Chapter 94. The Proposal

The garden was being decorated quietly, fairy lights strung along the trees, soft music playing in the background. Maids moved about quickly, placing roses, candles, and lanterns everywhere.

Zayn stood apart from it all, his hands shoved into his pockets, pacing restlessly. His face was unreadable, but his eyes betrayed the storm inside.

Selene walked up to him, her gown swishing lightly as she crossed her arms.

“Stop pacing, Zayn. You’re making everyone nervous,” she said.

“I don’t know if I should do this, Selene,” Zayn muttered, dragging a hand through his hair. “What if he says no? What if he looks at me and thinks I’m… too much? What if—”

Selene cut him off with a sharp glare. “Zayn, listen to me. That boy loves you. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Do you think anyone else would put up with your temper? Your moods? The way you bark at everyone? He not only puts up with it — he softens it. He softens you.”

Zayn’s jaw clenched. He lowered his ey