Chapter 52
“No,” Zachary said firmly.
1/2
He was persistent in having his arm around her, like it was a show he needed to put on, Jessica happened to be his puppet.
and
The runway show ran for a little over an hour. The scene was stunning, with styles and designs that left everyone in awe.
Right after it ended, Joshua sent a message in their group chat, saying they would have to write a reflection report once they got back.
Such was the life of a corporate worker. Just two days of fun, and they were back to grinding
like mules.
The
group
didn’t leave right away after the show. Instead, they gathered around to listen in on the designers‘ interviews.
“Zachary.”
A soft, flirtatious voice came from behind them. Everyone turned around, except Zachary himself. He tilted his head slightly and glanced sideways before looking away.
It was only then that Jessica got a good look at the woman. She swallowed hard.
The woman was stunning. She didn’t quite have an edgy face, but a delicate one. Her eyes held
a seductive look, and her makeup was flawless. With ease, she caught everyone’s attention.
Then, Jessica recognized her. That was Zachary’s ex, the one from that day at the restaurant!
How thrilling was it to run into her husband’s ex right here, of all places?
“Mr. Jones, someone’s looking for you,” Jessica teasingly yelled, as if the drama wasn’t about to explode in her face at the next second.
Zachary glanced down at Jessica, drilling his sharp gaze into her. Instantly, she shut her mouth and turned her attention to the designers being interviewed up front.
The rest of the group also received the hint and avoided eye contact.
Joshua leaned over and quietly asked Jessica, “Hey, are you trying to get fired?”
“Oh, I’d like to see him try,” she said with a smirk.
“You’d better be careful. At this rate, he’s going to deal with you tonight.”
“Doubt it!”
Chapter 52
2/2
She chuckled, though her ears were practically perked up. They had gotten married in a flash, with zero emotional foundation. This shouldn’t be a big deal, right?
Initially agitated, Zachary finally shifted and looked toward the woman. “Evelyn.”
“Care to join me for dinner tonight?” Evelyn Sutton asked.
Her voice was meek and sultry, the kind that made even women feel weak in the knees. “My company only sent me here, and I don’t really know anyone. It’s a pleasant surprise to bump into someone I know.
“Anyway, could I tag along if you’re all having dinner later? It’ll be my treat.”
“Sure,” Zachary answered without hesitation.
Jessica was caught off guard. Didn’t he say he would never get back together with his ex? She did just force him to acknowledge her, but why was he letting her tag along?
A wave of frustration weighed on her chest.
“I’ll see you tonight, then!”
One could tell that Evelyn was genuinely pleased. The sound of her heeled boots clicking against the floor slowly faded as she walked away.
Zachary clenched his jaw and suddenly turned, inadvertently slamming his solid shoulder hard into Jessica’s. She nearly stumbled, grabbing onto the back of his coat just in time to steady herself.
Next to them, Joshua instinctively reached out to help but thought better of it. He quietly stepped aside instead.
“Great job, Ms. Lockman. I’ll treat you to a cilantro feast tonight–your favorite,” Zachary said coldly.
Jessica was left speechless. She hated the taste of cilantro the most! Just the smell of it disgusted her.
And how did he even know that? They hadn’t shared many meals, and she was pretty sure cilantro never even came up in conversation.
“Oh, Ms. Lockman doesn’t like cilantro,” Eric piped up with a sheepish laugh, trying to ease
the tension.
A glint of invisible frost flashed across Zachary’s glasses as his eyes stayed fixed on Jessica. “I
do.”
Susan, standing nearby, reached out and gave Eric a sharp pinch on the arm. It was her silent way of telling him to shut up.
