Chapter 7
Zach returned to his room to find it transformed with tasteful touches: three new paintings, a few potted plants, and curtains in an elegant shade.
It all brought him a deep sense of satisfaction, especially knowing Elvira hadn’t broken the bank to do it. It hit him then, all he ever craved was the warmth of a simple, cozy home.
A flash of anger crossed Zach’s eyes as memories surfaced. He closed his eyes, reopening them to a depth unreadable, shielding his emotions from the world.
As for Elvira, Zach felt he needed more time to figure her out, especially since nothing turned him off more than vanity.
found out she cozied up to Tracy just because of the Gilbert family, Elvira would never hear the end of it.
If Zach ever f
Embarrassed beyond belief, Elvira didn’t venture out of her room after the day’s fiasco. Drained from the day, she crashed after a quick shower.
The next morning. Elvira was up early, planning to whip up breakfast just for herself. Remembering Zach’s help, she decided to make an extra portion for him.
Zach strolled in from his morning run to find Elvira bustling in the kitchen, looking effortlessly beautiful in a casual white outfit and a lilac apron, her hair tied back in a practical ponytail. Her profile in the morning light was simply breathtaking
Hearing him, Elvira turned and cheerfully suggested, “Back already? Go freshen up, and I’ll have breakfast ready. Bet you didn’t know I could cook”
Zach headed off without a word.
Dressed in clean clothes, Zach sat down to the noodles Elvira had prepared. They ate in silence, the delicious meal speaking: volumes.
The noodles were so good. Zach was silently impressed, comparing them to something one would find in a high–end restaurant. These could give a luxury hotel a run for its money, he thought.
Halfway through the meal, Elvira’s phone rang. She picked up instantly, her tone laced with anxiety. “Hey, Marsh, what’s the drama this time?”
Marsh’s feeble voice came through. “My stomach is killing me. Get over here and take me to the hospital, will you!”
“What happened? Calm down, I’m on my way!” Elvira dropped her fork in a panic and bolted, smacking her leg against the chair and wincing.
Noticing her distress, Zach inquired, “What’s the big emergency?”
“It’s my brother; he is in pain. I need to rush him to the hospital,” she blurted out, barely containing her panic.
“Don’t the Willis family have a driver?” Zach reminded her.
“Yes, but my stepmother dislikes us. She might let my brother suffer more.” Elvira didn’t pause to delve into the messy family dynamics, just grabbed her bag and dashed.
Seeing her desperation, Zach stood and casually offered, “I’m heading out anyway. I’ll drop you.”
Grateful yet frantic, Elvira didn’t bother with formalities and took Zach’s offer.
Arriving at the Willis mansion, Elvira hastily thanked Zach before bolting inside.
Zach didn’t leave, figuring he might come in handy if shit hit the fan.
Once inside, Elvira spotted the Willises chilling in the living room. Marsh was gaming on the couch, looking anything but sick.
Judy’s eyes followed Elvira as she stepped out of a pretty basic car, a smug smile crossing her face, thinking Elvira did marry
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Chapter 7
some loser.
Called away for work, Zach eyed the Willis mansion one more time before calling Elvira. “Do you need me to rush your brother to the hospital?”
“He is fine. Go ahead to work,” she replied, ending the call and snatching the phone from Marsh’s hands.
Marsh exploded. “Give me my damn phone! Why the hell are you always on my case? No one else gives a crap about my gaming!”
Elvira, fuming, shot back, T’m trying to help you, for heaven’s sake!”
“Yeah, right, help me! I don’t need it. I can’t stand you!” Marsh retorted, reclaiming his phone and storming off. “Marsh!” Elvira shook with anger, thinking to herself, ‘Marsh is a piece of work. Thirteen and he has got no sense, scheming with the Willis family against me
Vincent pointed at her accusingly. “Who the hell did you marry, anyway?”
Furious, Elvira snapped, “Nice parenting! You make your own kid lie just to trick me back here?”
“Elvira, don’t speak to your father like that. He means well,” Amber said disapprovingly.
“What’s it to you? Were you behind this whole lie? What’s your game?” Elvira glared at Amber.
Ever since their parents split, when Elvira was twelve and Marsh barely a year old, life had been rough. Amber took over raising Marsh, and Elvira realized too late that her goal was to spoil him rotten.
Their relationship dwindled when Elvira was sent to a boarding school. By the time she noticed, Marsh was addicted to mobile games and sweets. Now at twelve, he weighed 165 pounds, bottomed in his studies, and was prone to fighting, showing a terrible temperament.
Elvira’s efforts to straighten Marsh out only caused fights. Amber kept stirring the pot, making him hate Elvira even more. ‘Great, Amber plays the doting stepmom, turning Marsh against me. Elvira seethed internally,
“I swear, I treat Marsh better than if he were my own, Amber protested, feigning innocence.
“Are you that blind, Elvira? Forget your brother; your marriage is the real joke here. What kind of future can a guy with a cheap car offer? Get a divorce, now! Vincent derided.
“I might not be rich, but at least I’m no mistress. I married fair and square, unlike some,” Elvira retorted.
“Elvira, I’m not a homewrecker. Vincent and I are in love. I even said I would leave Calvin for you,” Judy said, trying to look pitia
