Only for You

24: Dinner?

Zac pulls up to his father's house, the deep purr of his Aston Martin's engine cutting off as he parks in the driveway. He takes a moment, gripping the steering wheel before exhaling and stepping out of the car.

He adjusts his shirt, smoothing out the fabric over his chest as he strides up to the front door. His movements are deliberate, the slight nerves in his chest masked by his usual confidence.

Raising his hand, he knocks firmly on the door, stepping back slightly as he waits. From inside, he hears footsteps approaching, followed by the faint sound of a latch being undone.

The door swings open, and Oliver stands there, dressed casually but neatly, a warm smile on his face.

"Zac," Oliver greets, his tone upbeat. "Glad you could make it."

"Of course," Zac replies, giving his father a nod. "Wouldn't miss it."

Oliver steps aside, motioning for him to come in. Zac enters, his eyes sweeping across the familiar space. It's the house he grew up in—nostalgic but with subtle changes that signal his father's new chapter with Fiona.

"Fiona's just finishing up in the kitchen," Oliver says as he closes the door behind them. "Dinner smells amazing, by the way. You're in for a treat."

Zac chuckles lightly, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Good to know. Anything I can help with?"

Oliver shakes his head. "Nah, just relax. She'll call us when everything's ready."

Zac nods, his mind already wondering when Fatima will arrive. Seeing her here, in this context, feels... different. It's another layer to their complicated, yet undeniably thrilling, relationship.

As Oliver and Zac step into the dining room, Zac's entire demeanor shifts when his eyes land on the unexpected guest at the table. His frown deepens, and he leans toward his father, his voice low but laced with irritation.

"What is she doing here?" Zac hisses.

"She just showed up," Oliver responds with a helpless shrug.

Sitting at the table, looking far too comfortable, is Alana. She flashes Zac a wide grin. "Hi baby! I've missed you."

Zac groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alana—"

"Yes, baby?" she interrupts, leaning forward like she's hanging on his every word.

"This is crazy. You're being crazy," Zac snaps, glaring at her.

Alana's smile falters for a moment before she quickly recovers. "What do you mean? I missed you, pookie," she says sweetly, batting her lashes.

Before Zac can retort, Fiona enters the room, carrying a pitcher of lemonade. "Hi, Zachary," she greets with a polite smile.

"Hi, Ms. Wilson," Zac replies, trying to keep his tone neutral as Oliver moves to wrap an arm around Fiona's waist.

Just then, the sound of a knock echoes from the front door.

"I'll get it," Oliver says, moving toward the hallway.

Fiona sets the pitcher on the table and glances at Alana. "Zac, have a seat. I see your girlfriend decided to join us, too."

"She's not my girlfriend—" Zac starts, exasperated.

"We're on and off. It's... complicated," Alana interjects, her tone sickly sweet.

With an irritated groan, Zac walks over and reluctantly sits down. Alana seizes the opportunity, standing and sliding into the chair beside him. She latches onto his arm, her touch possessive. Zac stiffens, his frustration boiling over as Fiona watches the scene unfold.