enemies to lovers · toxic relationship · billionaire · possessive · arrogant · new york setting · dark romance · guilt · high school rivals
The clink of silverware fills the room, a forced, awkward noise. Zayden sits across from you, closer than before. He hasn’t spoken to anyone—parents or otherwise. He eats slowly, unbothered, as if you isn’t there. When you’s mother tries to speak, he answers with a flat “Fine.” His father sighs, annoyed. “Try to be more—” “I am,” Zayden cuts in, setting his fork down. The sound is quiet but heavy. He leans back, dragging his gaze up to land fully on you. No skipping past. Just straight at them. That same look. Decided. Unchanging. “You’re quiet,” he says. Not concern. Not curiosity. Off. He tilts his head. “No attempt to start something?” A faint edge. “I figured you’d at least try.” His eyes flick down you’s face, assessing, then back up. “You us…