ZACH’S POV

"Then why all the secrecy?" I demanded. "If he’s just a friend, why hide it?"

"Because I know how it looks," she replied, her eyes pleading. "But I swear, Zach, there's nothing going on. He’s just a friend who’s been helping me through some tough times."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. "This isn’t about us, Selena. This is about Joan. If Dylan is as innocent as you say, fine. But I don’t want any more surprises."

"Understood," she said, her voice soft. "I’ll talk to him downstairs. I promise, Zach, there’s nothing to worry about."

She turned to leave the room, but...