Deceptive Affections

CHAPTER 41

ZAISHA

I couldn't sleep the entire night. Thoughts of what will happen tomorrow, constantly running in my head. I couldn't stop but second guess my decision. If it was the right thing to agree to spend the day with Reyaan or if I was setting myself up for disappointment.

The voice inside me kept pushing me towards the tiny bit of hope that could come from tomorrow. I am excited and nervous for what he has for me that will make me change my decision and give us another chance. And I really hope I am able to. Because God, oh God, I love him. These creeping doubt and hope have taken up all the space in my head and now I feel nauseous.

If I think about what I want from him or what will make me trust him that he is serious about this is maybe if he shows me that he knows me or maybe something that shows that he is ready to open up or ready to trust me.

I spent the morning pacing my room, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was still hopeful.

Reyaan texted me the details. We were to meet at a quaint café by the beach, the one I remember we had breakfast in the last time we were here. As I walked towards the café, the salty sea breeze mingled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, grounding me in the moment. My heart pounded with each step, and I fought the urge to turn back.

When I arrived, Reyaan was already there, sitting at an outdoor table with two cups of coffee. He looked up and smiled as I approached, a mix of nervousness and hope in his eyes as well.

"Hi," he greeted, standing up and pulling out a chair for me.

"Hey," I replied, sitting down.

An awkward silence taking over us as he continued to look at me. "Um... so what's the plan?"

He smiled and said slyly, "Breakfast?! Let's have breakfast first and then we'll see what's next."

I nodded, "I don't feel like eating now. The coffee is fine." The earlier awkwardness and tension dissipated from the air as we had our coffee and chatted like casual friends. Eventually we fell into a comfortable rhythm. He asked about my day and the fashion show. He listened intently, genuinely interested in every detail, like always. I asked about his work and obviously Roman, whom I missed dearly.

After finishing our beverage, Reyaan stood up and extended his hand towards me, a playful glint in his eyes. "Come on!"

He walked us towards his car, opened the door for me and patiently waited as I settled in the passenger side seat then leaned in to put the seat belt on. His face inched closer to mine and our fingers brushed slightly. The familiar gesture made my heart flutter with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. He moved back and closed the car door.

"Where are we going?", I asked as he settled in the seat beside me.

"It's a surprise!"

"You, are giving me a surprise?"

"You are acting like even the idea of me giving you a surprise is impossible."

"Not impossible. It's just that you don't do surprises."

"Well, you like them so yes, I do." The simplicity of the statement washed over me like a wave. Today is going to be tough for my heart.

After a short drive we stopped at an industrial-looking building with a sign that read "Rage Room." I turned to Reyaan; my eyebrows raised in surprise.

"A rage room?" I asked, a mix of confusion and curiosity in my voice.

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I thought it might help to let out some of the pent-up emotions. And you can take out all of the anger you have for me. Plus, it can be fun."