SHADOW PLAY (SYLUS)

13

Zayne walked into the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeting him like an old friend.

He had made this place a habit—not just for the convenience of its proximity to the clinic but also to keep a watchful eye on Regina after Sylus had voiced his concerns.

As he approached the counter, Regina looked up from her station, her smile soft yet reserved.

“The usual?” she asked, her voice polite but tinged with shyness, a hint of caution in her demeanor.

Zayne nodded, intrigued by the delicate balance of her professionalism and her reluctance to engage too deeply. “Yeah, just the usual.”

Zayne watched Regina intently as he sipped his coffee, noting how she moved with ease among the other staff, seemingly unaware of his gaze.

Despite his observations, there was an innocence to her demeanor that didn’t raise any alarms—yet when Sylus mentioned he had his suspicions about her, Zayne felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

As he finished his coffee, he stood up, glancing over to see that Regina had already changed out of her work attire, ready to leave for the day.

“Heading home?” Zayne asked casually as they stepped out into the cool evening air.

“Yeah,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re staying at his place, right?” Zayne probed, trying to keep his tone light despite the weight of his words.

Regina’s cheeks flushed slightly, her fingers nervously scratching the back of her neck. “Um… yeah,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

He offered her a reassuring smile, his voice smooth and inviting. “Need a ride? I can drop you off.”

“No, it’s alright. I can manage on my own,” Regina replied, glancing away, not wanting to impose on him.

Zayne smiled, his tone gentle yet firm. “Come on, it’s no trouble at all. It’s getting late, and it’s not safe for you to walk alone.”

She hesitated, biting her lip, but Zayne’s earnestness made her reconsider. Finally, she let out a soft sigh and nodded, her cheeks warming. “Alright, if you insist… I’d appreciate the ride.”

The ride was more comfortable than Regina had anticipated. Zayne wasn’t intimidating like Sylus—his presence was calm and gentle, a stark contrast to Sylus' intensity.

As they drove, Zayne casually asked her a few questions about her college, her studies, and how she ended up working as Sylus’ maid.

“I was surprised when I heard you were Sylus’ maid. He doesn’t usually hire just anyone, you know,” Zayne remarked, stealing a quick glance at Regina before focusing back on the road.

Regina could sense the underlying suspicion in Zayne’s words.

“His previous maid was with him for a long time, but it was sudden when she had to quit,” Zayne explained, his eyes darting between the road and her.

“He doesn’t trust people easily, which is why he’s had trouble finding someone reliable,” he continued, a knowing tone creeping into his voice. “Everyone seems to have their own motives when they get close to him.”

Zayne glanced at her, his intent clear. “I’m really glad someone like you is by his side,” he added, emphasizing the words to remind her of the weight of loyalty.

Regina felt a wave of guilt wash over her, her stomach tightening as she nodded, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She remained silent, grappling with the conflicting emotions swirling inside her.