I loved fireworks, and Zara had gone broke on them, hiring a new style from my favorite firework designer of all time.

Browsing through my messages, I saw Zara's one hour ago. I grinned dryly, wondering if things were possible if I'd seen it a minute earlier.

"I had to leave suddenly and will not be able to come back in time to see the fireworks. Thank you so much, Zara," I provided an alibi.

Zara was disheartened but did not give up. "Can we go back now? The fireworks will not be long."

"It's probably too late. I'm close to the city," I replied.

Zara's family villa was in...