Hearing that familiar "Zoe" again, Zoe Rhodes's breath caught. A strange panic flickered in her eyes, and her ears burned.
For so many years, everyone close to her had called her that, including the Zane Hawthorne she used to know.
But for some reason, it felt different now.
His voice was more tender and lingering, especially paired with his hopeful gaze. It was as if, in this one moment, he had eyes only for her.
Anyone watching would have thought they were a young couple.
His gaze was so full of affection; she found it a little hard to bear.
'The Zane Hawthorne I remember wasn't like this at all. It seems he's really been through a lot these past ten years.'
Touching her burning ears, Zoe Rhodes was at a loss for words.
'That name felt so strange coming from him now!'
"I didn't mean anything by that. I just... I don't think you're disgusting at all. We're... we're best friends!"
