Dark Promises

CHAPTER 23

Zayn sighed and asked, "What happened between you two?"

Kendra's expression changed to one of extreme anger as she replied, "He cheated on me with Megan... with my own friend."

Hearing this, Zayn looked at her with the same intensity and asked, "Then?"

Kendra looked at him, surprised by his reaction. She hadn't expected him to respond this way. Zayn raised his eyebrows, urging her to continue. Taking a deep breath, Kendra began,

"As I said, Megan, Luna, Ada, Alona, and I were best friends—almost like a family. Our parents were friends too, and they were so happy about our bond. During college, Ethan proposed to me. At the time, Megan and I were the only ones not in relationships. I wasn't even interested in dating, but Ethan showed me love and protection... and for some reason, I fell for him. I know his love for me back then was genuine. We became well-known around the college, almost like a power couple.

"But as the years went by, in our second-to-last year, Luna, Ada, and Alona started pointing out that something seemed off about Megan's behavior. I brushed it off. Then rumors began spreading—rumors that Ethan was cheating on me with someone from our college. At first, I didn't believe them, not even when Luna and the others insisted it was true. I was blinded by his love.

"One day, on my way to the football court, I saw Megan and Ethan together. I overheard their conversation. Megan was crying, and Ethan was consoling her, telling her not to worry about our relationship. I was furious, and as I started to approach them, he suddenly kissed her. At that moment, it felt like my whole world was falling apart. My legs froze, and I couldn't move," she said, her voice breaking. Kendra stopped suddenly, struggling to control her emotions. She looked away, blinking back the tears in her eyes.

Zayn listened intently, watching her every movement. The pain in her voice was undeniable.

Zayn sighed deeply and asked, looking into her face, "Are you still in that pain?"

Kendra chuckled bitterly and replied, "What do you think?"

Zayn shook his head and said, pulling her into a comforting hug, "I know you're not, but listen, Ken. The one you truly deserve is out there, waiting for you. Don't dwell on the past. It hurt you deeply, but you're not that college girl anymore. You're the CEO of your own global company. The Kendra I know is strong. And..." He broke the hug and looked deeply into her eyes.

"...I saw the hatred you had for Megan and Ethan when you met her again after all these years, If you want to teach them a lesson, I'll help you," he added with a smirk.

Kendra shook her head, smiling faintly, and said, "She's already learning her lesson. Her family disowned her when they found out about what she did."

Zayn smiled and hugged her again. Kendra returned the hug, but then they both suddenly froze. Realization dawned on them, and they quickly pulled apart, their faces flushed with embarrassment.

"L-Let's go home," Kendra stammered, avoiding his gaze.

Zayn nodded, still looking away, and walked toward the car. Kendra took a deep breath before following him.

Zayn's POV

After dropping her off, I drove straight to my house. The whole ride, I was smiling like an idiot, thinking about her.

When I reached home, I parked my car and entered. The lights were all off. I slowly walked toward my room, but—

"What happened yesterday?" a voice came from behind me.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around to see my dad standing there with his usual cold expression. I frowned and asked, "What are you talking about?"