Chapter 3
Zach froze where he stood. “You’re disgusted with me?”
“I have to go out later. I need to get changed. “I said it flatly, then turned and walked back to my room.
He tried to follow me, but I shut the door in his face and locked it without a second thought.
“Fine, Serena! You’ll regret this!“He really did sound angry. After spitting out the threat, he kicked the door hard and stormed off.
When I finally came out of the room, the living room was empty.
In the company group chat, Zach had just posted a message, saying that he was treating everyone to dinner and asked who wanted to
join.
The whole group went silent. Only Hannah replied–three back–to–back happy emojis.
I knew Zach was doing it just to get under my skin. He’d pulled this stunt countless times before. Every time, the others stayed quiet,
while Hannah jumped at the chance.
Back then, I would’ve been jealous enough to follow, only to be mocked for it later. Now? I didn’t give a damn.
I changed clothes, went to check out the apartment I planned to rent, and once I confirmed everything, I paid the deposit on the spot. Then I contacted an agent to list my condo for sale.
The place was technically mine. Though I’d paid for it with my own savings, overseen every last detail of the renovation, but the deed had Zach’s name on it.
Back then, we barely had anything to our names. I’d sunk in every cent I had, just so he would feel “secure.”
Now that the company had grown to this size, this condo probably wasn’t even good enough for him
anymore.
The agent told me Zach would need to be present to sign off on the sale. If he couldn’t, I’d need a signed authorization letter.
So I texted him. But as soon as I hit send, the chat window popped up with a red exclamation mark.
He’d blocked me. It wasn’t the first time. Every time things got heated, Zach would block me in a fit of rage.
I used to worry about him so much I’d borrow someone else’s phone, call him like a beggar, and plead with him to add
On those calls, he would sound untouchable, asking if I’d “realized my mistake.”
back.
I’d lost count of all the humiliating, empty apologies I’d made. Thinking about it now, I almost laughed at myself. Still, I dialed his
number.
“Come home tonight. We need to talk,” I said, keeping my voice flat.
“I’m busy. What is it?” His voice was ice–cold.
I pressed my lips together. “We’ll talk when you get back.”
Zach gave a short, mocking laugh. “So you shove me away whenever you want, and now you snap your fingers and expect me to come running?
Serena, do I owe you something? Is this what you call apologizing? Maybe I’ve spoiled you so much you’ve forgotten how to even say
sorry.”
I swallowed my pride and said what he wanted to hear, like I always had. “I’m sorry. It was my fault.”
What was one more hollow apology? I’d already given him so many. Besides, this time an apology meant a condo.
Even though I’d paid for it, if Zach refused to sign, I couldn’t sell. Even with proof of purchase, I’d have drag out a fight. I couldn’t afford to.
go to court. And Zach could
As expected, the moment he heard me bend, his tone lightened, almost amused. “Wait for me.“He hung up right after.
My heart stayed steady. I listed the condo online anyway, even slashing the price to make sure it would sell fast.
Once that was done, I met up with a friend and signed the contract.
Chapter 3
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וויו
She was thrilled, almost in disbelief, asking me over and over if I was dreaming. She even threw me a little celebration dinner.
I had planned on going home early, but then I thought of Zach, who knew when he’d get back? No point rushing home just to sit there. So I stayed.
After a few rounds of drinks, I slipped away to the restroom. That’s when I caught it–familiar voices drifting from the next private
room.
I froze mid–step. Through the crack of the half–closed door, I saw Hannah curled up in Zach’s arms.
Whatever she said made his cold face break into a smile. Then, seizing the moment, Hannah tilted her head down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
