chapter 259

Chapter 259

Zachary noticed that Serenity was completely absorbed in her phone, and he felt an urge to snatch it away from her.

Fortunately, his self-control prevailed, and he refrained from doing so, mindful of not jeopardizing their relationship again.

He stepped closer, positioned himself in front of Serenity, and said in a deep voice, “Honey.”

Bam!

Serenity was so startled by his use of “honey” that she dropped her phone onto the floor.

She immediately bent down to retrieve it and gasped when she saw the screen was severely cracked. “My phone case cost a hundred bucks!” she exclaimed in dismay.

Zachary took the phone from her to inspect the damage. It was indeed broken quite badly. Upon hearing her lament about the phone case, he replied, “I’ll buy you ten as compensation.”

“You should get a few more for me. I’m worried I might drop my phone case again and break them multiple times if you keep losing your temper and calling me ‘honey’,” she quipped.

The corner of Zachary’s mouth twitched. He regarded her in silence for a moment before responding seriously, “Serenity, we’re still husband and wife.”

It was completely normal and justifiable for him to call her “honey.”

Serenity took her phone back from him and asked, bemused, “So, what else do you want to say? I think it would be better if you start calling me by my name from now on. I’m not used to calling you ‘babe,’ and I’m not accustomed to you calling me ‘honey’ either.”

“I’m sorry.”

Zachary’s expression was earnest; he believed he appeared apologetic.

However, to Serenity, he looked so serious that he resembled a strict head teacher—someone students would go out of their way to avoid.

That was not the intention.

“That night, I acted a bit impulsively.”

“I’m sorry for the things I’ve done to you,” he said, his gaze fixed on her as if expecting her to respond.

Serenity simply stared back, waiting for him to elaborate. It was surprising that after those two sentences, he fell silent, leaving her in a state of confusion.

This was his apology for the way he had mistreated her; however, he offered no acknowledgment of his misunderstanding regarding her relationship with Shawn.

“There’s nothing between Shawn and me,” Serenity reiterated, having explained it before but willing to clarify once again. “I don’t have any romantic feelings for him. I took him out for a meal to thank him for his help. That’s all there was to it. Plus, our agreement states that we won’t interfere in each other’s private lives.”

She had kept her end of the bargain.

Zachary was at a loss for words. He regretted ever making her sign that agreement; it hadn’t restricted her but had instead become a burden he couldn’t shake off.

“Additionally, Jasmine was concerned that you might think she was trying to set me up with Shawn, so she asked me to clarify that neither she nor I have ever considered that,” Serenity continued.

With this revelation, Zachary finally believed that Serenity had no romantic interest in Shawn. He pursed his lips and asked, “Are you aware that Shawn has a crush on you?”

Serenity was taken aback. Shawn had feelings for her? That seemed unlikely… didn’t it? After all, she was three years older than him.

“Aside from the day you saw Shawn and me having lunch, when else have you met him? How do you know he has a crush on me? Did he tell you?” she inquired.

Zachary leaned forward, resting his hands on the counter, his attractive face now inches from hers.

Serenity blinked, her wide eyes reflecting her surprise.

He truly is handsome. Every time Serenity found herself close to him, she felt an irresistible urge to touch his face. She had tasted those thin lips before and had to admit that his demeanor was cold and aloof by nature. However, when he kissed her, his passion ignited like a fierce flame, as if he wanted to melt her entire being.

“Look into my eyes,” Zachary commanded in a low voice.

Serenity met his gaze. What did she see there?

It was just his eyes.

“Do you see it?” he asked.

“I see your eyes,” she replied.

The corner of Zachary’s mouth twitched slightly.

“What exactly do you want me to see? I can tell your eyes are quite large. They’re very nice, just like your face. Mr. York, you are truly blessed by the heavens; you possess all the virtues of a handsome man.”

Unable to resist teasing him, Serenity cupped his face with both hands and pinched his cheeks. “You always wear such a stiff expression. I thought your face would feel as hard as marble, but it’s surprisingly soft. I’ve heard that people with soft facial muscles tend to have a good temperament. You have a rather bad temper, yet your face feels soft when I pinch it.”