Chapter 62
Zachary held Jessica’s chin and looked at her gently.
She started, “I thought-”
“Do I look like a beast to you?” he interrupted.
“Kind of,” Jessica admitted, keeping her words cautious.
She remembered the first time at his house. Back then, he had been relentless. Even when she told him to stop, he didn’t listen. He wanted her again and again, as if he were drugged or it was a skill he had perfected.
Zachary released her, understanding that the first time had left her with an unpleasant
memory.
She didn’t know it, but seeing her lie there uncomfortably had made him want to stop, too. It was that awkward in–between feeling that had tortured him more, which was why he had tried to be as gentle as possible.
His throat bobbed as he reached out to brush a strand of her golden hair aside.
Jessica felt a cool shiver run through her.
Zachary put his glasses back on and stood, picking up the flowers and leaving the couch.
Was he angry at being rejected? Jessica sure hoped not. He was almost impossible to appease when upset.
“It looks like I’ll have to work harder to get Mrs. Jones to pamper me willingly. Otherwise, I won’t get anything, and I’ll eventually starve,” he said calmly from the living room.
Even his naughty jokes came out sounding proper.
Jessica let out a sigh of relief.
Fashion Week eventually ended. Susan and Eric went ahead to the restaurant they had reserved, while Zachary and Joshua waited for Jessica in another car.
Jessica and Elsa chatted a bit more backstage, which delayed her slightly. The former hurried out, calling Zachary as she walked.
The moment the call connected, Evelyn intercepted Jessica’s path.
Meanwhile, Zachary and Joshua were discussing something, so he had put the call on speaker for convenience,
“Jessica,” Evelyn said politely.
“Evelyn,” Jessica replied.
Evelyn was two years older than Jessica and far more mature. She usually seemed composed, but this time, she seemed slightly rattled.
“Jessica, how old are you this year?”
“Evelyn, this is…” Jessica hesitated, already guessing her intention.
“You know Zachary is married, right?” Evelyn asked calmly.
“Of course I know,” Jessica replied with a wry smile, fully understanding what she was trying
to do.
Evelyn looked shocked. “Jessica, you’re only 22 years old. How could you do such a thing?”
“What did I do?” Jessica replied, feigning innocence.
Evelyn said, “Anyone can see how close you and Zachary are. I suggest you keep your distance, or his wife might notice. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation.”
Though it sounded like a warning, it was really just Evelyn trying to remove an obstacle in her path. Evelyn didn’t care about most people, but Jessica was prettier than her, and she didn’t feel she could compete.
“Evelyn, you’re right. If anyone found out, it would look bad for me,” Jessica said, looking aggrieved. “But it was all Mr. Jones‘ idea. I’m just a regular employee…”
In the car, Zachary and Joshua snickered. They lost interest in their own discussion and just listened to the conversation between the two women over the phone.
“Can’t you avoid him a little?” Evelyn suggested.
“But I like him too…” Jessica complained, looking even more aggrieved now.
Evelyn went silent, as if a rag had been stuffed in her mouth.
“Evelyn, you like Mr. Jones too, right?” Jessica pressed.
Evelyn blushed, unwilling to admit it.
“Almost every woman in our company likes Mr. Jones. So it’s perfectly normal for you to like him, too. We even have a fan group for Mr. Jones. Do you want me to add you? I can share some tips on how to make him fall in love with you.”
Zachary and Joshua laughed uncontrollably. Even the driver in front joined in the snickering.
“Jessica.” Evelyn hurriedly tried to stop her. “Aren’t you afraid that his wife will find out?”
Chapter 62
3/3
“If she finds out, so be it,” Jessica said with a wry smile, facing Evelyn. “Anyway, Mr. Jones likes me, and his wife likes me too. I’m annoyed with him, but he keeps pursuing me. What else am I supposed to do?”
“His wife likes you, too?” Evelyn exclaimed.
Subconsciously, she began to think that Zachary’s relationship with his wife was strained. He liked Jessica, but had to keep the relationship hidden from the public. And surprisingly, his wife seemed to subtly support them.
