the lover agreement // zauren

FOUR.

Of all days, why did his Auntie Baiza have to sprain her leg? Zayn had an important meeting with the Sheppard family to discuss the shopping centre in a few hours and instead of preparing for it, he was in the Emergency Department. This was not how he scheduled his day.

He hated hospitals—the whole ambience of them. They reeked of medicine and death. Just being in the emergency room made his skin crawl.

As Baiza waited for the next available doctor, he excused himself for something to snack on. He didn't have a chance to get lunch, and he was starving. He didn't want to join his aunt in the treatment room.

Zayn ventured back to the lobby, inserting a few bills for an overpriced can of Coke. When he returned to his aunt, he saw someone he didn't think he'd ever lay eyes on again. The woman he evicted was indeed a doctor. He recognized those green eyes anywhere. You can't really forget the person who called you a dickhead after spilling your coffee.

"Wow, what a small world." Growing up, he didn't believe in coincidences, but he didn't think this was some sort of heavenly sign.

The young doctor stared at him like she saw a ghost. Her face was pale, drained of blood.

"Henry was telling the truth. You are a doctor." He cracked open his Coke, tipping it to his lips and gulping down a selfish helping.

"Oh, Zayn!" His aunt called. "You're back. This is my doctor, Dr. Jauregui. Isn't she beautiful?"

The corners of his lips bent to a crooked smile. "Oh, I know her."

Auntie Baiza switched to a more alerted but dumbfounded stare. ""Really? Have you been here before? Is this because you don't eat right? Wait until your dad hears about this."

"No, no!" He rapidly denied, annoyed with the exaggeration. His aunts always asked and assumed so many questions. It was highly frustrating.

That's when an idea hit him—fast and hard too. He observed the doctor like she was the solution to a lot of his immediate problems.

Zayn slid closer, dropping an arm over Lauren's shoulders. "This is the girlfriend I was telling you about."

Baiza was surprised, her eyebrows shooting to her hairline. "What?"

"What!" On the other hand, Lauren's jaw dropped.

Then three unfamiliar voices tolled behind him. "What?!"

Before chaos could break loose, Zayn dragged Lauren to a consultation room he saw as he wandered into the waiting lobby for a drink earlier. He leaned his back on the door, guaranteeing no one else should walk in.

"Look, before you freak out–" He tried to postpose the storm that was brewing in her vapid green eyes.

"Why did you tell your aunt I'm your girlfriend? Are you mad?!" Because she was mad—hella. First, he evicted her and now, he told someone they were together. Who the hell did he think he was?

"Shh!" He hushed, pressing a finger to his mouth. "Let me explain."

Lauren crossed her arms, figuring no explanation could really justify what he did. "No. I'm leaving. I have to clarify with your aunt that her nephew is a liar." She stepped forward, but he didn't budge. "Move."

Zayn firmly shook his head. "Not until you listen to me. I promise, I'm not some sort of creep."

"Oh, right. I'm sure." She rolled her eyes. "Why should I listen to you when didn't hear me out last week?"

Touché.

His lips plummeted to a deep frown. "Just listen to me since you don't have a choice right now."