Chapter 7
1341 Words
Ellie’s P.O.V.
What the hell was wrong with Zack?
Anger coiled in my chest as his accusation played in my head on repeat, challenging my restraint.
I couldn’t even believe he accused me of stealing his family property.
Like how? How could I steal anything from him when my own life was in shambles?
“Unbelievable!
I groaned, pacing restlessly in my room, frustration boiling.
Zack’s calm face flashed in my mind, his signature smirk pouring gasoline over the fire of fury.
Zack Walton was rapidly becoming the biggest source of stress in my life.
Lost in thoughts, I flinched as a sudden knock on the door interrupted my anger session. I paused.
“Come in.”
The door opened and the maid, Lilly, stepped inside, her posture as composed as ever.
“Madam,” she said politely. “Can you please come to the living room and attend to a guest? He wishes to see Mr. Walton and…”
Although she left her sentence incomplete, I understood it. My voice came out steadier, unlike the chaos inside me.
“What about Zack? He can go.”
After less than two days of my marriage, receiving guests as my mystery husband’s wife felt… awkward.
But Lilly insisted.
“Mr. Zack went to see his dad in the hospital. He hasn’t returned yet.”
Gosh!
I took a deep breath and nodded.
“Fine. I’ll go.”
Then it crossed my mind.
“Who’s the guest?”
Lilly answered respectfully. “I haven’t seen that man before. But he said his name is Camryn Hunt.”
For a second, I thought I had heard wrong.
“What? Camryn Hunt?”
Lilly blinked. “Yes. He is in the living room.”
My heart skipped.
“Dad? Here?”
Without a word, I moved out of the room, walking briskly.
By the time I reached the living room, Dad was already there, waiting.
He stood near an antique painting, his face cold, not a hint of warmth in his eyes. Something in my chest tightened, but I forced it down.
I had learned my place in his life after my mom’s death.
So, I stepped a few steps away from him and spoke, my voice calm.
“Good evening, Dad. How can I help you?”
But he didn’t answer that.
Instead, his gaze briefly flicked over me before he spoke.
“I told that maid I am here to meet my son-in-law. And she sent you?”
Something sharp twisted inside me.
Of course, he didn't come for you.
You are just a connection, a way to correct the mistakes!
I let out a quiet sigh.
“Mr. Walton is in the hospital.” I said evenly. “If you have a message, I will pass it along.”
For the first time, something shifted in his countenance. And that was a subtle disappointment, as if he had missed an opportunity.
“I see!”
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card, placing it on the table with deliberate care.
“I am hosting a party,” he said flatly. “For Alice and Jared.”
My fingers curled slightly by my sides.
“My daughter couldn’t get a proper wedding ceremony. She deserves to celebrate the beginning of her new life.”
His cold eyes flicked toward me.
“This is an invitation for Mr. Walton. We will be honored if he attends.”
My vision blurred as I gazed at the card and then at him, my dad, who talked like I wasn’t even a part of his family.
He didn’t even spare a glance for me and turned around to leave.
“Make sure Mr. Walton receives this.”
And... that was all.
No questions, no concern.
Not even ‘Are you okay?’
I stood there for a moment, staring at him until he walked out of the house, the door clicking shut behind him.
My heart ached. I hated that even after everything, a part of me still waited, still hoped for his concern or a speck of kindness.
But there was nothing.
Like always!
Slowly, I walked toward the table and picked up that elegant card. A quiet sigh left me.
“You took my love, my future, and my life from me, Alice? What else is there to celebrate?”
…
The next morning, I made sure of one thing.
Avoid Zack!
I had to see my husband alone, and it was only possible if that stepson wasn’t anywhere near me to utter nonstop nonsense.
After getting ready, I slipped that card into my bag too. Just in case Mr. Zackary wanted to attend this event.
When I stepped out of the room, it was already late enough. So, I headed straight outside.
“Prepare a car,” I told the driver. “I am going to the hospital.”
“Yes, Madam.”
A few minutes later, I stepped out into the bright sunlight and walked toward the car, a wave of heat brushing against my skin.
I opened the back door and slid inside, only to freeze mid-motion.
“Zack?
I gawked at him. He sat comfortably in the backseat as if waiting for me already.
My grip tightened on the door before I forced myself to sit properly.
“Going somewhere?” He asked casually.
Frustration flickered through me. I replied shortly.
“I am.”
Then I leaned forward, addressing the driver.
“Why didn’t you inform me that Mr. Zack is using this car? I can wait.”
With that, I reached for the door handle. But before I could open it, Zack moved forward, his hand firmly pushing the lock down.
He ordered coldly.
“Prepare another car for Madam!”
“Yes, sir.”
The driver stepped out of the car immediately, leaving us alone.
The silence in the car shifted as I suddenly became aware of our pose. Zack was close, too close to my breasts, his burning gaze lingering way too long before finally raising.
My heart thudded against my ribs as I shifted in my seat, trying to create a distance that didn’t exist.
“Move!” I said, keeping my voice steady. “I am leaving.”
Zack tilted his head, his unapologetic gaze sweeping over me once more as he straightened, finally giving me some space.
“Why?” He said calmly. “It’s better to sit here than stand outside and wait.”
I glanced out of the window. It was scorching hot.
Damn!
I hadn’t applied sunscreen in a hurry!
A small, irritated sigh escaped me as I leaned back into my seat.
“Fine. I will just stay here for a few minutes.”
Zack’s soft voice shattered the silence again.
“I heard your dad came to see you last night. Already missing you?”
There was something in his tone that made me lower my guard.
I replied despite myself.
“He didn’t come for me. He came to meet his son-in-law.”
I said quietly. “He left an invitation for him.”
Zack hummed softly. “What else were you expecting?”
He said without hesitation. “He married you off for money. Now he wants a return on his investment.”
My jaw tightened.
Investment?
A bitter sound escaped me.
“I am an idiot.” I muttered, shaking my head. “I shouldn’t have replied. My mistake.”
A sudden wave of anger curled in my chest as I turned and grabbed the handle, ready to unlock the door.
However, Zack’s large hand covered mine in a split second.
He bent forward, his other hand pressing against the door, trapping me in place.
My breath hitched.
I could see our reflection in the window, him leaning closer until his face lowered dangerously close to mine.
His deep voice brushed against my ear, low and deliberate.
“Why are you always in such a hurry to get away from me, Ellie?”
- Writer
