Jason

It was such a joy to watch Zarah. To say that that was the best date ever is an understatement.

When we went on the Ferris Wheel and our eyes collided. I saw it... I saw the spark back in her eyes. It took my breath away to see that look in her eyes again, and I couldn't stop myself. I kissed her. I kissed her the way I've wanted to ever since I saw her standing by her door waiting for me, looking so incredibly beautiful.

On the drive back to her place, I looked over at Zarah and I wondered how I was going to make her love me again.

My heart stopped at the thought.

Love?

I... I...

Then it hit me... I do love her... I do. That's why I got scared that night. When she told me she loved me, I wanted to say it back, because it was true. I love her. It was never just about protecting her and thinking and believing that I wasn't the right guy for her. It was because I loved her that I did what I thought was right.

I fell in love with my angel the first time I laid my eyes on her. She appeared out of nowhere, like she has fallen from the sky. She looked so angelic. I guess I could say that she literally appeared to me like an angel. She came when I needed her most. And I guess in a way, she is an angel. She's so beautiful it leaves me speechless. When she smiles her whole face lights up, it never fails to take my breath away.

My face breaks into a smile.

I saw the light back in her eyes. The smile that lights up her whole face. The old Zarah, I knew was back... I just have to make sure that it wasn't just because of tonight.

***

When we reached her apartment building, I walked Zarah to her door, like always.

She unlocked her door and turned back to me.

She still had that bright smile on her face.

"Let me just lay all these stuffed animals on the sofa," she said.

I nodded and followed her inside.

When she was done she turned back to me and smiled.

"God... I miss that smile," I said, my voice rough with emotion.

Her smile slowly faded.

I walked over to her and just hugged her to me. I held her tight. Pouring all the emotions and love I was feeling for her. I just need to hold her.

She seemed stunned for a moment, but she quickly recovered from her initial shock, and wrapped her arms around me.

Zarah

I was still reeling in shock when I locked the door.

The way that Jason held me. It was different. It was as if he was pouring all his emotions into that hug.

I felt it...

Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Oh for heaven's sake! Why are you crying? You should be happy. Your plan is falling into place. If tonight was anything to go by, he's already falling for you. Just a little longer, and you'll be having your revenge..." I said to myself.

But why am I not happy ? Why do I feel this ache deep inside me? Why does it feel like my heart is breaking when I think about seeing Jason's face once I tell him that this was all a lie. That I planned this. That I...

I shook my head.

Damn it!

This is not going according to my plan. Why does it feel like he's the one in control? Why does it feel like I'm the one being led on again?

The way he's making me feel. It feels like I'm the one being played again. I'm the one getting hooked in his charms.

"What's the matter with you?" I scolded myself.

"Don't be a stupid fool again, Zarah!"

I didn't want to still be attracted to him. I want to feel nothing for him. After everything that he has done... everything he said... I shouldn't be feeling anything for him.

"Listen to the voice in your head, remember? Not your heart!"

Pathetic, Zarah. You're simply pathetic.

***

It was a busy day today at the shop. What am I talking about? It's always a busy day for us, and I couldn't be more happier and thankful. But thank god, it's finally dying down. I need to take a breather. It's usually the same everyday. Busy from the time we open at six in the morning, then it dies down around eight in the morning.

The door chimed, and I look over and my face broke into a big smile.

Jason...

He returned my smile.

Stop it Zarah!

What? I'm just laying it on, this is all part of my plan?

You were smiling at him like you missed him.

Stop it!

For heaven's sake Zarah snap out of it. Having an inside conversation with yourself in your head is not helping!

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked. "Don't tell me... You already finished the cupcakes I gave you last night?" I teased.

He chuckled. "Well yes, but I came here to see you, angel. I miss you," he said.

I flushed and looked around. People were looking at us with interest.

So, I took my apron off and walked around the counter and over to him.

I led him to the corner to give us a little more privacy.

"I missed you too," I said with a shy smile.

He grinned cockily. "i'll pick you up tonight okay? I want to cook for you," he said.

"You can cook?" I asked in surprise.

He chuckled. "Yeah angel, I can cook. My mom made sure that her boys were domesticated."

I laughed. "Okay. Pick me up here?"

He nodded. "I'll see you at closing then. You close at six right?"

I nodded.

"Okay. See you later then, angel," he said and leaned down to kiss me.

He pulled back and winked at me before leaving.

I chuckled.

"My goodness, you never told me you and Jason Henderson are together," Karen at the cashier said.

"It's still new," I said.

"Pfft, please. That man is in love with you."

I frowned. what? No he isn't. I mean, at least not yet.

"Don't give me that look. You can see it in the way he looks at you."

"Karen..."

"Zarah, trust me. I know love once I see it. And looking at you. I can tell you love him too."

My eyes widen in shock. "What?"

She chuckled. "Denial. Typical..."

I scowled at her.

She laughed. "It's okay boss. Your secret is safe with me," She winked.

I rolled my eyes at her.

"Can you handle the floor for a while?" I asked.

"Sure thing boss," she said.

I nodded and headed to the safety of my office.

Once I was inside my office, I closed the door and leaned against it.

Love? I'm not in love with him. I was but I'm not anymore! And even if I was, it doesn't change anything. He's still the guy who broke my heart...

My heart was racing...

The. It suddenly dawned on me. I had fallen in love with him again. Oh god. I never really stopped loving him.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!"

I still love him with all my heart.

"You can't love him, Zarah. You can't!"

I can't love him. I can't. I can't trust him again.

He broke my heart. After everything that he said to me, how can I still love him?

As I lay against the door trying to make sense of everything, I can't help but feel like the game hasn't even really started, and I already lost...

I lost my heart to The last Golden boy standing... Again...