C9 Deep Breath and Sway

What was wrong with me? Why can't I? I hate them, right, so I should be able to do it, but my heart could not.

"I..." I hesitated, not being able to find the words.

Zayn, leaning forward, spoke reassuringly, "Take your time, I'm not in a rush."

A heavy silence hung in the air as I grappled with conflicting emotions. Finally, I uttered, "I don't want to become like them, seeking revenge. It feels like it would just continue the cycle of pain."

Zayn nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Not everyone finds peace in revenge," he remarked. "Sometimes, forgiveness is a more powerful weapon."

I sighed, the internal struggle evident on my face. "But how do you forgive someone who took everything from you? How do you let go of the pain?"

Zayn leaned back, contemplating my words. "It's not about forgetting or excusing their actions. It's about freeing yourself from the burden of hatred. Forgiveness is for you, not them. It allows you to reclaim control over your own life." He got up and poured himself a whiskey. "Question is…can you forgive? Oh wait, don't answer that. But you would come to me soon Ember, you would come running into my arms like a wild bird."

I raised an eyebrow at his statement before laughing, my heart actually feeling gleeful. "Of every example you could use, you just had to use a wild bird"

He gave me a side eye, "I am glad I could be your amusement darlin, but not not for long"

His demeanor changed and he stalked towards me like a tiger stalking his prey, I couldn't help but gulp with the way those gray eyes looked at me as if they could burn into my soul.

Zayn leaned in, his veiny arms resting on the sides of the sofa, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I am offering you revenge on a platter, but you don't want it. When you don't have a home to go to, anyone to turn to, instead you just want to let them go scot-free."

I met his gaze with determination. "I have friends," I asserted.

Zayn chuckled, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Friends. Really?"

"Yes, really," I affirmed, a touch of defiance in my tone. "Hailey stood by me when everything fell apart, she didn't abandon me when I needed support the most."

Zayn's laughter faded, and he regarded me with a more serious expression. "Friends can be a powerful strength. But make sure they're worth it. Not everyone is as genuine as they seem."

I nodded, acknowledging his caution. "I've learned to choose wisely. Revenge won't fill the void they left; it'll only create more emptiness. I'd rather rebuild with those who genuinely care."

"Okay," Zayn conceded, leaning back. "I give you two days, Starlight, and you would come running back. Maybe not two days, could be lesser than that. Let's see if that friend of yours would actually remain loyal."

He turned away, pouring himself more whiskey. I couldn't help but inquire, "What do you mean?"

Zayn gave me a side-eye, a smirk playing on his lips. "Better keep that to myself, darling. I believe you have a home to go to, to get your things since you basically aren't part of their family anymore."

"I know I am not, you don't have to make it sting," I said getting up from the sofa dusting the trousers I wore. Yesterday trousers unfortunately. I needed a bath and new clothes.

Zayn scrutinized me and remarked, "You aren't really going to their home looking like that. You look like a lost cat."

I attempted a comeback, stammering, "I... I..."

He laughed, interrupting me, "When it comes to comebacks, I would always be the king." Zayn set down his glass of whiskey and leaned in, capturing my gaze. "I am going to drive you to get a better set of clothes, but you have to follow my instructions"

Uncomfortable, I looked away, but he gently moved my cheeks, making me meet his eyes again.

"Always look them in the eye when speaking, it shows confidence."

"Why…"

"You want to know why I am helping you, right?" I nodded, he grinned like a Cheshire cat. This man was emitting dangerous energy, the type that made one run away. Like the monster that we are all scared of that live under our bed. Like the peeping Tom, but he was the only person to look my way when I wanted to end it all.

The only person that have taken me to bed, so it was hard to not listen to him, hard for me to run away.

"You will find out in due time, darling."

"You sound like the devil," I said the words that were in my head, with my eyes blinking really fast. I really wanted to move my gaze but it was as if there was this magnet making me obey him.

He didn't say a word, he just smiled.

"Take a deep breath," he instructed. "Sway those hips as if it's the most expensive thing in the world. Don't say much, be cold. Get your things, walk out, take a bus, and go to your friend's home. Understand?" I nodded hesitantly.

"Good. That's your first test. If you really do change your mind about this revenge thing, you are going to have to be cold as hell. Understand?"