Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 92: Zephany Meets Kaelion

Zephany clutched the strap of her bag tighter as she hurried toward the tall glass doors of Air Media’s main building. The moment she stepped inside, the cool air from the lobby’s central AC hit her face, brushing away the slight sweat that had formed from her quick walk. She nodded politely at the receptionist who gave her a quick smile and went straight to the elevators.

The metal doors slid open with a soft ding and she stepped in, tapping her ID against the scanner and pressing the button to the 12th floor. As the elevator ascended, she took a moment to steady her breathing and flatten the front of her blouse. Mr. Davidson didn’t sound like he wanted to wait when he called earlier. Whatever this breaking story was, it had to be urgent.

When she reached the floor, the hallway was quiet except for the distant humming of the printers and the occasional shuffle of someone already at their desk. Zephany made her way through the maze of cubicles until her familiar corner came into view.

She stopped in her tracks.

Someone was sitting at her desk.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as she took a step closer. The man had his back to her, but the perfectly styled silver-streaked hair, the broad shoulders, and the casual yet designer jacket he wore screamed familiarity. Her confusion deepened until he turned around.

Kaelion Voss.

Superstar. International heartthrob. Singer. Actor. Model.

Sitting on her chair like he owned it.

Her mouth opened slightly but no words came out. She blinked a few times, half-wondering if she was dreaming or hallucinating from skipping breakfast.

Kaelion noticed her presence almost instantly. He turned, bright hazel eyes lighting up as if he’d just seen someone he’d been waiting for all his life.

"Idol! You’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you."

Zephany stared at him. "Idol? Who?" Her voice was soft, the confusion in her tone undeniable.

She glanced around, half-expecting Pia to jump out from behind the filing cabinet and yell, "Gotcha!" But no. The office was quiet, and Pia hadn’t arrived yet. Other desks were still empty. It was just her.

Kaelion stood up with a warm smile on his face. He looked genuinely thrilled to see her.

"Yes, you. Zephany Draven. You’re my idol. No one but you."

Zephany took a step back, looking even more confused. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

Kaelion’s expression softened. There was something dreamy in his gaze, like he was replaying a memory that meant the world to him.

"I’ve been your fan since you were little," he said softly, his voice edged with nostalgia.

"You used to live in that big white house near Oakridge Playground, right?" he continued, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I was the kid from the corner lot—the one with the messy hair and the missing front teeth."

He let out a quiet chuckle. "We used to play tag and climb the monkey bars together, you, me, and your brother Reynold. I don’t know if you remember, but back then, everything felt like summer."

His smile faded slightly as his eyes grew distant. "But what I remember most isn’t the games or the scraped knees."

"It’s the music," he said, more quietly now, as if the memory itself softened his tone.

"You were always on the second floor of your house," he went on, "sitting by the open window with your little fingers dancing over the piano keys. I’d hear you whenever I rode my bike past or lay in the grass with nothing to do."

"The melodies were always beautiful," he said, eyes meeting hers. "They had this strange way of making everything feel quiet. You played with so much emotion, even when you were only five."

"And it stuck with me," he finished, his voice almost a whisper.

Her lips parted, but no words came. She didn’t remember much from that part of her childhood. Everything had blurred together after her mom and dad passed away. The house. The playground. The music. She remembered playing, but she never thought anyone else did.

Kaelion went on, his tone full of admiration. "You inspired me. Back then, I couldn’t sing to save my life, but I wanted to. Just so I could sing with you while you played. I used to dream about that. I told myself someday I’d stand on the same stage with you."

Zephany blinked, still trying to process what he was saying. She never imagined the Kaelion Voss—beloved by millions—was once a boy from her neighborhood. That he had listened to her music. That she had unknowingly inspired him.

"But... why are you here today?" she asked. "What does any of that have to do with me now?"

Kaelion smiled gently, as if he’d been waiting for her to ask.

"I want to work with you," he said. "I already talked to Mr. Davidson. He gave his blessing. But I don’t want to do this without your permission. I need your yes, Zephany. Please... can you make my dream come true?"

He looked at her with such hope it almost made her heart ache. The sparkle in his eyes, the slight pout of his lips, the way he leaned a little closer—he reminded her of a puppy begging to be picked.

"I know it’s sudden. And I probably sound ridiculous," he added quickly. "But I’m serious. I’ve waited years for this. Just one chance to make music with you."

Zephany looked away, biting her lip.

Her fingers curled tightly around the strap of her bag again. She wanted to say no. The words were already at the edge of her tongue. She had long since left that part of her life behind—the stage, the applause, the spotlight. It was too much. Too heavy. And the last time she was there... she lost something she could never get back.

She sighed. "I’m not really... that person anymore," she said, softly. "I don’t perform. I don’t even like being the center of attention. I write. I stay behind the scenes. That’s what I do now."

Kaelion’s expression didn’t change. If anything, he looked even more understanding.

"You don’t have to stand in the spotlight if you don’t want to. But I still want to make music with you. Even if it’s just for us. Even if no one else hears it. I meant what I said. You’re my idol, Zephany. And you always will be."