Zaya's eyes widened. This was the first time Zafar had mentioned the dinner date, something she had been dreading to discuss. "What happened then?" she asked, her voice softer now.
"I waited, but you never showed up."
Zaya drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. "Remember what happened the morning of our dinner date? You drove me away. You cut all ties with me," she recalled, her voice a mixture of anger and regret. "You told me your parents didn't need a confused person in their lives. So, I stayed away. On that night, though, I did come to your mansion. I was determined to come inside, but your harsh words from earlier echoed in my mind."
Zaya continued, "I was afraid you'd yell at me. The way we ended things back at my salon was hurtful. It had me crying and feeling guilty that I ditched my dinner date with Kabir and came running to you, but in the end, I hesitated and… left, without going in."
