Zeriel’s unintended confession

"Here's your food," Zeriel said, trying to redirect the conversation.

Alisha sat up, her curiosity piqued. "Thanks, Zeriel. I've been thinking about the food. What took you so long?" she asked, taking the packaged meal from him.

Zeriel smiled. "There's more. Excuse me, man," he told Ryan, who quietly stood up to give them some space. Zeriel began unpacking a variety of delicacies from a fancy bag and laid them in front of Alisha.

Just then, Mrs. Beatrice returned to the room, and she couldn't help but notice Zeriel's earlier interruption. "You're here, Zeriel," she said as she walked toward them. "The call you received earlier," she inquired, realizing the reason for his peculiar behavior.

Zeriel explained, "Yes, I received the news and wanted to see her first."

"I understand, child," Mrs. Beatrice nodded, appreciating his concern for her daughter.