In no time, they reached Ben's ceremony venue. Rain was already standing outside, waiting for them.
"Hi, Ms. Lara. Hi, Ms. Daisy," he greeted warmly, then pulled Zain into a quick hug.
"Hi, Mr. Rain. Please come in," Lara said, leading them inside.
The moment Daisy saw him, every stupid thing she had done replayed in her head. She quickly stuck close to Lara, avoiding Rain out of pure embarrassment.
"So this Zain is that Zain?" Daisy whispered with a smirk. "Hot body, handsome, helped you chase Dane, and you were almost tempted to smooch his lips…"
"Shut up. I wasn't tempted at all," Lara snapped, heading straight toward her dad.
The party was lively—new faces, introductions, and warm greetings everywhere. Zain soon introduced Rain to Ben.
Across the hall, a group of young girls had already split into two camps: Team Zain and Team Rain. From a distance, their laughter and excited whispers floated through the room. They lined up, trying to get closer, hoping for pictures, conversations, anything.
Even from where Lara and Daisy stood, it was obvious both men were politely turning everyone down.
Both of them gave the same answer.
"I'm in love with someone."
They said it calmly, firmly, without hesitation.
Daisy watched from afar, her lips pressing together. She didn't like it. Not one bit. Seeing girls surround Rain made something uncomfortable twist in her chest.
Lara, on the other hand, looked completely unbothered, as if the scene didn't concern her at all.
Nick was also there, hovering around Lara like a shadow. It annoyed both Daisy and Zain instantly.
Zain leaned closer to Daisy. "What's with that guy?" he asked, nodding toward Nick.
"He's wanted Lara since school. I don't like him," Daisy said bluntly.
"Neither do I," Zain replied without hesitation.
Daisy laughed quietly.
"I'm a decent guy, you know," Zain muttered, half-annoyed. "But your friend barely tolerates me, while she lets him hang around her."
"Lara treats him like family. Like a brother," Daisy explained. "But Nick doesn't see it that way. And honestly, if I had to choose someone for Lara… I'd pick you over him."
His eyes widened just a little. His posture straightened. And then came the look—soft, hopeful, almost boyish.
"So… you're on my side?" he asked quietly.
Daisy smiled at him. "Yes. Absolutely."
Zain's lips curved into a slow, satisfied grin. Puppy eyes, victorious edition.
Then Daisy hesitated."By the way… how do you know my name so well?"
"Oh, Rain talks about you all the time," Zain said casually.
The effect was instant.
Daisy froze. Her eyes widened. Her posture mirrored his from a moment ago."What… what does he say about me?"
Now it was her turn.
Puppy eyes. Fully activated.
Zain chuckled, enjoying the reversal."You should ask him yourself."
She groaned as he walked away, while Zain wore a smug smile, having successfully flipped the tables.
A while later, Zain went up to Ben.
"Uncle, do you mind if I stay at your place tonight?"
Nick, who was close enough to hear, jumped in immediately.
"You can stay at my place. Please, be my guest."
Zain studied him for a second. "Hmm… sure."
"Have fun, boys," Ben laughed before walking off.
Zain turned toward Lara. "Bye, bunny."
"Enjoy your stay at Nick's place, honey," she shot back, smirking. "Too bad your plan failed."
"Hm hm… I can sacrifice anything for you, sweetheart," he replied, leaning a little too close.
Nick instantly grabbed Zain's arm.
"We'll leave now, Lara. Take care," he said quickly, dragging him away.
Zain only looked back once.
His eyes met hers, that same infuriating, victorious smirk playing on his lips.