Chapter 100. Part 2: Episode 2

Zayn blinked in surprise, brows furrowing. “Lucien, what was that for?”

Lucien crossed his arms. “For the past few weeks, you’ve been married to that screen. If it’s not your tablet, it’s your phone. You barely sit without checking something. Why are you so… distracted lately?”

Zayn sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. He looked tired, though he hid it well under his usual charm. “Baby, I know it seems bad. But I’ve been handling things.”

“What things?” Lucien pressed. His voice wasn’t angry, but there was a tightness there. “Don’t say ‘work’ and end it. Tell me the truth.”

Zayn leaned closer, taking Lucien’s hand into his. His thumb brushed gently against Lucien’s knuckles. “Foreign mafias. They’ve been trying to stir trouble. they have been probing our borders, and making threats. I’ve been busy keeping them quiet, keeping it from turning into war.”

Lucien’s chest tightened. “You should have told me sooner.”

“I didn’t want you worrying,” Za