~Zayn's POV~
The next morning, the space beside me was cold. I blinked away the remnants of sleep, realizing Evric was already gone. I pulled on some clothes and followed the scent of fresh coffee toward the kitchen.
As I rounded the corner, I heard them, my mother and Evric. They were laughing together, a genuine, easy sound that filled the house. But the moment I stepped into view, the laughter died down into suspicious, playful grins.
They exchanged playful, knowing looks and fell silent, their expressions making it painfully obvious they'd been gossiping about me.
"Good morning, baby," I said, walking straight to Evric, my eyes narrowed with curiosity.
"Good morning, love," he replied, amusement flickering in his eyes.
I turned to my mom, giving her a pointed look. "Good morning, Mom."
"Good morning, son," she said warmly, though she was still wearing that "I know a secret" smile.
