Tangled Emotions

Zina POV

The water pours down relentlessly, the sound a soothing yet deafening roar around us. Each droplet feels like a whisper against my skin, but it does little to calm the storm raging within me. Jared's arms are wrapped securely around me, his chest rising and falling steadily as if he isn't as affected by this as I am. How could he be so calm when I feel like my world is on the verge of shattering?

I press my forehead against his chest, trying to focus on his warmth. It's grounding, comforting even. I should feel safe here, and I do, but there's an undercurrent of fear—fear of what this moment means, fear of what I've just given him, fear of the unknown future.

"Zina," Jared's deep voice cuts through the quiet chaos in my head. He says my name softly, almost reverently, as if it's the most precious word he's ever spoken. "Look at me."