To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 319

Zane’s gaze lingered in that direction for a couple of seconds before he smiled lightly. “Well, I once ate raw meat in the jungle—hadn’t even washed it first. Think you can top that?”

Elara stared at him, momentarily stunned.

His grin widened. “But honestly, how did we end up trying to outdo each other over who’s more ‘wild’—when the fried rice smells this good?”

There were no waiters in brocade uniforms gliding by with silver trays, no gilded plates or polished crystal glasses like at The Atheneum. Still, he finished every last bite, even the tangy pickles the owner had thrown in for free.

Elara had expected to be in a foul mood, but after the meal, an unexpected sense of calm settled over her.

Later, Zane drove her back to her building. She didn’t get out right away.

“What is it—can’t bear to say goodbye?” he teased gently.

She looked sheepish. “Could you take me back to The Midhill Café? My car’s still parked there.” She jingled her keys in her hand.

Zane reached over and took the keys from her. “I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

“But…” Elara hesitated, her voice uncertain. “I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

He just smiled, easy and quiet. “Not even as friends?”

His manner was open, without a trace of arrogance or entitlement.

Elara looked at him, her heart fluttering unexpectedly.

From the very first day they’d met, he’d always given her space to choose—and even now, he still did. Despite his status, he treated her with genuine respect. It was hard not to be affected by that.

“…Alright. See you tomorrow, then.”

She ducked her head and stepped out of the car. As she did, Zane reached out and gently caught her hand.

His touch was light, but enough to make her pause.

He looked at her, sincerity in his eyes. “I promise I’ll handle my own mess. What about yours?”

He meant—was she going to divorce Brian?

Elara’s mind spun. “It should be soon.”

She instinctively tried to shut the door, but he blocked it with his hand and wedged his way inside, crowding her space.

Elara stumbled backward until her legs hit the sofa. She was about to fall when Brian lunged forward and pulled her into his arms. But he didn’t steady her—he tightened his grip around her waist and took both of them down onto the couch.

Elara panicked, thrashing in his hold. He pinned her easily, one hand pressing her shoulder, the other suddenly lifting the cuff of her pants.

“Don’t—let go of me!” She kicked and punched, not holding back.

He flinched as her fist caught his cheek, but he didn’t get angry. Instead, he pinned both her wrists above her head and murmured, “Easy. Hold still. I just want to see where you got hurt yesterday.”

Elara’s lashes trembled, her voice trembling with rage. “Shouldn’t you be in bed with your sister this early? Don’t come here pretending to be a saint. You’re disgusting. Let go of me!”

He actually laughed at that last barb. “Jealous, are you?”

There was no reasoning with someone like him.

Elara turned her face away, refusing to meet his eyes.

Brian wasn’t finished. He gripped her chin and forced her to look at him. “So, do you like Zane?” His gaze was soft, but his voice was ice-cold.