Chapter 25
“You can stay here and rest. You don’t need to trouble yourself by returning to the office,” Zachary said. But the calmer he sounded, the more flustered Jessica felt.
“I could just take a short nap at my desk. I’m worried that I won’t sleep well in another bed, and it might disturb your rest.” Jessica refused.
Zachary said nothing in response. As usual, his face was emotionless.
He thought that her fear was reasonable. After all, they had just gotten married, and she didn’t want anyone else to know. If she stayed in the CEO’s office too often, she was bound to slip up sooner or later.
She thought that the lunch was excellent and clearly carefully prepared. It didn’t feel like takeaway food at all.
“Was this made by your chef?” Jessica asked, breaking the silence.
Zachary paused for a moment and said, “No, my mother made it.”
Jessica was so startled that she almost choked on her food.
He continued, “My aunt told my parents about you going to the hospital for an early pregnancy test.’
His tone was so steady that she couldn’t figure out his feelings.
She felt panicked, and seeing him so calm only made her feel a chill in her heart. “Then about us getting married…”
Zachary replied, “They already know. Once things settle down, I’ll take you home to meet them.”
“I see.” Jessica had almost forgotten that he had a family. After all, she had always lived like a lone wolf, with no family to care for and no one to feed but herself.
They finished their meal soon after that. Zachary began to clear the table, refusing to let her help at all.
“I’ll head down, then.” Jessica pursed her lips together, wanting to escape.
Being alone with him gave her a suffocating feeling. Her heart would race for no reason, and warmth would spread across her cheeks.
“Wait.” Zachary walked back to his desk, and Jessica followed.
“Give me your phone.” He sat and extended his hand.
“What?” Jessica froze for a moment, but had no choice except to hand him her phone.
After unlocking it, Zachary began tapping away. He said, “I’ve linked your payment methods to my own account. You can just buy whatever you want in the future.”
Just as he finished speaking, he found his contact on her phone. With a smile, he changed the name of his contact to “Honey”.
Jessica’s eyes darted around nervously. She didn’t dare look at him, and her palms were sweaty.
He said, “I’m not very good with women. If I ever do anything wrong, just tell me outright. I can change.”
Then, he handed the phone back to her.
“Alright.” Jessica nodded, thinking that it was quite apparent that he struggled with talking to
women.
When she finally walked out of the CEO’s office, it felt like a massive weight had been lifted off her shoul
work that afternoon, Jessica drove to the mall to buy a few sets of winter clothes and
warmer outfits.
Since new winter arrivals were scarce this season, there weren’t many options. She could only pick out what was practical and warm.
She was surprised when she bumped into a familiar face at the mall.
“Jess!”
“Ms. Lloyd!” Jessica called back. Ginger Lloyd was a university professor and also a close friend of Hazel’s.
Hazel had always called Ginger “Ms. Lloyd”, and Jessica had naturally followed her. She considered Ginger an old family friend.
In fact, it was Ginger who had taught Jessica calligraphy.
Although Ginger was dressed casually, an unmistakable air of refinement surrounded her. Every move she made carried the grace of a lady from a distinguished family.
“Are you shopping as well?” Ginger had always thought that Jessica was living in Avelridge, so she was surprised to see her here.
Ginger continued, “I came to buy my son some clothes. He constantly makes me worry. He’s so busy with work, and he’s leaving on a business trip tomorrow, so I came out to see if there’s
anything he might need.”
Ginger looked at Jessica thoughtfully and remarked, “You’ve become so beautiful.”
Jessica blushed at the compliment and quickly grabbed Ginger’s arm, pulling her along to
shop together. She said, “It’s rare to bump into someone I know. I’m shopping for clothes, too. Help me pick something out, will you?”
Ginger nodded. “Of course! Help me pick some clothes for my son while you’re at it. You young people probably have a similar sense of style.”
