Zain lowered his head after being exposed. He did not like talking about his past with Phoebe because it made him feel so vulnerable. But he also felt seen when Luca exposed him directly after a few moments.
It felt good to know that he had not buried his love so deep that it could not be seen.
"It is complicated. She does not love me, and I doubt she ever will." Zain sighed. "I know there is no chance between me and her. I did not even have a chance with her when we were close friends."
Luca almost frowned, but he maintained his stringent control. He was not known for being the most mature younger generation for nothing. However, conversations about Phoebe tended to shake him a little.
He looked at the weak and insecure Zain Marshall with as much compassion as he could gather, but he could not muster any respect. To him, people who were weak-willed and self-deprecating were not worthy of consideration.
