Chapter 3
683 Words
The next day, I returned to the Wood family mansion.
Joseph Wood saw me and immediately plastered a fake smile across his face.
"Zanna, you're finally home. I knew you'd come around. You've always been a sensible girl."
I avoided his outstretched hand and sat down on the sofa.
"About the marriage alliance, I'm only choosing the Stone family. Turn down the Reed family."
Joseph's expression shifted.
"Zanna, the Reed family is one of the most powerful families in the capital. I've met Steven before. He's handsome, capable, and..."
"I know exactly what kind of trash he is," I cut him off.
"If you don't agree, I'll book a flight back overseas right now and never come back."
Seeing how determined I was, Joseph finally gave in.
"Fine, fine. We'll do it your way. The Stone family isn't a bad choice. Lance Stone is a little eccentric, but their family is every bit as influential as the Reed family."
I merely scoffed.
Lance Stone, the most notorious man in the capital's elite circles. Ruthless. Unhinged. He'd turn on his own family without a second thought.
I chose him because he was the only person capable of standing against Steven.
And because I happened to have leverage over him.
*****
That evening, I was enjoying a spa treatment when my phone buzzed.
A message from Steven.
He sent me a picture. In it was an Hermes handbag.
Attached was a text.
Steven: I went shopping for a gift for Miss Wood today. Picked up a bag for you too. Come over tonight.
Another message followed, this time a voice note. "Stop throwing a tantrum. Be a good girl and come over. I bought those tacos from your favorite place."
His condescending tone made me sick.
I didn't reply. I simply blocked his number.
Half an hour later, someone knocked on my bedroom door.
The housekeeper spoke carefully from outside, "Miss, there's a man downstairs looking for you. He says he's your boyfriend."
I frowned. How did Steven find this place?
I stepped onto the balcony and looked down.
Steven stood leaning against a Maybach. He was wearing a perfectly tailored bespoke suit. Several of his drinking buddies stood nearby.
"Steven, you're sure that poor girl lives here? This is the Wood family's estate. She's just a cleaning lady. How could she possibly live somewhere like this?"
Steven smoked leisurely. "She threw a fit yesterday. She's probably hiding at her employer's house."
So Steven thought I was a maid working for the Wood family.
Ridiculous.
I changed into casual clothes and headed downstairs.
The front door opened. Steven frowned immediately.
"What are you wearing? I gave you money to buy clothes, didn't I?"
He strode over and grabbed my wrist.
"Enough. Come home with me."
I shook his hand off.
"Mr. Reed, please behave yourself."
Steven's expression darkened immediately.
"Zona, you've got some nerve. You actually blocked me?"
His friends started laughing.
"Wow, the poor girl sure has an attitude. Steven, you're really putting up with this?"
"Seriously. She's just someone you're keeping around. Why is she acting like she's somebody?"
Steven ignored them. His eyes remained locked on me.
"I'm only going to say this one more time. Come back with me. Don't make me lose my temper here."
The warning in his eyes was obvious.
The old Zona would've backed down immediately. But not anymore.
"Steven. Didn't you hear me? We're done."
"Done?"
Steven let out a cold laugh. "I never agreed to that. As long as I haven't ended it, you don't get to walk away."
He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Don't push your luck, Zona. I'm about to marry Miss Wood. Once that happens, you won't even be in the same league. The fact that I'm still trying to make up with you should mean something."
I looked at the face that once fascinated me. Now it only made me sick.
"Really? Then I sincerely wish you and Miss Wood a long and happy marriage."
I turned around, walked back into the villa, and shut the door behind me.
- Writer
