When Love Breaks (Josephine)

"Hey, what's the matter?"

Zayn's breathing grew even heavier at the sound of Josephine's unmistakable voice. Even when laced with anger, it was still soft.

"Josephine, I need to see you."

Josephine was already in a foul mood. Zayn's words only irritated her further. Her voice turned sharp, each word cutting like a blade. "Who do you think you are?

You think you can see me just because you want to?"

"Josephine, come on. Tell me where you are. I'll come find you."

His voice sounded strange. It was hoarse, unsteady, and almost vulnerable. There was even a pleading tone hidden beneath it.noveldrama

Josephine was completely perplexed. She had no idea what kind of game he was playing.

Was this about that post that he had gone viral online? The backlash against him had been brutal. Even the trolls he paid to defend him had gone silent. Had he finally cracked under the pressure?

He didn't seem the type to break so easily.

"If you have something to say, just say it over the phone. I don't want to see you."

Her cold, unyielding response sent a surge of blood through Zayn's veins. He wanted nothing more than to rush to her side and hold her tightly to feel reassured.

They had fought plenty of times in the past three years. In fact, she loved throwing little tantrums.

Because of that, he had learned exactly how to handle them. He knew what to say, what to do, and how to make her happy.

He had always been in control.

But now, he was afraid.

What he thought he had a firm grip on had already slipped through his fingers.

She had known about his secret all along.

"Josephine, Caleb told me you helped balance the accounts. Why didn't you say anything?"

Josephine frowned slightly. "Why

would he tell you that? Look, you don't need to thank me. I did it willingly, thever planned on asking you forthat money anyway. I didn't return the gifts you gave me so let's just call it even."

"It's not even! It never will be!" Zayn's voice cracked with emotion.

"Josephine, the gifts I gave you are yours. You can do whatever you want with them. But I have to return the money to you."

"Alright," she replied flatly, utterly indifferent. "If you're so insistent on giving me money, I'd be a fool not to take it."

She had no idea what had gotten into him and she didn't care anymore.

The only thing that mattered to her now was her reputation and the rumors online. She would be even more grateful if Zayn was willing to hold a press conference and clear things up.

"Josephine, I love you!" His sudden outburst boomed through the phone. It made Josephine's ears buzz.

"What are you yelling for? Zayn,

you've cheated on me so blatantly.

Now you want to talk about love? It's

disgusting. Seriously. If you don't

have anything else to say, I'm hanging up." en

She still had to deal with Yvan's situation.

Joe had left Yvan a massive inheritance. If he changed his mind and revoked it because of all this chaos, she would owe Yvan a debt she wouldn't even know how to repay.

"Don't hang up! Please, Josephine, just tell me where you are. I just want to see you. I need to see you. I love you. I only love you."

"Zayn, stop. You're making me sick. Just hang up. If you won't, I will."

"No! Josephine, don't hang up. Please, I—"

Josephine was growing impatient with Zayn's endless pleading when a loud crash suddenly came through the phone.

What was that?

She froze. Then, she realized the line had gone completely silent.

"Zayn? Hello? Zayn?"