Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Zachary seized Serenity’s hands and pinned them beside her head. He leaned in for a kiss, sealing her lips forcefully. The kiss was far from gentle, as he seemed to be releasing his frustration. In response, Zachary bit Serenity with force, provoking her to retaliate and bite his lips until they bled. Only when he felt the pain did he release her. Momentarily stunned, Serenity seized the opportunity to push him to the floor. She quickly stepped back a few paces, eyeing him defensively. Zachary rose slowly, wiping the blood from his lips, his expression somber. “Zachary, what on earth is wrong with you? You’ve gone mad after just a few glasses of wine!” Zachary gazed at her bleakly and replied coldly, “Serenity, let me ask you again. Were you really at your sister’s house today?” “I was at my sister’s house…” Serenity began, but suddenly faltered mid-sentence. Zachary smirked. “What, did you remember now? You and Shawn were having lunch at Grace’s Diner, chatting and laughing. You even served him some dishes. You two looked more intimate than we do, almost like a married couple. Serenity, I told you that you can’t cheat on me during our contracted marriage. You should have acted appropriately! My patience is limited. If this happens again, don’t blame me for being harsh!” Serenity finally grasped the situation. No wonder Zachary had lost control; he had seen her having lunch with Shawn. He also seemed to think she wanted Shawn to be her next boyfriend, which made him doubt her and seek revenge. Typically, Zachary kept his distance from Serenity, treating her as if she were a threat, but tonight, his male ego was clearly at play. Serenity touched her lips, still feeling the sting where he had bitten her. “You saw me and Shawn having lunch?” Zachary remained silent. “Didn’t you notice Jasmine was there too? Why are you being paranoid about Shawn?”

I grew up with Shawn, and I’ve always regarded him as a younger brother. What’s wrong with me serving him a few of his favorite dishes?

“I’ve known Shawn for over ten years, so we share a lot of conversations and laughter when we’re together. We’ve been good friends for more than a decade. He treats me like a sister, which makes me feel happier and more comfortable around him than I do with you. And how long have I known you? It’s only been a month. Even though we’re technically husband and wife, it’s just on paper. You can’t compare yourself to him.

“Zachary, I’ve already told you that I won’t seek another boyfriend. Shawn and I haven’t done anything wrong, and it’s up to you whether you believe that or not. I shouldn’t have to keep justifying myself to you. As you said, as long as I’m not cheating on you, we shouldn’t interfere in each other’s personal lives!”

After Serenity finished explaining, she turned and walked away, unwilling to engage further with this egomaniac. Zachary had interrogated her without seeking clarification, accusing her of infidelity. In a fit of male pride, he even forcibly kissed her. After spending a month together, how had she not recognized this darker side of him? Even on his bad days, Zachary had always been a polite gentleman, and he had helped her through difficulties. Just when Serenity was beginning to reconsider her feelings for him and think about investing more in their relationship, he revealed this troubling side.

Tonight’s incident would definitely make her rethink everything. She resolved to stop thinking about him. They were merely a married couple on paper, cohabiting until they went their separate ways. With a bang, Serenity slammed the door, voicing her frustration at Zachary. In his anger, he turned and knocked over the glass of honey water.

Water spilled onto the floor as the glass shattered. Serenity heard the noise from her room but chose not to go out and check on him.