Madelyn squirmed out of Zach's grasp and headed to the dining table, taking a seat. She dished out some Mediterranean rice onto a plate and set it before him. Lately, she had been tailoring everything to his likes, almost like a dutiful wife.
Zach commented, "The food's a bit too salty today. Maybe use less salt next time?" "Okay," Madelyn responded as she ate.
Truth be told, she hadn't cooked any of these dishes herself. The housemaid had them ready before Zach returned from work.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMadelyn hadn't lifted a finger, but Zach remained oblivious.
He added, "I'm planning to take a day off tomorrow. How 'bout some hiking? They say Mistral Monastery's got a killer view.
Interested?" Mistral Monastery sat high up on Mistral Mountain. It was a place where local people went to pray and also a spot tourists liked to visit in the area.
Madelyn responded, "I thought you didn't like to visit religious spots?" Zach removed the fishbones from her plate and served her a piece of fish. He said, "I've been swamped with work these past few days, and I've missed spending quality time with you. | want to take you out and relax a bit." Madelyn didn't touch the fish but replied, "Okay." She agreed because the thought of being alone with him in the apartment all day didn't sit well with her. She knew exactly what Zach had in mind for their alone time.
After some small talk, they fell into silence.
Suddenly, a ringing phone shattered the quiet. An unknown number flashed on the screen. Zach ignored the call without even glancing at it. Half a minute later, when the person called again, Zach switched off his phone.
This time, Madelyn spoke up, "Your wedding is around the corner. Don't you have a lot to prepare?" Zach replied, "Isn't it better for me to be here with you?" Madelyn fell silent, thinking, "He knows the answer to that question." She then said, You'll be marrying her and having children. It's better for you to return to her sooner. I'll stay here for another half a month. After your wedding, I'll move out. Prof. Monet's studio called today and asked for my help. | agreed...
"He has a dormitory, so | might stay there. It's better for both of us to separate sooner.” Zach set down his cutlery and leaned back. He pulled out a cigarette, placed it in his mouth, and lit it. Crossing his legs, he fixed an intense gaze on her and exhaled a cloud of smoke that filled the room. He said, "Can't you pretend it's just the two of us? "It's just an arranged marriage. After the wedding, I'll come back here to be with you.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"As long as you're willing to be with me, | promise not to sleep with her." Madelyn's body trembled. She flung her fork at him and stood up in anger, saying, "Zach Jardin! Do you even understand what you're saying?" She saw him squint, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. He remained seated, picked up the fork from the floor, and placed it on the table. He quietly observed her anger.
Madelyn took a deep breath to calm herself.
She thought, 'l almost forgot that he's like this. He changes his mind constantly, a habit he can't shake.
‘Even if | want to escape from him now, where can | go? My money, passport, and ID are all with him. | only have a shopping card with an unlimited balance that's only good for shopping, nothing else." This was Zach's way of pressuring her, making her willingly become his mistress.
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