Chapter 4

After that incident, my father summoned me for a scolding, "Al, you and Zachary have been together for ten years. Do you really think he's that kind of person? Could it be a misunderstanding?"

Recalling the way Zachary looked at Ruby and my gut feeling, I shot back without hesitation, "Dad, men just get tired, that's all."

My father sighed in frustration, "I know Zachary well enough. He's steady and wouldn't do something so brainless!"

My mother chimed in from the side, "Exactly, dear. You know, she's the daughter of his mentor. Maybe it really is just a way of repaying a favor."

*

How could I have not seen this coming?

Zachary had been living with us for almost ten years. My parents were soft-hearted and could have bonded with any stray cat or dog after that much time, let alone a human! And Zachary, with his growing reputation in the dental field, had long been treated as half a son by them.

Fine. I would let them see Zachary's true colors for themselves!

It seemed Zachary ha