When Love Breaks (Josephine)

Chapter 22

wyn furrowed his brows deeply, his expression dark as his sharp paze saveja over the crowd.

The argument from earlier had already made them the center of attention, with many openly watching and scrutinizing their every move.

Not wanting in risk exposing his identity, be grabbed Nadine by the wrist and pickly led her in a quieter, empty corner

"I know you've sacrificest a lot for me, but there's a line, Nadine. You can't keep pushing things this far," he said.

Tours began streaming uncontrollably down Nadine's face

"I'm pushing too far? I've never tried to walk into your

I've never dared to compete with her openly. I've stayed hidden in the shadows. I'm

istress everyone tooles down on! And all I wanted was a dress. Are you saying I'm not worth that" she choked out

Her emotions spiraled out of control as she covered her face will her hands, her shoulders shaking violently

Her teves serping through her fingers were like a storm she couldn't stop..

Zavn sigfied quietly, his expression softening as he watched her crumble before him

""You're upset over

et a dress? Come on, Nadine, stop crying. Fine, the dress is yours. Once we're back, I'll have the designer make you another custom one,

After a while, Nadine finally calmed down

She knew she couldn't afford to throw a tantrum right now. Swallowing her bitterness, she bit her lip and calmed down.

"Zayn, It's not the dress I want, it's your heart. You krims that. I've given up so much for you, just to stay by your side and just to get a little more love from you. Why do you still treat me this way?! She lifted her tear-streaked face, her eyes glistening with vulnerability, her expression a picture of pitiful longing

Zayn's chest tightened at the sight. He couldn't help but pull her into his arms, holding her gently.

1 know, I know..... But Nadine, if you didn't matter to me, you wouldn't have gotten that dress in the first place," he murmured.

Hearing those words, Nadine's expression finally softened. She wiped her tears away with trembling fingers.

"What are we going to do abost Simon?" she asked hesitantly

"I'll talk to Josephine. You don't need to worry," Zayn said, his voice steady

Nadine nodded softly, her head leaning against his chest once again. "Zayn, say you love me."

Zayn besitated, just for a moment, before replying quietly. "Min. Hove you.

By the time they returned to the main hall, Arthur had already made his entrance, and the party had reached its peak.

Nadine's eyes lit up the moment she spotted Arthur from across the room

He's so handsome!" she blurted out.

Zayn stuffed his hands into his pockets, his expression cold and distant, a hint of arrogance creeping into his tone. "Handsome? He's just tall, that's all Typical foreigner, he's got a higher nose bridge, and that's it." Nadine named to him, a feming smile tugging at her lips. "Of course, he's nothing compared to you. But just look at his physique His legs are so long And those girls around him? They look like they're about to faint." Zayn followed her gaze, his eyes landing on the group of women flocking around Arthur, practically clinging to him. He sneered, his disdain evident.

"How shallow," he muttered dismissively.

At that moment, Arthaur suddenly leaped onto the tallest table in the room

He was already tall, but now, standing on the table, he seemed larger than life.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Have an idea! Let's all take a group plate in commemorate this legendary putty. I'll post it on my account! Anthear anounced.

The women surrounding him erupted intoehrers, clapping and Laughing as excitement swept through the room. "Yes! Let's do it!"

Arthur's private overseas social media account boasted to millions followers, including countless renowned directors, screctwriters, and actors

For many of the partygoers, appearing in a photo on his account wasn't just thrilling, it was an opportunity to go viral overnight.

Hearing this, even Nadine couldn't hide her excitetural.

"Alright, listen for me! Everyone, indo the pool! I want to take a group plinto by the pool!" Arthur commanded with a grim.

The girls who had been cherring just moments cartier, suddenly fell silent.

They were all dressed forthe nines for the party, a lal in expensive designer dresses and sporting hairstyles and makeup that had takon bours to perfect. "pond wan') particularly deep. It was just rungh to reach their waists, but that was more than enough to spell disaster for their shoes and dresses. And worse, their hair and upper bodies might end up drenched too.

Wasn't this just a setup for a "wet look" photo op

No wonder people online say Arthur has a reputation for being a flirt. This feels intentional," one of them muttered.

"A photo by the pool? What if someone has a wardrobe malfunction? That would be mortifying, and viral worldwide," another added nervously. "Yeah... I'm not so sure about this."

They exchanged hesitant glances, the uncertainty written plainly on their faces.

Splash!

The sudden sound of someone diving into the pool cut through the tense air.

Startled, they all whipped around to see who it was. Emerging slowly from the surface of the water was a striking figure cloaked in red.