The Stepfather

Just as Sarah emerges back down the corridor, another figure appears at her side - a broad-shouldered, slightly gruff-looking man awkwardly carrying the most ostentatious, overflowing bouquet of deep red roses I've ever laid eyes upon. He moves stiffly, as if this Token romantic gesture feels incredibly unnatural and out of his element.

My gaze slides sideways to study Zayn's reaction, and I'm mildly surprised to see the tension instantly coil through his body like a cobra primed to strike. His eyes narrow almost imperceptibly, gaze sharpening into a distinctly icy diamond cutter's focus as he meticulously assesses this newcomer.

Before Sarah can so much as open her mouth to undoubtedly make introductions, Zayn has already stepped forward - chest puffed, shoulders set in an unmistakable broad stance of protectiveness.

"Well, well...if it isn't my dad's old crony from the east side business syndicate."