter.

It was so quiet I wasn’t sure if I had imagined it.

With a sigh, I motioned for him to follow me outside. I needed fresh air.

He walked beside me without a word, matching my pace as we exited the building.

When we reached his motorbike, Zane placed the helmet on my head, fastening the straps securely.“Don’t worry. I’ll drive slow and careful.”