Prologue: Zaden couldn't accept that she might belong to someone else—or that Brian had something he didn't—and that thought turned into obsession.
The evening came, office time ended, and everyone started leaving. Lara was waiting on the footpath. Zaden noticed her and started his car, but his eyes stayed on her through the side mirror.
Another car arrived near Lara. Brian came out and hugged her. She was full of happiness and hugged him back, closing her eyes. Zaden noticed that, and he stopped the car, pausing there. He kept looking at them both. Something inside him broke at that moment—something he couldn't explain. After a few seconds, he drove away without looking at the mirror again.
Brian opened the car door for Lara, making her feel valued. She felt it. She was impressed and couldn't understand his sudden interest towards her. She kept smiling.
They started traveling somewhere far and quiet. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"You'll know," he said.
They arrived at a beautiful place. Inside, it was an aquarium. Lara stood there, froze for a second, and then said, "Woww!!"
"Do you like it?" Brian asked.
"Yes, I love it," she said, jumping like a child.
Brian looked at her differently for a moment. Something in him shifted. "Come," he said, holding her hand. She didn't pull away.
He showed her all the giant fishes, their names, their history, talking continuously. She stayed with him, listening, enjoying every second. They spent their time there preciously.
Then they exited the building and started walking. Outside was completely quiet, full of greenery and fresh air.
"Why is this aquarium so alone? I mean, will anyone come to visit this place? No one is around… I think no one even knows it's here," Lara asked.
He laughed. "It is only for rich people. They come here for their precious quiet time."
Ohhh…
They walked some distance. The air was cool and smooth. It felt like heaven.
"This is my favorite climate condition," she said.
Brian suddenly stopped and grabbed her hand back. She turned towards him because of the force—and he kissed her on the lips.
It was sudden.
While kissing, she slowly turned fully toward him. His hands moved to her waist and pressed it tightly, pulling her close.
She moaned.
He moved down to her neck, biting lightly and leaving hickeys on her skin. His grip on her waist stayed tight. She didn't stop him.
After a moment, they both looked into each other's eyes.
He smiled. "Wait… let me get my car."
He turned and went to bring it.
Lara stood there like a main character, not moving, her thoughts running. Brian's sudden move stayed in her mind.
Then suddenly, Zaden crossed her mind.
The way he behaves. The way he looks at her.
It felt the same.
Her expression changed slightly.
A doubt started building in her mind about Zaden.
A horn sound broke her thoughts. "Get in, honey!" Brian called.
She smiled again and got in.
They reached her place. He dropped her off, gave a smirky smile, said bye, and left.
Zaden couldn't get those thoughts out of his mind. Brian and Lara. That hug. That closeness. He kept walking here and there, unable to stay still.
Suddenly, he called everyone.
"I'm moving out," he announced.
Mr. James looked at him. "Why? Did our presence become a nuisance to you now?"
"No. I just want to be alone."
Conrad laughed. "I guess he wants to be alone with his girlfriend."
Everyone thought the same.
"Maybe," Zaden said. "I'll move to our guest house outside the city road. Don't come and visit me. If anything, just call or text."
He went to his room, called the service guards, packed all his things, and moved them to his personal guest house.
His mother couldn't take it. She begged him not to go.
"Why are you being overdramatic?" he said. "Everyone moves out when they reach adulthood."
"But you never asked to stay alone before. Why now? Because of your girlfriend?"
"No. I just can't focus on anything. I'm surrounded by all of you. Just let me stay alone. I want peace."
And he left.
The news spread to Jeylin through Conrad.
"He's moving out alone… I guess they're going to live together from now on."
She cut the call immediately and started crying and shouting in frustration. Her mother came and hugged her, her eyes filled with tears, unable to handle her pain.
But Simon understood.
Zaden wasn't leaving to live with Lara.
Something triggered him.
Maybe Lara was the reason—but not in the way everyone thought.
The guards finished setting up his new home and waited for him, but he didn't arrive. They left a note and went away.
Zaden went straight to a bar.
There were people everywhere—dancing, loud music, drinking, kissing, doing shots. He looked around, feeling disgusted, but still wanted a drink.
He had no habit of drinking or smoking.
But that night, he wanted it.
He went inside, grabbed a drink, and started drinking.
One glass. Another. Another.
He drank nearly eight glasses of whiskey.
Still, nothing changed.
His mind stayed on Lara.
And Brian's hug.
He couldn't focus on anything else.
Suddenly, he stood up and left.
His car stopped in front of Lara's house.
He didn't knock.
He opened the door and walked in like it was his place.
Lara was in the shower.
Zaden saw that she was taking a shower. He stood there, looking at her through the blurry glass of the bathroom without blinking.
The water stopped.
She came out with a towel, her skin wet, water dripping on the floor.
She saw him.
And shouted.
Zaden moved quickly and shut her mouth with his hand.
The smell of alcohol, his unbuttoned shirt, the lack of balance in his eyes—she noticed everything.
She became extremely nervous.
Her body started shaking.
Their eyes locked onto each other.