Chapter 34

[ZARA]

“Is everything alright at work?” Mom asked as she made her way into the living room where I was sprawled in front of the TV, watching some reality show that I never ever heard of.

After what happened at the anniversary party, the smartest thing I had was to religiously avoid Maddox Richmond and his so-called cousin, Armonica. Under no circumstances had I any intention of running into them. I hadn't even been to my apartment ever since, afraid that a certain cocky billionaire would show up unannounced like he always did.

Maddox and I were so unlike and contradictory to each other. We had nothing in common. He ruined my life for crying out loud, but I was so fucked-up in my head that repeatedly I allowed him the concessions that he did not deserve in the first place.

Most importantly, the one thing that I could never forgive him for was that he hurt my mom. I should be ashamed of myself for having literally any kind of relationship with him.

I wanted nothing to do with that man an