Chase Me Again

Chapter 14

Jessica's POV

Maxwell announced that Zander had won the "Tears of the Stars."

I watched as the staff carefully placed the shimmering necklace back into the glass box and handed it to Zander.

"If you really like it, I can bid on it for you."

I realized my gaze on the necklace must have worried Alvin. I turned to him and smiled, "It is indeed beautiful, but I know its market value is only 1.5 million dollars."

Alvin nodded, "Indeed, for five million dollars, I could have designer Hannah create a unique piece just for you."

I smiled but remained silent, not wanting Alvin to know that at the start of the auction, I had noticed Tawny's excited reaction.

I knew she wanted this necklace.

What surprised me wasn't that Zander was competing with Alvin for it, but that Zander would spend five million on it - for Tawny.

I suspected Tawny was more than just his cousin.

At this thought, my heart began to tinge with bitterness.

"Wow, it's stunning," Tawny whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

My gaze involuntarily shifted to her and Zander.

Tawny's eyes sparkled with excitement.

The look she gave Zander was intense, a gaze I knew all too well. A few years ago, when I first met Zander, I looked at him the same way.

Her voice was filled with joy. "Thank you, Zander, I didn't expect you to give me such an expensive gift. I mean, it's perfect."

"I'm sorry, this isn't for you."

Zander's words made both Tawny and me pause.

A flash of annoyance crossed Tawny's eyes.

Her smile froze, and her face fell.

But quickly, she forced another smile, "Oh, then... Who is it for?"

Zander didn't answer her. He looked up and our eyes met unexpectedly across the room.

His intense gaze caused an unexplained tightening in my chest.

No way!

Zander began walking towards me, his steps deliberate, and my heart started to beat faster.

In Tawny's astonished gaze, Zander approached me with the glass box in hand.

A faint smile played on his lips.

He looked at me and said, "It's for you."

I was stunned for a moment but quickly regained my senses.

Politely, I replied, "Thank you, but I'd like to remind you that it was Mr. Riddle who was bidding against you for this necklace. If you wish to give it away, you should give it to him directly, not me."

Zander's expression didn't change. His deep eyes held mine as he said, "I think Mr. Riddle bid on this necklace for you as well, Jessica. I remember Hannah is your favorite jewelry designer."

"I didn't expect you to remember such small things," I said sarcastically.

"I've never forgotten," Zander looked at me. "You once said Hannah's designs made you feel loved. You own a pair of earrings she designed, called 'Starlight.' I thought these 'Tears of the Stars' would match them, so I bought it for you because it could only belong to you."

For a moment, I lost the ability to speak.

He remembered everything! He remembered our daily conversations, even remembered I had such a pair of earrings.

Could it be that he still loves me?

As this thought emerged, I instantly recalled Serena.

My heart cooled instantly, "I'm surprised you remember these things, but it seems you've forgotten the most important thing."

"What?" Zander looked at me, surprised.

"I also said that for love and marriage, I demand absolute loyalty."

As I finished, Zander's face changed suddenly. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but Tawny approached at that moment.

Smiling, she linked her arm with Zander's.

She said sweetly, "I'm so envious. He's giving you such an expensive necklace just to make you happy. You must cherish it."

"There's no need to envy. You can ask him for one. I think Zander won't refuse," I replied, not liking Tawny's tone or implications.

She always made me feel like I'm a jealous and incompetent wife.

"Sorry to interrupt," Alvin, holding a glass of red wine, finished conversing with others and walked over.

He nodded politely to Zander, then turned to me. "I just got Hannah's contact from Maxwell. I'll contact her as soon as possible to customize a set of jewelry for you."

Alvin's words made Zander's expression awkward.

I understood he was helping me, so I smiled and linked my arm with his, "Thank you in advance."

With that, we turned to leave.

"Wait a minute," Zander said, his voice cold and somewhat terrifying.

I turned to look at him.

Tawny suddenly spoke up, "The hotel's CEO wanted to talk to you just now," she said, slightly tightening her grip on Zander's arm. "You remember Warren's words, right? Don't forget his reminder."

Zander looked as if he'd been punched. His expression quickly darkened, becoming solemn.

I was secretly surprised in my heart. This was a side of Zander I had never seen before.

Meanwhile, Alvin led me towards the other guests.

Before leaving, I glanced at Zander.

His eyes were filled with pain and turmoil.