Chapter 5

Arielle was heading to the kitchen for a glass of water when the lights flickered and went out. The rumble of thunder echoed through the house, making her heart race. She suddenly remembered Bella, her dog, still outside, roaming around as she often did at night. Panic rose in her chest. Without a second thought, Arielle rushed out into the dark.

"Bella?"

"Bella?" she called again, her voice trembling with fear.

The storm grew more intense as the lightning flashing like jagged knives in the sky. Arielle’s breath hitched as she scanned the empty yard. Bella was nowhere in sight. The young dog had a tendency to get sick when it rained, and the thought of her out there alone in the storm filled Arielle with dread.

"Why now?" Arielle muttered, frustrated and helpless. "Why does the power have to go out now?" A cold raindrop splashed against her forehead, sending a shiver down her spine. She could feel the panic rising within her, her heart tight with worry. "Please, Bella, where are you?" Her thoughts raced. Why couldn’t she find her? Why couldn’t she find peace, or happiness, or anything that felt right?

"Bella! Bella! Please come home. Don’t scare me, please..." she shouted, her voice breaking as she ran down the dark, empty streets. But still, Bella wasn’t there. 

"Arielle?"

The sound of her name froze her in place. She knew that voice, and every part of her wanted to turn and face him, but she couldn’t. If she did, she was afraid of everything coming rushing back—the past, the pain, the way he had once held her heart. She had to keep walking, keep moving forward, but before she could take another step, he was there. Standing before her. 

Zachary flashed the light from his phone onto Arielle's tear-streaked face while his brow furrowed in concern. "What’s wrong?"

"I can’t find Bella," Arielle whispered, on the verge of tears. "She is scared of the lightning and thunder. If she gets wet in the rain, she will get sick."

"Who’s Bella, Arielle?" Zachary asked, his confusion clear.

"My dog," Arielle said, her voice breaking as she suppressed a sob.

"Okay, okay," Zachary said, his voice steady despite the worry in his eyes. "We will find Bella. Don’t cry. Tell me where she usually goes. We will check there."

Arielle hurriedly explained the places Bella liked to roam, and they checked almost every spot, but the dog was nowhere to be found. As they walked, a small pebble crunched under Arielle’s bare foot. She winced,and Zachary immediately pointed his phone light toward her feet, his eyes widening in shock.

"Stupid," he muttered, the frustration clear in his tone. "Where are your shoes?"

Arielle hesitated, her eyes downcast. "I forgot to put them on," she whispered. "I was just so scared for Bella."

Zachary let out a long sigh, his anger turning to concern. "Ari, your feet are bleeding."

"We have to find Bella," Arielle said, her voice firm despite the tears still threatening to spill.

Zachary’s hands went to her shoulders, gently turning her to face him. "I’m taking you home," he insisted, his voice asking for no argument.

"No!" Arielle shook her head. "We have to find Bella first."

"Arielle, I’m taking you home," Zachary said, his voice calm and firm. "I promise I will find Bella. Just trust me this once, please?"

Arielle looked into his hazel eyes, and the sincerity shining in them softened her resolve. She nodded, though her heart was still heavy with worry.

Zachary gave her a gentle look, reminding her, "If your family finds out that you went out into the night before your wedding, they will be furious."

Without another word, he bent down and scooped her into his arms. 

"What are you doing?" Arielle asked, a bit surprised but she didn’t fight him. 

"You already ruined the pedicure," he said with a smirk, glancing down at her feet. "Let’s not make it worse."

As he carried her through the dark and rain-slicked streets, the occasional flashes of lightning illuminated his serious expression. Those brows furrowed in seriousness… he looked same yet so different. 

"You weigh nothing," Zachary said, feeling her gaze on him. 

"Whatever," Arielle mumbled. 

"How did you get so tall?" Arielle asked after a moment, unable to stop herself. "In tenth standard, I was taller than you."

Zachary smirked, clearly amused. "My mom packed me so many tall boy drinks. I had to grow."

"Seriously, how tall are you now?" Arielle asked, still curious.

"Six-three," Zachary replied proudly.

"I’m still five-eight," Arielle murmured, almost to herself. "You are taller than Gabriel."

"More handsome and smart, too," Zachary added with a wink.

"Jealous king," Arielle muttered under her breath.

"What did you say?" Zachary asked, his ear catching the words perfectly. "Jealous? Who am I jealous of?"

Arielle didn’t answer, instead changing the subject. "Don’t marry Emma. Marry someone else. She is not what she seems."

Zachary hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t respond.

When they reached her house, it was still dark and the thunderimng and lighting was  illuminating  her face occasionally and flash in her green eyes. Zachary set her down gently and met her gaze one last time. 

"Arielle, all the best for your life. If Gabriel ever gives you trouble, you let me know. I will teach him a lesson," he said with a smile, though there was a hint of seriousness in his voice.

Arielle smiled faintly, touched by his words. "Why would you do that?"

"For old times' sake," Zachary replied with a shrug. 

She nodded, a soft laugh escaping her. "Thank you, brother-in-law."

Zachary stood there, watching her disappear into the house. His heart lingered on the title she had given him. Brother-in-law. It felt... right, but something about it tugged at him. Why didn’t it sit well with him? He couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t just the right title or it was one he didn’t want to let go of just yet?