“But staying because I’m afraid to be alone is not the same as belonging,” she continued quietly. “And I refuse to become a guest in my own life.”
Lena’s expression shifted — worry, understanding, reluctance all blending together.
“You’re not alone,” she insisted gently.
Lana smiled again — warmer this time, more tender.
“I won’t be,” she said. “I just won’t be here. Plus, Ben was captured so there is no more danger.”
Silence settled briefly between them.
Then she added, with a small lift of her shoulder that tried to keep things practical, “Besides… don’t forget the clauses of the will. Someone needs to live in that insane villa.”
That earned a quiet exhale from Zayn.
He nodded once, thoughtfully.
“She is right,” he said after a moment. “The estate cannot remain empty indefinitel
