Papers Literally 14

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Chapter 14 

The morning light fell across Zoe’s face. 

She opened her eyes in confusion, only to discover she was barely clothed. The unfamiliar, comfortable weight and warmth of an arm draped across her waist jolted her awake. 

The man beside her was still sound asleep, and every muscle in her body ached as though she’d been pulled apart and pieced back together. 

Even the lingering grip at the top of her thigh still felt painfully vivid. 

Zoe shut her eyes in despair. She had spent a night with him despite not knowing his name. 

Panicked, she snatched up her clothes and slipped out before he could wake up. She was too afraid to face an explanation. 

But she didn’t know that the moment she left, the man opened his eyes. His dark gaze followed her retreating figure with a depth she would never have imagined. 

Soon, the day of the wedding arrived. Zoe stood outside the grand hall, staring blankly at the heavy doors before her. 

The last time she was here, Elijah was waiting inside, and she had secretly wished that it would be Walter one day. 

Now, she didn’t even know whose face awaited her on the other side. She gave a small, bitter laugh and forced the chaotic thoughts away. 

The wedding march began. The doors opened, and Rowan took her hand. He guided her step by step down the aisle. 

Zoe’s heart softened at the sight of her aging, yet spirited father. This marriage might not have been what she dreamed of, but at the very least, Rowan was with her this time. 

At that very moment, she immediately became the focus of every guest in the hall. 

“I never imagined Mr. Quinn’s long–lost daughter to be this beautiful.” 

“Mr. Xiberius is pretty exceptional, too. Everyone had always wondered what kind of woman would be worthy of him, and now, Ms. Quinn has lived up to everyone’s hopes.” 

“It’s such a pity, though, I heard she’s been married and divorced.” 

The words, though hushed, still reached Zoe’s ears. She frowned, ready to respond, when a voice cut across the hall. 

“My bride isn’t yours to gossip about.” 

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Her heart jolted at the sound. She knew that voice. 

Staring ahead in shock, she saw that the man waiting at the end of the aisle was the same one she had spent that night with. 

Memories of his teasing words about elopement and that wild evening flooded Zoe’s head, making her cheeks burn. It wasn’t embarrassment, but fury. 

This man was cruel. He had known exactly who she was, yet he had toyed with her. 

He smiled wickedly and strided toward her in polished leather shoes. Then, his hand extended 

into her view. 

“Hello, Ms. Quinn. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Malcolm Xiberius,” he said. 

How laughable. 

Zoe looked up, only to be met with Malcolm’s arched brows. “Ms. Quinn, I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.” 

Rowan placed her hand into his. “Zoe, this is the son of a colleague and the man I’ve picked for you,” he warmly said. “Don’t worry, I watched him grow up. He won’t let you down.” 

The ceremony flowed on. The officiant stepped forward with the rings and said, “May the bride and groom exchange rings.” 

Malcolm slid one ring onto her finger. The icy touch reminded Zoe of that night and of the chill of his lips against hers. 

As though sensing her thoughts, he smiled. His eyes glittered like stars in the night sky. 

At the sight of that, she trembled as she reached for the other ring. 

Suddenly, Malcolm caught her hand. “Zoe, before you give yourself to me, I need to tell you something,” he said. 

His gaze was unwavering and filled with nothing but her as he continued, “This isn’t just a whim. I’ve loved you for 15 years.” 

Hearing that, Zoe’s mind went blank. How was that possible? She had no memory of him. 

Malcolm laughed and said, “It makes sense you don’t remember. Back then, I was just a skinny and uninteresting boy. We spent one summer together, and from then on, you were rooted in 

my heart. 

“I told myself that once I was well–off, I’d come for you. But by the time I was ready, I found out you were married. I thought I had missed my chance forever, so I resigned myself to a lonely life until you reappeared. 

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“I’ll admit. At first, I schemed. I convinced Mr. Quinn to betroth you to me, then I lured you into my arms. I just couldn’t wait any longer.” 

The raw confession stunned Zoe, and the hall had gone silent. Some guests held their breath while others wiped away tears at the depth of his words. 

Then someone shouted. 

“Marry him! Marry him!” 

“Kiss! Kiss!” 

At that, Zoe’s face flushed red. While she had been humbly pouring her affection into one person, someone else had been silently watching over her all along. 

She smiled through her tears, and her hand no longer hesitated as she lifted the ring. But just as she was about to slip it onto Malcom’s finger, a sharp crack split the air. 

The ring flew from her hand, struck by a bullet. It clattered across the floor. 

Gasps filled the hall as the giant screen behind them went black, the bullet lodged deep inside. 

The room erupted into chaos. The ring rolled and came to a stop before a pair of worn leather shoes. 

Zoe’s gaze froze, then slowly lifted. It was Elijah. 

His handsome face was drawn and weary. His eyes were bloodshot, and his hair damp with sweat. She had never seen him so broken. 

Elijah’s lips trembled as he spoke, his voice hoarse with emotion. “Ave… I’ve come to take you home.” 

Chapter 15 

Chapter 15