Chapter 66: Zara’s Bold Entrance
The strapless cropped top hugged her torso, the mock-belt details cinching her waist and highlighting her curves. The frayed edges added texture, drawing attention to her silhouette. Paired with the mini skirt, which featured a layered waistband and matching buckle details, the outfit screamed edgy sophistication. The skirt's mini length gave her legs their time in the spotlight, completing a look that was impossible to ignore.
She applied a light touch of makeup—just enough to enhance her already striking features—and slipped on her favorite white designer sneakers, the pristine pair adding a touch of sporty chic to her ensemble. Zara accessorized with dainty earrings and a mini handbag slung casually over her shoulder.
Apollo, her Siberian Husky, was enjoying a lazy morning in the comfort of his mini dog mansion. Zara, however, had other plans. She interrupted his blissful lounging to take him to his custom dog wardrobe. Pulling out a stylish little outfit, she dressed him up. Apollo, ever the playful companion, wagged his tail enthusiastically, indulging her love for dress-up.
As they stepped out of her room, the duo turned heads. Zara's edgy yet glamorous ensemble paired with Apollo's coordinated look was nothing short of stunning. They knew they looked good, and they carried that confidence effortlessly.
Xavier was waiting for them in the living room. He stood near the window, casually scrolling on his phone, but his presence commanded the space. He was dressed in a fitted long-sleeve casual shirt, the fabric clinging to his muscled arms and chest in a way that seemed almost intentional. A few buttons at the top were left undone, hinting at his chiseled frame underneath. His black pants completed the look, a perfect combination of casual and sharp.
Zara's gaze flicked over him, and a teasing smile spread across her lips. "Well, well," she began, her voice playful. "I didn't realize there was a girl at the vet you've got your eye on. Did I miss something?"
Xavier's eyes slowly traveled down her form, taking in every detail of her appearance—the frayed edges, the cinched waist, the effortless confidence in how she carried herself. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze lingered just long enough to make Zara's smirk widen.
"Don't you think you're coming off a bit desperate?" he quipped, his tone casual but pointed.
The word 'desperate' hit Zara like a bucket of cold water. Her smirk faltered, and she blinked at him, momentarily speechless. Desperation was foreign to her, an accusation that had never been thrown her way before. She crossed her arms and scoffed, the sound dripping with disbelief.
"Excuse me?" she managed, her voice carrying the edge of her wounded pride. "Just because my style is unique doesn't mean I'm desperate."
Xavier's smirk deepened, but he didn't respond, his silence only fanning the flames of Zara's frustration. She scoffed again, louder this time, as if to punctuate her indignation.
"Whatever," she muttered, turning on her heel. Apollo, sensing the shift in her mood, padded along beside her obediently.
The energy in the room was unmistakable, a charged undercurrent that neither Zara nor Xavier acknowledged outright. But as Zara walked away, Xavier's gaze lingered on her retreating figure, a glimmer of amusement—and perhaps something more—flickering in his eyes.