Chapter 172 Comforting Zia

Zia's voice faltered for a moment as she wiped the tears from the corners of her reddened eyes. Then, she forced herself to continue, trying to sound more composed. "I've been with him for years, Owen. I know him better than anyone. He's always been focused on his studies and medicine. It has to be that woman who saw how good-looking he is and deliberately tried to ruin things between us. But now he's made up his mind not to see me again. I don't know what to do—my head's a mess." She paused, clearly embarrassed, and added, "I know it's not professional to bring personal drama into work, but I… I don't have anyone else to talk to. I'm just so frustrated. Tell me, Owen—you're a guy. What do you think? How can I get him to meet me, even just once? What would it take?" I stared at Zia, her large eyes swollen and red from crying. Her youthful face was filled with hurt and desperation, a reminder that she was still just a college grad, struggling to manage her emotions. Her heartbreak was palpable, and it was hard not to sympathize. But the whole situation didn't sit right with me. In my past life, Zia and Randall had been head over heels for each other, and their love had only fallen apart because Yvette had swooped in and stolen him away. Randall had even given her up to protect Zia. But now? Randall was the one initiating the breakup. His actions were completely out of character from what I remembered. Frowning, I asked, "Are you sure he got into a car with another woman? A beautiful one?" Was this just a rumor, or was there really another woman in the picture? My mind immediately jumped to Yvette. Had she already made her move on Randall? If she had… Well, that would make her even more of a piece of work. She'd tortured me just the other night, gone out chasing men in the afternoon, and then called to harass me by evening. If I ran into her again, I'd be tempted to smash a bottle over her head. Zia shook her head, her expression deflated. "That's what his roommate told me. I didn't see it myself. But he's been acting weird lately. I can feel it." Randall's behavior was strange. He'd returned from overseas but was actively avoiding Zia, even though they were an official couple. It didn't make any sense. I remembered how, in my past life, I always made sure to tell Yvette when I was home. It wasn't just to check in—it was because I hoped, deep down, she'd one day say, "Owen, come pick me up from work." "What reason did he give for the breakup?" I asked, my brow furrowing deeper. Zia's hands went to her hair, clutching it in frustration as her voice wavered. "He said the feelings just weren't there anymore. How is that possible? Before he left for his trip, we were perfect—like we were made for each other. "It hasn't even been a month! How could things fall apart that quickly? There has to be some kind of misunderstanding, but I can't fix it unless I see him." Her pain was written all over her face, her lips pressed into a thin line as if holding back more tears. The truth was, Randall and Zia were doomed to fall apart eventually. If not now, then later. Maybe this was for the best—it could save her from the heartbreak she endured in my past life. Still, I offered a suggestion, "If he's refusing to see you, maybe try agreeing to the breakup. Use it as an opportunity to meet him and talk things through. Sometimes stepping back can bring people closer." Zia stared at me for a moment, processing my words. Finally, she nodded hesitantly, though her fingers still fidgeted with her hair, betraying her anxiety. "Okay. Thanks, Owen." I waved her off, not sure what else to say. Randall wasn't my problem, and neither was Yvette anymore. I had already divorced Yvette. Whatever they did with their lives wasn't any of my business. As for Zia, I could only hope she didn't get too caught up in this. Over the next few days, Zia seemed to gradually pull herself together, her focus at work improving. But just as I thought things were settling down, she approached me before the end of the day with an unexpected invitation. "Owen, I promised I'd treat you and Randall to dinner, but… well, things didn't go as planned. Still, I want to keep my word. Would you let me take you out to dinner tonight, just the two of us?" I was about to decline, but before I could, Zia launched into a heartfelt plea. "Owen, you've been like a mentor and a friend to me. Please, let me do this. It's my way of saying thank you for everything you've done." Seeing how sincere she was, I couldn't bring myself to refuse. Figuring it might be the last time I could help her, I agreed. To my surprise, dinner quickly turned into Zia downing glass after glass of alcohol. She barely touched her food, and by the end of the meal, she was tipsy and emotional, clinging to my arm as she rambled. "Owen, can't you come with me to see Randall? You're my boss—he'd have to listen to you. You'd have more sway than I would. I just… I just want to know who that woman is. Did he really fall for her?"