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Alex Carter ___

Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows of the sprawling mansion, casting golden stripes across the marble floor. Birds chirped cheerfully outside, but inside the massive bedroom on the top floor, the silence was broken only by the faint sound of snoring.

Alex Carter lay sprawled across his oversized bed, sheets tangled around his legs, face half buried in the pillow. His tousled hair looked like a storm had passed through it. He was the CEO of one of the fastest-growing tech firms in the country young, smart, loaded and yet, if you asked him what he wanted the most in life, his answer would always be the same:

"Just sleep."

“Alex!” a voice called out sharply, the bedroom door cracking open just enough for his mother’s head to peek inside. “Oh my God, this boy. How will he ever grow up?”

She sighed dramatically, walking in with her heels clicking against the wooden floor. She pulled the curtains wide open, flooding the room with light.

Alex groaned and flopped onto his stomach like a sulking child. “Mom… it’s Sunday...”

“Yes, and it’s almost noon! CEOs don’t sleep past breakfast, Alex!”

“CEOs shouldn’t exist on Sundays,” he mumbled into the pillow.

His mother huffed, muttering something about how he needed “a wife to whip him into shape,” and marched out of the room. She walked downstairs, grumbling playfully, when her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen, paused, and then answered quickly, “Yes? Hello?”

A moment later, her eyes widened. “Really? Are you serious?” She clutched her chest dramatically. “Oh my God, that’s amazing news!”

Her husband, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper at the kitchen table, raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, yes, I’ll tell him right away,” she smiled, cheeks glowing with excitement. She cut the call and turned toward her husband, grinning from ear to ear.

“I think it’s time we tell our son.”

He put down his coffee cup. “So... it’s confirmed?”

“Yesh,” he mimicked her teasingly.

She smacked his shoulder lightly and then cupped her hands around her mouth. “ALEX!”

She shouted excitedly. “ZAYN SAID YES.”

From upstairs, there was silence for five seconds. Then.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.

Alex came bounding down the stairs like a child on Christmas morning. He nearly tripped on the last step in his excitement. “Are you serious?! He said yes?!”

His mother clapped her hands together. “Yes, sweetheart. He agreed to the proposal.”

“Oh my God, I’m so happy right now!” Alex practically bounced in place. His eyes were wide and glittering, his messy hair flopping around as he smiled.

“Lovesick puppy,” his father muttered behind his newspaper with a grin.

“Dad!” Alex gave him an eye roll but couldn’t suppress his goofy smile. “You know what? I liked him for a very very very long time. The first time I saw him boom! I was gone.”

“He does seem like someone who can actually handle your chaos,” his dad said, sipping his coffee again.

“That’s what I said!” his mother chimed in. “He’s calm, mature, stable... not like someone else I know who sleeps till noon.”

Alex leaned back against the table, sighing happily. “I don’t know what it is, Dad. With Zayn, everything just feels... right.”

His parents shared a glance. His mother’s eyes softened. “That’s love, sweetheart.”

Alex smiled even wider. “I can’t believe he said yes.”

“I can,” his dad said. “He’d have to be blind not to see what he has with you.”

“You sure about this, though?” his mom asked, walking over to him. “This isn’t a joke, Alex. Marriage is a big step.”

“I’m more sure about him than I’ve ever been about anything else,” Alex said firmly.

His mom touched his cheek. “Then we’ll support you. All the way.”

Alex hopped off the table, grabbing his phone. “I need to text him. No call him. Wait, what if he’s busy? Maybe I’ll just send a heart. Is that too much? Or too little?!”

His dad groaned. “Lovesick puppy.”

“You already said that,” Alex muttered, fingers flying over his phone.

______

Next Sunday

Zayn’s Apartment Sunday Afternoon

The sunlight poured through the windows, filling the apartment with a warm, serene glow. It was supposed to be a quiet Sunday. Zayn had planned to spend the day with Adric and Rhys—just the three of them, like always. But plans rarely stayed intact when emotions were involved.

Zayn’s phone buzzed beside him. He glanced at the screen.

Alex Calling.

He hesitated before answering. "Hey, Alex."

“Hey,” came Alex’s cheerful voice. “It’s Sunday... I thought maybe we could go on a date? Something chill, maybe coffee and a walk?”

Zayn sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, Alex. It’s not that I don’t want to. But Sundays... Adric and Rhys are usually home, and I promised I’d spend time with them.”

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Before Alex could respond, Rhys, who had been sprawled on the carpet next to the couch, looked up. “Who is it?”

Zayn glanced at him. “It’s Alex.”

Rhys, without missing a beat, got up, snatched the phone gently from Zayn's hand, and spoke into it, “You’re already part of the family, Alex. Just come over. You’re welcome here.”

Zayn’s eyes widened. “Hey....Rhys! Are you mad? Why would you invite him here?”

Rhys looked at him, calmly. “Zayn... I think Alex is understanding enough. He’ll get it. And besides,” he lowered his voice, “he should know about the people in your life. Especially Elior.”

Zayn’s chest tightened at the name.

On the couch, Adric sat quietly, flipping through a book while Elior rested beside him, sipping coffee and watching the two interact with a hint of amusement.

Zayn took a deep breath and walked to them. “Guys... just a heads up. Alex is coming over.”

Adric raised a brow and looked at Elior. Elior gave a small nod and said politely, “If that’s uncomfortable for you, I can leave.”

“No, it’s okay,” Zayn replied quickly. “You’re a guest. You’re here for Ari.It’ll be fine.”

---

Twenty Minutes Later

There was a knock at the door.

Zayn opened it, and there stood Alex, dressed in a formal suit he look amazing holding a small bouquet of red roses.

“This is for you,” Alex said with a bright smile.

Zayn’s heart softened. He took the flowers, a shy smile on his lips. “Thank you... so much.”

He made his way toward the living room, where Adric and Elior were sitting.

“I know everyone here,” Alex said, then his eyes landed on Elior. He tilted his head slightly and asked, “But who’s this?”

Elior stood up gracefully and extended his hand. “I’m Elior.”

Alex turned to Zayn briefly, sensing something between the lines, then shook Elior’s hand. “I’m Alex. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Zayn swallowed, tension building in his chest. The atmosphere in the room had shifted. Adric seemed to notice it too but kept his face neutral.

Alex sat down on the other side of Zayn on the sofa. After a few minutes of small talk, he reached over, gently slid his hand next to Zayn’s, and softly interlaced their fingers.

Zayn looked at him and smiled faintly. It was comforting... but he still felt that unshakable unease deep within him.

“So, Elior,” Alex started, breaking the silence. “Tell me about yourself.”

Elior gave a polite smile. “There’s not much to say. I’ll be leaving in two or three days.”

“Oh,” Alex said, clearly surprised. “That’s sudden.”

Elior nodded. “I came here for a reason. That reason’s been fulfilled. But don’t worry,” he added, glancing at Zayn. “If I get invited to the wedding, I’ll surely attend.”

Alex chuckled. “Well, it’s two months away. You’ll get the invite. We’re not leaving anyone out.”

Zayn forced a smile, but his thoughts were spiraling. He looked at Elior. His mind flashed back to the conversation from earlier how Elior had told him he’d be leaving soon and that he wanted to stay with Ari before he left.

---

Later that Afternoon

Adric suggested they all have coffee, and Rhys brought out snacks. They tried to keep the mood light.

Alex got along with everyone. His easy charm worked well, even with Elior, who remained calm and dignified throughout.

But Zayn could feel it the subtle glances, the unfinished words, the weight of things left unsaid.

At one point, while Alex was helping Rhys in the kitchen, Elior leaned toward Zayn and spoke softly, “He’s a good guy.”

Zayn looked at him, unsure what to say.

Elior continued, “I can see how much he tries to be with you.”

Zayn nodded. “He is. He’s... everything I should want.”

There was a pause.

Zayn looked down, heart thudding. “I don’t know what I need anymore.”

Elior didn’t push. “You’ll figure it out. Just be honest with yourself, and with him. Don’t carry a future built on lies.”

Zayn looked up at him, eyes stinging. “You think I’m lying?”

Elior gave a soft smile. “I think you’re scared.”

---

Evening

As the sun began to set, Alex stood up. “I should get going. Thank you, everyone, for the warm welcome.”

Everyone stood with him.

Alex hugged Adric, nodded at rhys, and then turned to Elior. “It was really nice meeting you.”

Elior smiled. “Likewise.”

When Alex turned to Zayn, he leaned in and whispered, “I’m proud of you.”

Zayn blinked. “For what?”

“For letting me in,” Alex said. Then he kissed Zayn’s forehead and left.

Zayn stood at the door for a while after it closed.

Behind him, Adric walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You okay?”

Zayn nodded slowly, but didn’t speak.

Rhys came up beside him, eyes filled with something between worry and sympathy.

And Elior?

He just sat on the sofa, looking out the window, quiet, like always.

---

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