My throat suddenly felt dry at his request. I was still uncomfortable being here today, and he's talking about bringing me here for the second time for a dinner."Erm, that would be great," I said, masking my emotions. "But honestly, you already know how busy I am lately, and I use weekends for my home chores and spending time with my girl.""Oh, alright. It's not a problem at all," Jason replied, smiling as if nothing had happened.To be honest, this is one of the reasons I like him; he never tries to force things on me or persuade me to accept his requests. He would just say it's fine and pretend as if nothing happened.Unless it's business-related, he would then look for a proper time to make the request for the second time, which I would hardly decline."So what would you like to drink while we wait for the Zech Holdings representatives?" he aske
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," the first man remarked, stretching out his hand in request of a handshake with Jason, and he accepted."You're welcome, sir," Jason replied with a smile on his lips as they exchanged handshakes, and he turned to greet others, only to see me approaching."Oh, there she is, Zora Paulson. The mastermind behind our revolutionary project," he said proudly with excitement and a smile all over his face.I couldn't help but force out a smile to greet the men as they turned to see me. However, my smile froze for some seconds as I and Zayn locked eyes. He's the one opposite Jason, and he's facing me."Zora! Finally, I found you," he said with excitement. The happiness was evident on his face, just like someone who had found a hidden treasure.My legs trembled, and I nearly lost my balance. I never expected this to happen. To see Zayn again in the same room where he humiliated me together with his wife Paige."What is he doing here?" I found myself questioning
"I can see you're yet to forget the incident. Hence, you have refused to talk to me. Well, I bought it under your name as compensation for what I did.""Erm..." I was choked with words. I didn't even know what to say at this point because I hadn't expected to hear that from him."Please, can we just focus on the reason we're here?" I said, trying to look serene, but deep down inside me, I was seething. I was dying of embarrassment that I wish the ground could just swallow me whole.I knew Zayn is always full of surprises, but not to this extent. Doesn't he know what to do with his money any longer?Why purchase it with my name? What happened to Paige?"Please, I'm lost here. Could any of you tell me exactly what's going on?" Jason asked, confusion flickering across his face and eyes."Well, I really understand how you're feeling right now," said Zayn, completely disregarding Jason's existence, let alone answering his question."I will feel the same if I were in your shoes," he added,
Zayn flashed me a glare with a smile and then responded, "Calm down, dear. Don't be in such a haste, dear."He then turned to Mr. Luke, who had already started fretting. "You still couldn't remember her?" he asked with a wry smile on his lips."My apologies, sir. Pardon my short memory. I've started aging so bad that I hardly recall recent incidents, let alone old ones," he remarked with a pleading tone. He was already shaking.I couldn't believe my eyes. This man was full of dominance and fearfulness back then. How did he end up in such a condition, being a mere worker, a cook even in his own established company?Zayn sighed. "It's fine," he said and paused for a few seconds, staring at him with scrutiny. "Do you know why I bought this place?" he added.Mr. Luke shook his head in disapproval, and Zayn cleared his throat to continue. "Great. Do you remember that day when a reckless and useless digger brought a complaint to you?"At this point, I could tell Mr. Luke had realized who I
"You mentioned buying this place for me... Fine, what happened to your lovely wife, Paige? She doesn't deserve it."Zayn was astounded by the question. He literally didn't expect me to react this way. Even Jason was shocked to his bone marrow.At first, Jason's expression was laced with disappointment, although he was at a point glued to the incident. However, there's this betrayed look he usually snaps at me, which I couldn't fathom.By now, I thought he must have realized that the man in front of me was my ex-husband.After staring at me for some while with a doubtful facial expression, Zayn finally exhaled a deep sigh and sat back on his executive chair. "Alright then. Let's get back to business," he remarked.I sighed and gulped hard. I was really furious. I sat back on my chair and picked up my glass of wine in front of me and sipped from it just so I could calm my emotions. So I could refrain from saying all the things in my head I intended to lash at Zayn. However, I was still f
Zayn let out a wry smile. He was unfazed by my response."Well, you can say that. Time passes, and people change as well," he said, gritting his teeth without the wry smile fading.I was surprised because the more I tried to subdue him, the more he found new tactics to defend himself. Was he trying to tell me he had changed? How did he expect me to believe that? I swallowed hard, and a faint smile escaped through my lips. He was indeed very brave. "Anyways, let's not get distracted. Since you've refused to go through the project demo, I'll give you a brief explanation then." With this being said, I brought out the 10.1-inch screen tablet phone from my bag and turned it on.I went to the gallery and scrolled to our company's illustration image, then handed him the tablet."We decided to come up with a new advertising system that not only helps in improvements in model marketing but also makes it more ey
ZAYNI couldn't believe what just happened a few minutes ago. It's been my wish to set my eyes on her again, even if it's just a quick glance.I couldn't believe I messed up the opportunity I had been praying for—I ruined the beautiful moment I had—being with Zora.I had rehearsed multiple times and stood in front of the mirror to practice how to keep my facial expression while presenting my words. I chose my words correctly so they wouldn't trigger her to remember the past.Despite everything, as soon as I saw her walking out of the restroom, I forgot everything and started fretting as I noticed how much better she had become. I was scared she wouldn't even listen to me or would embarrass me in front of my subordinates, which just happened.Well, I should blame myself for how she reacted. I should have apologized to her straight without beating around the bush. I should have been more loving and used appealing words instead of acting as if I was trying to buy her love with my money,
ZAYN —Blake, you wouldn't believe what just happened today." A smug grin tugged at my lips as I spoke."Really? Tell me then," Blake replied, his tone dripping with curiosity.I breathed a sigh, and a wry smile crept onto my lips. "I saw her—I mean, I saw Zora.""For real? So how is she? I bet she couldn't recognize you," he said, obviously teasing.My brows creased, and a faint smile curled across the corner of my lips. "Of course she did. And she is doing fine, even. I wasn't surprised though, because I know what she's capable of.""I second that. Zora is such a vicious lady. You really fumbled," Blake retorted, mocking me for my action. Well, I won't get offended because I created the problem for myself."You're right, Blake. I fumbled, but that's why I called so you could be of help with my problem." I crossed my legs, massaging my temples. Beads of sweat were dripping on my forehead.There was a brief silence from his end for some seconds. "And how can I help? How sure are you th
ZORA—"I can't really believe you did this, Jeffrey. What came over you?" Zayn asked him with so much worry in his voice."I'm so sorry, sir. I was manipulated by Madam," he answered, crying and clutching his palms as he pleads for mercy."Madam?" Felicia frowned and slapped him so bad that he almost fell back while kneeling.Not gonna lie, I never knew Felicia still had so much energy to shake the stamina of a young man with just a slap."Which Madam are you trying to set up? You want to involve my lovely wife Zora, huh?" She asked and slapped him one more time before Zayn intervened."Leave her, Mama. I believe he knows what he's saying," he said, gazing at Jeffrey in a scrutinizing way."Which Madam are you talking of?""Your wife Paige?" he answered, and Zayn gasped in shock."Okay, go on," Zayn said, taking out his phone to record."She approached me the night of the party and proposed to make me manager of one of your firms if I could eliminate Grandma," he paused, sobbing befor
ZORA —The following day, early in the morning, I was still in bed, grimacing and rolling around when I began hearing some strange noises from the sitting room.I tried to ignore it, but the noise was getting louder and louder."Zayn," I called, darting my hand around the bed to locate him and wake him up, but he was nowhere to be found on the bed.I put on the light, trying to make sure I was in the right place, but still, he wasn't in the room. It was four o'clock for goodness' sake, so there's no way he's already out for business.Panic engulfed me. Didn't I sleep off with him last night?Quietly, I stepped down from the bed and started leaping to the sitting room so I could figure out the cause of the noise and also check other rooms to know if Zayn sneaked out in the middle of the night to sleep in one of the rooms, as we had an intense workout till he became exhausted, yet I wasn't exhausted.So there's a possibility he ran out, so I don't wake up in the middle of the night to d
ZORA—I exhaled a breath of relief, helping him to get to his feet. "The fact that you admitted without arguing and promised to keep improving yourself means a lot to me—it shows that you're ready to do that," I said, and he let out a wry smile."Thank you for understanding me. Just with time, I promise you'd forget completely about that fool who goes about snatching people's wives and kids by the...""Excuse me?" I was shocked to my bone marrow. Why does she always refer to Jason as the bad guy who ruins people's relationships, forgetting that he was the one who ditched me away?"Is there a problem? Isn't he what I called him? Why would he have the nerve to claim not only my wife but also my daughter? Who does that?" Zayn wasn't ready to take back his words.I couldn't help but laugh at his statement. The boldness Zayn had to still take me as his wife needs to be studied when he already has another woman with him."Well, you can say all that you care, but stop referring to Jason as a
ZORA —"What happened? She looks so sad. Is she facing a problem?" I heard Zayn's voice question from behind, and my heart sank.I hope he hadn't been eavesdropping on our conversation.I tilted my head and saw him leaning on the wall, staring at us with his hands folded across his chest. From his facial expression, I could tell he had been there for a while listening to us."Um," I tucked my hair behind my ear as I was at a loss for words."Yeah, she's okay, Zayn. Nothing was wrong," I said, using the corner of my eyes to send a warning glance at Daisy so she wouldn't interfere."But I overheard you scolding her; tell me, what is the matter?" He pressed on, looking concerned."I'll tell you later." With this, I grabbed Zora and walked past him, brushing past his body as he refused to move out of the way for us.About two hours later, Daisy had already eaten, and she was with her great-grandma in the downstairs sitting room while I isolated myself in the room, regulating my thoughts.
ZORA —I woke up the next morning and went straight to the window to clear my mind.I felt like I started the day on a bad note as I didn't even bother with my morning routine or check on Zayn, who I had slept next to on the same bed.At the window, I grimaced as I thought about Jason. "He must be regretting ever helping me," I sighed, turning to glance at Zayn to make sure he didn't hear me grumbling."I've created a monster that some innocent woman will have to deal with," I lamented, knowing that I've shattered his trust in women. He might now view all women in the same light because of my foolishness.I remembered how it all began. "I should have listened to him when he warned me about the project Zech Holdings Ltd. called me for."I sighed helplessly, guilt weighing heavily on my mind. If I hadn't come to this city in the first place, Zayn wouldn't have had the chance to start clinging to me and pressuring me for a second chance, which I'm slowly starting to consider.I swallowed
ZAYN —We were all gathered at the dining table during the celebration, but I could see a discomfort on Zora's face. She was clearly scared because of Paige's presence. Not really because she might harm her or anything related to that but because she doesn't want to get into a heated talk with her.I was seething with rage because I never expected Paige to be here and ruin my happiness. The fact that my grandmother had invited her infuriated me even more. Why would she do that?"Zayn, I know you're upset that your grandmother invited Paige, but don't be mad at her. She must have had her reasons," Zora whispered to me.She was worried that things might escalate if tempers flared up."What reason could possibly justify ruining my happiness?" I grumbled, clenching my fists and shooting Paige a look of irritation."I know she was wrong, but please try to control your temper. Don't do anything foolish. If not for anyone else, do it for our daughter. She's too young to witness her daddy get
ZORA—The dinner party turned out to be quite different from what I had anticipated.The house was bustling with Felicia's friends, relatives, some of Zayn's staff members, and other unfamiliar faces. It had been five years since I had last seen many of them, so I struggled to recall everyone. Over the years, new friendships must have formed within the family circle.The sitting room was lavishly decorated, and the spread of food looked inviting. Felicia had gone all out, even bringing in musicians to add to the festive atmosphere. It was evident that she had put a lot of effort into planning the event. I was surprised that so many of the invitees had managed to attend on such short notice.The room was abuzz with conversations and laughter, and some people who recognized me came over to catch up."Zora, it's been almost six years since we last saw you! Are you back for good? We've missed you around here," Catherine, one of Felicia's friends, exclaimed, drawing attention to me. I hesi
ZORA—"Hello Zora, are you in Southampton?" Daisy asked me as soon as I answered her call, making me gasp in shock.Gosh. How did she find out?I sighed, running my hand through my hair as I thought of what to say. For her to phrase the question this way means that someone had told her, so there's no need lying to her."Um... Yes. How did you know?" I responded, stammering.I never thought of telling Daisy about this because I knew she would be mad at me, but it seems that the truth has been revealed."Why would you do that? Zora, it seems like you don't love yourself and your little child, huh?" said Daisy from her end, bringing me back from my reverie of thoughts."Uhm, Daisy, calm down. Everything I'm doing, I do for a purpose.""Purpose?" She countered, letting out a deadpan laugh."What purpose is there in going back to someone who doesn't have your best interest at heart? I can see you've been ensnared by a spell because you can't be doing this with clear eyes," she scolded, her
ZORA—"Grandma is right, Zora. The greatest gift is having you and Daisy back in our lives, and that's what she's talking about," Zayn chimed in, making me sigh in frustration.Why are they making the situation more complicated?Somehow, that statement made me emotional even though I wasn't comfortable with it."Let's go in, please. I'm sorry that I kept you guys outside for so long," Felicia remarked. She held Daisy's hand, leading us inside.Zayn's grandmother and Daisy were deep in conversation as we walked inside, as if they had known each other for a long time, while I swallowed a lump of satisfaction as I watched them."This place is still the way it was," I commented, trying to start a conversation between me and Zayn."Yeah. I know you would be amazed. My grandma likes keeping things the same but never fails to maintain them," said Zayn, joining me in admiring the environment."My sister would be happy to see you. I'm glad she visited," Felicia remarked, turning her gaze towar