CHAPTER 430: SHE LEARNED THE LESSON

Zayne looked at the screen of the computer blankly after finishing his work.

"Sir, aren’t you going home?" asked one of his junior colleagues.

Zayne then came out of his contemplative state, checking the time on the clock. "Ahh, yes. I’m leaving now," he said and turned off the computer before heading to his home.

While driving, he stopped by a small local restaurant to dine as he wasn’t in a mood to cook at home. Ordering a meal for himself, he also ordered a glass of Chianti just to calm his mind.

Looking at the dish before him, he ended up recalling June. She used to eat Pasta alla Norma most of the time in the dinner.

Zayne grabbed the glass of Chianti and downed it in one gulp. His appetite had gone and he simply left after paying the bills, leaving the food untouched.

"Fuck! I’m still unable to move on," Zayne muttered under his breath.

It had been over three months since June was exposed as a spy, working for the Romanovs, betraying everything they’d built. Yet the wound still felt fresh and far too deep.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, Zayne buckled the seatbelt and leaned back, resting his head against the headrest while heaving a sigh. He had never felt this low before, never this lost. Everyone else seemed to be moving on, but he remained stuck in place, chained to memories and questions that refused to let him go.

He pressed his fingers against his forehead, trying to force the tension away. With a slow exhale, he turned the key to start the engine.

But it didn’t start. He tried again, but again nothing happened.

Frustration simmering beneath his skin, Zayne stepped out of the car and popped open the hood. One glance told him something was wrong, though he couldn’t say what. He wasn’t in the state to deal with another problem, but he had no choice.

He called a nearby garage, and after waiting for a tow, had the car moved there.

"You can pick it up after five days," the garage owner informed him, wiping his hands on a rag. "Looks like the wiring’s shot. You haven’t been checking the engine at all, have you?"

"No," Zayne admitted. "Just get it fixed. I’ll be back in five days." He handed over his address before turning away.

As he took out his phone to book a cab for his phone, he found it was dead. A snicker escaped his mouth and he decided to walk for a few distance.

He walked down through the street when a sudden rain shower occured. He looked up at the sky and shook his head. While walking he didn’t realize that a car had suddenly halted a few meters away from him.

"Zayne!" Orabela’s voice came through as she turned down the window as she recognized him. In their last encounter, she didn’t but at the moment, he was still in his police’s uniform, so it was easier for her.

Zayne abruptly stopped and turned to the voice.

"Sorry? Do I know you?" Zayne asked with a frown, bringing his hand over his head.

"Ahh, ye-yes," Orabela replied with a bit of hesitation. "I’m Orabela Rosenzweig," she replied.

Zayne promptly remembered that name, but Orabela looked different. Was it because of the hairstyle she now kept?

"I’ll drop you," Orabela offered.

"It’s fine. I’ll go by myself," Zayne refused politely.

"The rain is going to be heavy. Are you sure?" Orabela inquired again.

Zayne didn’t think much and got into her car in the passenger’s seat.

"Thanks," he said, wearing the seatbelt.

"Hmm." Orabela pressed the accelerator and drove the car straight in the street.

"What are you doing in this area?" Zayne questioned.

"I was at my friend’s house. She lives next to this street," Orabela answered. "Where do you live?"

"Just drop me near the bus station, then I’ll go," Zayne said casually.

"Alright," Orabela replied. An awkward silence prevailed between them and it broke only when Orabela applied the brakes near the bus station.

"Thank you for the lift," Zayne said and exited the car. Orabela then drove toward her home.

As Zayne seated in the bus station, waiting for the bus, he wondered, ’Boss didn’t mention that Orabela was back. But she seemed decent in behavior this time. Maybe she learned the lesson after what she did to Layla.’

After an hour, the bus for his destination came and he climbed it. Arriving home late at night, Zayne felt exhausted. He went straight to the bed, but sleep didn’t reach his eyes.

This place had begun to haunt him. June and he used to sleep on this same bed.

"I have to move out of here," he muttered, sitting up. He reached for his phone and plugged it into the charger. The screen lit up, casting a faint glow in the dark room. With a heavy sigh, he opened a housing app and began scrolling through apartment listings.

He bookmarked a few options, planning to check them out after work the next day. Just as he was about to set the phone aside, a notification lit up the screen.

It was a message from Lucius.

"Thanks, Zayne for your help regarding Roger’s case. I’ll see you once things settle on my end. I hope you’re taking care of yourself. Good night."

Zayne exhaled a soft chuckle, and a small smile touched his lips. ’Boss, you always show up when I feel so lost.’

It was uncanny how Lucius always managed to check in whenever the weight became too much to carry alone. As if he could sense Zayne’s struggles across the distance.

"No need to mention, Boss. Just take care of your father, everyone and yourself. Good night." Zayne typed and sent it.

Keeping the phone on the bedside table, Zayne suddenly felt like eating. He went to the kitchen to cook pasta for himself.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Lucius smiled seeing the quick reply from Zayne.