Chapter 9

Impatiently, I grumbled and tapped my Valentino heels on the concrete floor of the hallway. Students bustled past, jostling each other in their rush to get to class. Glancing at my watch, a scowl formed on my face.

Where on earth is he?

I had seen all my friends earlier in the morning. They had wished me a happy birthday, and I made sure to remind them about the party at my house tonight. As the minutes ticked by, the hallway gradually emptied, leaving only a few stragglers scurrying to their classes.

Finally, Zane sauntered through the large doors, seemingly unfazed by his lateness. A wide smile stretched across his face when he spotted me leaning against his locker. "Happy sweet sixteen, sugarplum."

He draped his arm over my shoulder and planted a kiss on my cheek. "Cute. New shoes?"

"Yes, a gift from Milan. Why are you late? You know Mrs. Nguyen doesn't tolerate tardiness," I scolded him, giving him a disapproving look.

"Pff, I know," he r