ANDREA’S POV
Despite the number of times I’d rejected Zayne and pushed him to move on from me, I was immensely shocked that he’d gone and done just that.
I blinked, feeling my parents’ surprise behind me.
Zayne chucked awkwardly at our reactions, and ran his hand through his hair.
“I can explain.”
I raised a hand out. “No, Z, you don’t have to explain. You deserve to move on and find someone better—”
He shook his head, cutting me off. “No, allow me.”
He stepped forward and reached out for me, taking my hands in his.
“From the moment I met you, Drea, I felt this connection I couldn’t quite explain.” I swallowed, the emotion in his eyes rooting me to the spot. “I had no name for it. All I knew was that I wanted to be by your side, protecting you—forever.”