Chapter 46

Zoya's POV

It had only been a few days since Amelia and Aurora's first kiss aired, and the internet was on fire.

Sitting on set with Olivia, scrolling through comments on social media, I couldn't help but smile. The fans were obsessed, posting gifs, fan edits, and theories about our characters' future. But what surprised me most was the overwhelming support from the LGBTQ+ community.

"Amelia and Aurora finally kissed! Representation matters!"

"The chemistry between Olivia Lopez and Zoya Al Deeb is unreal."

"I swear if these two aren't together in real life, I'll be devastated!"

I chuckled softly, nudging Olivia's arm. "I didn't expect such a positive response."

Olivia glanced up from her phone, her eyes shining with relief. "I know, right? We really needed this good news." She shifted closer to me, lowering her voice. "Finally, something positive is drowning out all the nasty rumors."

I nodded, leaning back in my chair. "It feels... good."

Before Olivia could respond, Andrew and Ezra walked over, both wearing rare smiles.

Andrew clapped his hands together. "Ladies, congratulations! The ratings are through the roof, and the response? Insane. You two absolutely nailed it."

Ezra nodded, his expression proud but reserved. "This is a big win for the show—and for both of you."

"Thanks, guys," Olivia said with a bright smile. "Honestly, I think it was the easiest scene we've ever done." She shot me a playful look, and I rolled my eyes with a grin.

Just as I was beginning to relax, Anthony's voice cut through the moment. "Look at our rising stars."

Before I could react, Olivia was wrapped in his arms, his embrace lingering just a little too long for my liking. My stomach twisted in discomfort, but I kept my expression neutral. Olivia caught my gaze over his shoulder, her eyes filled with apology.

I swallowed the growing irritation, forcing a small smile as Anthony finally released her and stood by her side with that ever-present charming smirk.

I wasn't the only one who noticed.

Across the room, Layla watched them with her jaw clenched, her eyes dark and stormy. She didn't say anything, but the tension in her body was unmistakable.

I didn't know why Layla was reacting this way, but it didn't matter right now.

I needed space.

I excused myself quietly, retreating to my dressing room. As I closed the door behind me, I exhaled, trying to shake off the unease pooling inside me.

Moments later, Olivia entered, closing the door behind her softly. "Zoya..." she said gently, stepping closer. "Don't let him get to you."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I know. It's just... the world doesn't know you're mine, and seeing him all over you in public doesn't help."

Olivia reached for my hand, threading our fingers together. "You're right. But you know I belong to you." Her voice was soft but sure.

I squeezed her hand, offering a small smile. "I do. But I still hate that people don't."

She leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "We'll get there. Just be patient."

I sighed again, resting my head against her shoulder. "I'm trying."

Olivia's POV

Zoya's warmth against me was the only thing keeping me grounded in the chaos of my thoughts. She held my hand gently, whispering reassurances that we'd figure things out—together. But even with her comfort, my mind drifted to the pieces of my life that still felt out of place.

A sharp knock on the dressing room door startled us.

Zoya and I exchanged a glance before I hesitantly called out, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Ava stood there, looking uncertain but determined. She offered a small, hesitant smile. "I, uh... I wanted to congratulate you."

I stared at her, my heart pounding in my chest. I had prepared myself for so many things—confrontation, disappointment, anger—but not this. Not her showing up with kind words instead of excuses.

Silence stretched between us like a fragile thread, and Ava's shoulders sagged slightly. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see," she said, her voice wavering. "But I needed to be here."

I folded my arms, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Why now?"

Ava swallowed hard, stepping further into the room. "Because I haven't seen Elijah since... that night." Her voice cracked slightly, but she pushed through. "I thought I could have both of you in my life, but I was wrong."

I felt a pang in my chest, my throat tightening. "Why?" I asked softly, the question loaded with so much more than just curiosity.

She took a shaky breath. "Because if losing him means keeping you... I'll take that. I'm willing to break my own heart, but I can't lose you, Liv. Not as a friend. Not after everything."

Her words cut through me, raw and unfiltered. She wasn't just talking about regret anymore; she was asking for redemption.

I blinked rapidly, feeling the sting of tears threatening to spill. My gaze instinctively flickered to Zoya, searching for something—permission, reassurance, strength.

Zoya met my eyes with a small, understanding smile. Without a word, she nudged me gently toward Ava, her way of telling me that some relationships, no matter how broken, were worth mending.

A sob caught in my throat as I took a hesitant step forward. Ava's eyes widened slightly, and before I could talk myself out of it, I wrapped my arms around her.

For a moment, she didn't move. Then I felt her arms circle me tightly, her body shaking with silent cries.

"I'm so sorry, Liv," she whispered, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "I was selfish and scared, and I hurt you. I hate myself for it."

I closed my eyes, letting the tears slip down my cheeks. "I hated you for it too," I admitted, my voice trembling. "But I miss you."

Ava's grip tightened. "I miss you too."

I felt Zoya's presence behind me, solid and patient, letting me have this moment without interference. I pulled back slightly, wiping my eyes with the sleeve of my jacket.

Ava's face was streaked with tears, but there was something lighter in her expression. "Can we... start again? Just as friends?"

I nodded, a soft smile breaking through the sadness. "I think we can try."

Ava exhaled shakily, relief flooding her face. "Thank you."

I glanced over my shoulder at Zoya, my heart swelling with gratitude. She was giving me space to make peace with my past while being my anchor in the present.

Zoya smiled knowingly and crossed her arms. "Well, I think that deserves a group hug," she teased, and Ava let out a choked laugh as I pulled her back in for one more squeeze.

I held onto Ava a little longer than I expected, feeling the weight of our friendship settle back into place. Things weren't perfect, but for the first time in a long time, they felt... okay.

When I pulled away, my eyes drifted to Zoya. She stood there quietly, watching me with that patient, understanding look she always gave when I needed it most. And in that moment, something clicked.

I remembered our conversation earlier, how she had said she knew I belonged to her but the world didn't know it yet.

Well, maybe it was time they did.

I turned back to Ava, who was wiping her face with the back of her hand, attempting a weak smile. "Since we're starting fresh," I said, shifting slightly, "there's something you need to know."

Ava raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering across her face. "Okay... what is it?"

Without a second thought, I reached for Zoya, pulling her into my arms. "Zoya is my girlfriend."

There was a beat of silence.

Zoya stiffened in my arms, and then—

"Girlfriend?!" she practically shrieked, her eyes wide and filled with shock.

I blinked at her, confused by her reaction. "Of course, aren't you?"

Zoya's mouth opened and closed a few times, her flustered expression making my heart squeeze with affection. "But... you never asked me!" she finally managed to say, blinking rapidly.

I stared at her for a moment before shrugging. "I thought it was obvious."

Ava, standing beside us, burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh my God, Olivia, you are helpless."

I felt my cheeks heat up, embarrassment creeping in. Maybe I had jumped the gun a little. Clearing my throat, I shifted to face Zoya properly, taking her hands in mine. "Okay, fine. I'll do it the right way."

Her lips curled up in a soft, teasing smile, but there was something hopeful in her eyes too.

Taking a breath, I squeezed her hands gently. "Zoya Al Deeb, will you be my girlfriend?"

Zoya pretended to think for a second, tapping her chin dramatically. "Well, I thought you'd never ask."

I laughed, relieved, and pulled her in for a kiss, feeling the tension melt away.

Ava groaned playfully. "Okay, okay, I get it. You two are grossly in love."

Zoya smirked against my lips. "You better get used to it."

I shot Ava a triumphant look. "Told you."

For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt... right.

And I wasn't going to let it go.

Zoya's POV

As Olivia, Ava, and I walked out of my dressing room, the atmosphere was surprisingly light. The weight that had been pressing down on Olivia for so long seemed to have lifted, and even Ava's presence no longer felt like a looming storm.

We were laughing about something ridiculous Olivia had said, and for the first time in a while, things felt... normal.

I felt Olivia's fingers brush against mine briefly as we walked down the hallway, and the warmth that radiated from her touch settled the lingering doubts in my heart.

"You two are insufferable," Ava teased, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "I swear, I feel like a third wheel."

"Then maybe you should walk faster," Olivia shot back playfully, nudging her.

Ava laughed, and I found myself smiling—genuinely. It was nice having this moment, having Olivia beside me without the looming tension of rumors and uncertainty.

But, of course, good moments never lasted long in this world.

Just as we reached the end of the hallway, a familiar voice called out behind me.

"Hey, Zoya," Layla drawled, her voice dripping with the usual sarcasm.

I sighed, turning to face her with barely concealed annoyance. "What now, Layla?"

She smirked, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall casually. "Relax. I'm not here to ruin your perfect little moment." The way she said it made my skin crawl, but I held my ground.

I felt Olivia tense beside me, but I gave her a quick, reassuring glance.

"What do you want?" I asked, keeping my tone even.

Layla stepped closer, too close for comfort. Her eyes flickered toward Olivia and Ava, then back to me. "Just a little something I thought you might find... interesting."

Before I could react, I felt the subtle brush of her hand against my bag, slipping something inside.

My eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you—"

She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, her breath warm against my ear. "You'll want to see this. Don't say I never did you a favor."

I froze for a second, my heart pounding. Her tone was too smug, too confident, and yet there was something different about her today—something almost... desperate.

I watched her walk away with a flick of her hair, disappearing down the hall like she hadn't just dropped a bomb in my lap.

"Zoya?" Olivia's voice pulled me back, concern evident in her expression. "What did she say?"

I shook my head, forcing a casual smile. "Nothing. Just Layla being Layla."

But my hand instinctively clutched the strap of my bag, suddenly feeling heavier than before.

Ava gave me a skeptical look. "You sure? Because she looked like she was up to something."

I nodded quickly, not wanting to raise suspicion until I figured out what the hell Layla had just handed me. "I'm fine."

"Come on," Olivia said, linking her arm through mine. "Let's get out of here before she decides to come back."

I walked with them, but my mind was already racing ahead.

As soon as I was alone, I'd find out what Layla had given me.

And deep down, I had a sinking feeling that whatever it was... it was going to change everything.