Chapter 31
“Thank you, Zachary.” Jessica felt incredibly moved. In all her life, no one had ever packed her things for her, not even Hazel.
Hazel mainly taught her how to survive, insisting that she handled everything on her own. That was what had shaped Jessica into someone so fearless.
“We’re husband and wife now, so there’s no need for thanks,” Zachary replied. He tucked the bag into place, but unintentionally caught sight of Jessica’s reddened eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He stepped toward her.
Realizing that she had lost control, Jessica hurriedly turned her face away, forcing herself to gather her thoughts and regain her composure. She hadn’t been feeling much at first, but his question caused her emotions to deepen.
“It’s nothing.” Her voice was a little choked up as she spoke.
She tried to slip away, but Zachary caught her wrist and pulled her closer. She lowered her gaze, not daring to look at him, but she was unable to break free from his grasp.
His grip was gentle, yet firm.
Jessica was getting a little nervous. Thinking that they were too close, she tried to twist away and put some distance between them.
However, Zachary wasn’t going to let that happen. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her straight into his embrace.
Jessica let out a startled cry as she pressed her palms against his chest, burying her face into it.
Zachary raised his other hand, cupping her chin and forcing her to lift her head to meet his eyes. “Why are you crying?”
His gaze was full of tenderness. She looked just like she had that night on his bed, pitifully pleading for mercy.
His breathing grew heavier, and the hand around her waist tightened its grip. His warm breath seemed to wash over her face.
“I’m not crying…” Jessica’s ears burned red, and she didn’t know what to say.
“Really?” Zachary waited for her answer.
But she couldn’t find it in herself to express her feelings. She was afraid Zachary would laugh at her if she said anything. She didn’t want him to think she was childish or could be swayed by a mere moment of tenderness. She worried that the novelty he was feeling might wear off.
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Jessica held back the tears in her eyes, feigning composure.
Zachary brushed a thumb at the corner of her eye, then he pulled her into a deeper embrace. He stroked her hair and quietly pressed a kiss on top of her head, holding her still.
Jessica’s arms circled around him, hugging him tightly.
“Do you not like others touching your things?” Zachary murmured.
“No, no…” she whispered. Then, curling deeper into his chest, she said, “This is nice.”
Zachary let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he wondered if he had done something to make
her cry.
“Alright. Wash your face. I have something for you,” Zachary said.
“Okay.” Jessica let go in a hurry, ducking right into the bathroom.
Zachary looked at her as she walked away, then glanced down at his shirt, which was
dampened by her tears. His heart pounded inexplicably.
It was only then that he realized how fast his heart was racing. His ears were flushed, and his entire body was burning hot. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly at that.
By the time Jessica returned, Zachary was waiting for her by the vanity.
“Zachary.” Jessica approached. Her face had regained its usual calm.
He stood and gestured for her to sit. Then, Jessica obediently took the chair.
Zachary opened the jewelry box beside him. “This is a ring. I was worried you might not want to wear it on your hand, so I had it made into a necklace. You can wear it properly when we make things public later on.”
As he spoke, he carefully lifted the necklace–ring and placed it around Jessica’s neck.
Jessica wanted to speak, but then she noticed the same ring on Zachary’s finger reflected in the mirror. His ears were flushed, and his hand trembled slightly as he fastened the chain, betraying his nerves.
His palm was so warm that every accidental brush against her skin sent a tingling heat through her ears and neck.
“Why are you so insistent on making me your wife?”
Jessica had nothing–no money, no family connections. She was just a minor designer, completely unworthy of him.
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Chapter 32
