Chapter 8
Gwyneth gently extricated herself, withdrew her hand, and strode ahead. “Let’s check out the new park. Heard they kept the old food stalls. I heard they kept those old mom–and–pop diners. Haven’t eaten there in ages–let’s grab something”
Zachary pushed down the feelings welling up inside and followed after her.
The streets were tourist–free at dawn, but breakfast vendors were already steaming–this was the neighborhood’s real pulse.
Suddenly, a cook dumped greasy dishwater, creating oily rainbows on the pavement.
Zachary furrowed his brows and pulled Gwyneth closer while stepping aside. It’s our day, Gwennie. Once we get our marriage license, I’ll take you out for lobster. Do we have to eat here!”
Gwyneth’s thoughts wandered back to the past. Back when Zachary was just the overlooked bastard son of Galvocity’s tycoon, he had taken her to every food stall in this place–stuffing muffins in their mouths as they biked, weaving through the sweaty summer crowds.
Now, Everprosper Group’s empire had polished him into the Flynn family’s golden heir. But he’d forgotten where he came from, and the promises.
he made to her.
“I want this Today” Gwyneth insisted.
Her sudden defiance caught Zachary off guard. They’d been together for over a decade–she’d always been spoiled but full of life, orbiting his world without question. Hút somewhere along the way, things had shifted, and he couldn’t pinpoint when
He recalled the incident at the Flynn manor. The old Gwyneth would’ve never have embarrassed him in front of the entire family. She knew better than anyone what mattered to him.
Gwyneth settled onto a wobbly stool and ordered another round of muffins and paddings.
Zachary accepted the spoon she offered, his heart feeling emptier by the second. “Tim having Abel transfer Bella today. Soon it just be us, like before.”
g to him–that was non–negotiable.
In his world. Gwyneth could always act recklessly, but she could only belong to
“Eat up. We need to make the City Hall by ten,” he added, his tone carrying an edge of impatience.
Like before? Gwyneth’s chest constricted.
Just then, a jarring ringtone cut through the moment–the special one Zachary had set for Bell
There was that time when Bella had an episode and called him in distress, but his phone was on silent and he missed it. Afterward, he’d sat outside Belia’s hospital room, clawing at his hair in frustration,
That same night, Gwyneth had watched him hover over Bella’s hospital bed, and for the first time, seen something in his eyes that wasn’t for her.
“Answer the phone, Gwyneth said, not looking up from her food.
Zachary stared at her pale Exce. The constant ringing made him more and more frustrated. Finally, he picked up. “Bella, I’m swamped today. If you need help, call Abel. He can
Abel’s voice came through the line. “Mr. Flynn, Ms. Emerson worked nonstop in the garden, trying to please Ms. Jenkins. She ignored her asthma attack until she passed out. We took her to the ER. She told me not to call you, but her condition is critical”
Zachary’s face turned serious. “Tm on my way right now.”
After hanging up, he looked at Gwyneth with a cold intensity. “I’ll deal with the garden. Was it really necessary to give Bella such a hard time over something so small? Let’s put off getting the marriage license.”
With that, he turned and walked away without another word. Once again, he left Gwyneth alone in the very spot where he’d promised they’d get married that day.
Watching Zachary walk away, Gwyneth felt an odd sense of calm. She used to wonder if he’d treat her the same if she fell ill too. But now the thought seemed ridiculous. He’d sworn to love her yet broke his promises—he wasn’t worth it.
The mullins were still scamm
| steaming, fogging her vision. She finished them in silence, walked the path she had planned, then packed her bags and headed straight for the airport,
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
