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7.

I was a big ball of nerves as I sat in the car on the way to Simon's office. I was mostly just angry at Zayn that this has happened.

Did he mean what he said last night? That he didn't want to be with Perrie, he was just trying to get over me?

No Hannah, you know better than anyone that this is just one of the mind games he loves playing.

I looked down at the tattoo on my leg that I'd foolishly allowed him to do. Are the boys right? Is the fact that I haven't had it covered up enough to show the world that I still love him?

I groaned and shook my hair out of my eyes. Outside the car the rain had began in to fall on L.A. How fitting.

Beside me, Esme grabbed my hand discreetly and gave it a gentle squeeze. I really don't give that girl enough credit. We might not be as close as we used to be but I know that I can always count on her to be there for me 100% no matter what.

I returned the squeeze and gave her a small smile.

Unfortunately for me, the ride was over all too swiftly and I quickly found myself riding up the elevator to Simon Cowell's office.

Perrie and Zayn were already there, seated outside in the waiting area. They both quickly greeted the boys and Es, ignoring me which I was grateful for.

We were let into the room which contained a big conference table with some chairs, and a huge tv screen with a computer connected.

I abruptly sat down at the end of the table in between Liam and Louis, as far from Zayn as I could.

Liam rested his hand on my thigh protectively without giving me a single glance. I placed my own palm on top of his, glad to have his comforting presence helping me through this.

"Right everyone" Simon sat down at the opposite end of the table after closing the door behind us. "I won't beat around the bush, you've made a real mess here" He glared directly at Zayn, who just held his gaze cooly.

"Wanna explain yourself?" He asked the older boy.

Zayn shrugged before turning his gaze down to the table.

"It was nothing" He began, looking everywhere but at me. "We obviously have history and she's Lou's little sister, I was just looking out for her and the paps made it seem more than what it was" Zayn finally looked at me, but I saw nothing in his eyes, just a blank and vacant expression.

"Yeah the paps did make it seem more, that's the problem here Zayn" Simon replied with a sigh of frustration.

Zayn looked up and shot me a glare as if somehow this was all my fault. What a dick. An incredibly attractive dick.

"I've given this some thought, and I've made some plans. Now Hannah, I'm not your manager and therefore cannot force you to do anything, but for the sake of the careers of every person in this room, including yourself, I suggest you seriously consider what I'm about to say" Simon's words shot the tension in the room sky high, we all sat in tense silence, waiting for whatever he was about to say.

I nodded for him to continue.

"Zayn and Perrie, continue as usual but with more public outings, however to take care and not overdo it, we don't want to make it look like we're forcing your relationship to carry on" Perrie nodded and took hold of Zayn's hand on top of the table. Zayn remained emotionless, but I could see the muscle in his jaw twinge.

"I just want to say that I'm not going to be a bitch about this Hannah" Perrie told me with a small smile. "I believe you that it was nothing and I totally respect you as a person and an artist, and I would love to work with you in the future, and I know the girls would too. If you ever wanna get coffee or anything just let me know, I genuinely do like you"