Chapter 33
Chapter 33 Bumping Into Zacharias
Chapter 33 Bumping Into Zacharias
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Melody, watching how firm and calm Anneliese was, felt a wave of mixed emotions stir inside her.
Lenora, however, let out a sharp laugh.
“Finally figured it out, huh? My brother never cared about you. Two years of marriage, 500 million in hand, and now you’re bowing out on your own. Honestly, you got the better deal p>
Anneliese didn’t bother rising to the bait.
Instead, she turned toward Melody, her tone steady. “Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s go now–better to avoid unnecessary complications p>
The words weren’t just for show. If they lingered even a little longer, Zacharias might catch wind of this, and leaving would become impossible.
Melody clearly shared the same worry. She feared Anneliese might backtrack at the last moment, so both sides agreed quickly and made for the door.
But the moment it swung open, Anneliese froze.
A tall figure in a charcoal suit stood right outside, his hand casually in his pocket, his expression ice–cold.
A thin white bandage cut across his forehead, but the stark line only drew more attention to the sharp angles of his face. His eyes locked directly onto hers, unblinking.
It was Zacharias.
Anneliese’s pulse stuttered. Panic flickered in her eyes, draining the color from her face. When did he get here? Did he hear … everything?
“ Z –Zach, what are you doing here p>
Behind her, Melody and Lenora stiffened as well. Melody clutched her purse so tightly her knuckles whitened.
Zacharias‘ gaze swept over all three women before settling squarely on Anneliese.
His brows drew together. “Where are you going p>
Anneliese caught the nervous glances between Melody and Lenora. Afraid one of them might
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14:14 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 33 Bumping Into Zacharias
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slip, she quickly spoke up herself. “I’ve already apologized, and Mom and Lenora accepted it. I’m just taking them out for some shopping p>
Her cold expression and pale features made it easier for Zacharias to accept her words.
So, she did apologize …
The panic on his mother’s and sister’s faces suddenly made sense. They must have picked on Anneliese again and were now worried he would reprimand them.
As for shopping, that wasn’t unusual. His mother and Lenora often relied on Anneliese to foot the bill. And considering her recent mistake, compensating them with gifts seemed only fair.
A sense of calm settled back over him, and he nodded. His lips softened into a gentle smile. “That’s good p>
Anneliese’s tense chest eased slightly. She had no wish to linger in his presence and tried to step past him.
But before she could, Zacharias‘ hand shot out and closed firmly around her wrist.
A rush of distaste rippled through her, but instead of pulling back, she forced herself to meet his gaze.
His eyes, unexpectedly warm, lingered on her.
“Honey, I knew you’d see reason–for our family’s sake, to think things through. And later, pick out something nice for yourself too. Today, it’s on me p>
Irony stirred bitterly in Anneliese’s chest. If he knew what we were truly planning, would he still be speaking this sweetly? He’d probably explode with rage.
But knowing she wouldn’t have to keep pretending much longer, a bright smile spread across
her face.
“Really p>
For a brief second, Zacharias lost himself in that expression. When was the last time she smiled at me like this? It felt like ages, even though it hadn’t been long at all.
Her smile pierced through his recent gloom, leaving him almost dazed.
His eyes brimmed with tenderness as he murmured, “Of course. When have I ever lied to you? Honey, you deserve it p>
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Chapter 33 Bumping Into Zacharias
He leaned closer, aiming to brush a kiss across her forehead.
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Anneliese had no patience left for his performance. With a quick twist of her waist, she sidestepped the gesture, lowering her gaze while throwing him a subtle glance.
“Mom and Lenora are still here p>
Mistaking her evasion for shyness, Zacharias‘ smile deepened, and he tightened his hold on her hand.
“Alright, then. You three go on. Shall I drive you myself p>
Anneliese responded almost too quickly. “No need, I’ll take them. You should focus on work p>
They made their way downstairs together. After watching her and the others get into the car, Zacharias bent to shut the rear door, then leaned down to tap on the driver’s side window.
Anneliese rolled it down, and he reached in, gently smoothing back a strand of her hair.
“Honey, it’s been too long since we had dinner together. Make something tonight–I’ll be home early p>
Her lips curved politely. “Sure p>
“I’d like your Sunday roast p>
The words made her fingers tighten slightly on the wheel.
That dish demanded hours of careful preparation–every ingredient washed, cut, and seasoned with precision. It was nothing short of a laborious undertaking.
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