Chapter 103
Frederick’s heart gave a jolt, and for some reason, Maeve’s words echoed in his mind.
She had said, “Frederick, sleeping together isn’t the only form of cheating p>
“Lacking boundaries and being overly intimate with another woman counts, too p>
Even if he only pitied Zoe, this kind of physical contact was definitely inappropriate.
Frederick squeezed his eyes shut and steeled himself to pry Zoe’s hands away.
But then he felt something, and his hands suddenly froze.
Through the thin fabric of his dress shirt, he could feel the scalding heat of her tears dampening his back, hot enough to almost burn his skin.
Zoe’s quiet weeping continued.
“Felix… Felix p>
Frederick curled his fingers, eventually balling them into fists. His body rigid, he let his arms drop to his sides.
Zoe must have been missing Felix desperately to mistake him for her late husband.
If he pushed her away now, shattering her illusion, she would probably be completely devastated.
Since she was already holding him, he would just endure it a little longer and act as a tool to help heal her broken heart.
Maeve wasn’t here anyway.
If he didn’t say anything, and Zoe didn’t say anything.
Then no one else would ever know this happened.
A few minutes later.
Click, clack, click.
The sound of footsteps suddenly echoed from the hallway outside.
Frederick finally detached Zoe’s hands, stepping aside to flick on the wall switch.
The room flooded with bright light. Seeing him, Zoe covered her mouth in shock and began to explain frantically.
“Frederick, I… I didn’t know it was you. I had a nightmare while I was sleeping. Felix came to see me in my dream. He said he was going to take me to Victoria Harbor to see the fireworks. I… I chased after him without even putting my shoes on. I thought… I thought p>
“It’s all right,” Frederick said, seeing her stumbling over her words in her distressed state He handed her a tissue from the desk.
“I don’t blame you. Dry your tears first p>
Zoe took the tissue, still babbling apologies.
“I’m so sorry, Frederick. I really didn’t mean to p>
“I told you, I’m not mad,” Frederick said, patting her shoulder.
“You lost your husband, and I lost my brother. We’re just two grieving people finding a bit of comfort. It’s fine p>
Zoe smiled through her tears, her delicate features taking on an innocent, childlike charm.
“Frederick, you really are the best man in the world p>
Frederick’s gaze softened.
“Didn’t you say you wanted to see the fireworks at Victoria Harbor? I’ll take you later, once I finish up my work p>
Zoe spun around happily.
“I love fireworks! Thank you, Frederick p>
She looked up at him, a picture of absolute dependence.
“Frederick, I’m so lucky to have you. You make me feel that even though Felix io gone, someone still cares about me. Really, thank you so much p>
Frederick offered a gentle smile. “We’re family. There’s no need to be so polite p>
“I’ll go back to my room now!” Zoe picked up the hem of her skirt and trotted out the door.
Frederick withdrew his gaze, a tolerant smile curving his lips.
She was still just a naive little girl.
How could anyone not feel protective over her after what she had been through?
At midnight.
Having made the arrangements in advance and finished his work, Frederick took Zoe to a yacht to watch the fireworks.
Before the show started, he ordered Samuel Vance to clear the area, wanting to ensure the paparazzi didn’t snap any photos. He didn’t want any inappropriate rumors circulating the next day and causing Maeve to misunderstand.