Meera pov
i stormed into the staff restroom like my heels were stabbing the floor.
I slammed the stall door shut and locked it behind me, pressing my back to the wall as if it could hold me together.
my throat was tight. my chest — on fire.
Humiliated. In front of the assistant. In front of staff.
And worst of all — in front of him.
Zayn's words rang like a slap:
"Because you're still bitter I never looked at you the way I look at her."
That stung more than I will ever admit.
i thought i was past caring. Thought the humiliation from the Dubai conference was buried deep enough.
Apparently not.
I took a sharp breath and straightened up. i wouldn't let anyone see me like this. Not again.
By the time i emerged from the stall, my face was composed — eyes dry, lipstick fresh. i was powdering my cheek when the door opened and in walked lara from PR and Addison from Finance — my closest allies in the company, and fellow Zayn admirers.
Both paused when they saw her.
"Oh," lara said carefully. "You okay?"
Addison didn't wait for politeness. "We heard. He actually said that? Out loud?"
i didn't answer. i just stared at her own reflection.
"That's cold, even for Mr Anderson," lara said, leaning on the counter. "Defending the new girl? In front of you?"
"Who even is she?" Addison added. "She acts like she's never worked in a corporate office in her life. And he looks at her like she invented oxygen."
I finally looked at them, eyes sharp, voice icy. "He's obsessed. He doesn't even realize it."
"She doesn't belong here," Addison muttered. "She's not one of us. And definitely not his type."
"She's just a phase," lara said quickly. "It'll pass. Zayn doesn't let things last."
"No," i said slowly. "She's more than that."
The other two fell silent.
my voice hardened. "He never defended me like that. He's never defended anyone."
Addison raised an eyebrow. "So what are you saying?"
I gave them a long, unreadable look.
"I'm saying… if she wants to play in the big leagues, let's see how long she lasts."
Addison smirked. "I'm listening."
lara grinned. "Let's make her quit."
i didn't smile.
But i didn't stop them, either.
I simply adjusted my earrings, gave myself one last glance in the mirror, and walked out like the storm hadn't even started yet.
Jane pov
Monday Evening – Jane's Apartment
I barely made it halfway through unlocking my door before Tomika barged in from next door, holding a bowl of cereal in one hand and wearing the same grey bonnet she swore she'd burn two weeks ago.
"Please tell me you brought drama," Tomika said, slipping past her into the apartment. "Because I brought judgment."
I let out a weak laugh, closing the door behind us. "You could've at least asked if I brought food."
"Oh, I'll eat. But first—" Tomika threw herself onto the couch—"tell me why your workplace is trending in my head like a telenovela."
I dropped my bag, kicked off my flats, and collapsed beside her. "You have no idea."
And then i spilled it. All of it.
Zayn. The office whispers. The way meera had tried to humiliate her—and how Zayn had stepped in, all fire and steel. Tomika listened in stunned silence, only interrupting to raise both eyebrows and mutter things like "That man is cooked." and "Girl, you're either in a fairy tale or a lawsuit."
I exhaled shakily. "It's like... he lost control for a second. For me. I don't know what to make of it."
Tomika, wide-eyed, chewed thoughtfully on a spoonful of cereal. "He's in love."
I scoffed. "Zayn? Zayn Anderson is incapable of love. He might not even have a real heart."
"He's got a heart," Tomika said. "It's just been in a cryogenic freezer since the Obama administration."
we both burst into laughter, the tension dissolving for a brief, beautiful moment—until my phone buzzed beside me.
Levi.
The name lit up my screen like a match to gasoline.
Tomika arched one brow. "Ohhh. Him."
I blinked. "It's just a call—"
"Answer it. I'll mute myself like a good Netflix audience."
"Tomika—"
But Tomika had already slid off the couch and curled up in the corner, cereal in hand, smirking like she was watching the season finale.
I rolled my eyes and answered.
"Hey," i said, voice softer now.
"Hey, city girl," Levi's smooth voice came through, warm and casual. "Caught you at a bad time?"
Tomika mouthed City girl?! and mimed fainting.
Jen fought a smile. "Not really. Just got home."
"You sound tired."
"I am."
"Did something happen?" he asked, voice suddenly more focused.
I hesitated. "Long day."
Levi's voice dropped a little. "Anyone make you cry? Tell me where they live. I have a frying pan and a dark hoodie."
Tomika had to bite into her cereal bowl to keep from laughing out loud.
I smiled, my voice dropping, too. "No frying pan needed. Just… thank you."
"For what?"
"For calling," i said softly.
There was a pause.
"I meant it when I said you matter, Jane."
And this time, it hit deeper than it had all day. Zayn had shouted. Defended her in a room full of eyes. But Levi had called. Quietly. Just to see how she was doing. Just to make sure she was okay.
"You do too, Levi."
Another pause.
"Would it be forward if I asked you to dinner?" he asked.
i blushed.
Tomika silently screamed into a pillow on the couch.
"Maybe," i said, biting my lip. "But… not unwelcome."
Levi chuckled. "I'll take it. Sleep well, Jane."
"Goodnight, Levi."
i hung up, face flushed, heart thudding in my chest.
When she looked up, Tomika was staring at her.
The Look.
That you better stop pretending like two insanely attractive men aren't lowkey fighting over you look.
"What?" I said.
Tomika slowly raised her spoon and pointed it at me. "You are so in love."
i groaned and fell back onto the couch, burying my face in a pillow.
"I'm serious," Tomika said. "Levi is the warm hug. Zayn is the storm. And you, my sweet confused friend, are standing in the middle like a wet kitten with no clue where to run."
"I hate you," i muttered into the pillow.
"You love me," Tomika said smugly. "Now move over. We're watching Pride and Prejudice. You need a training montage."