Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Zachary stepped into the luxurious Rolls Royce and commanded in a deep voice, “Don’t forget to bring around the national car I purchased.”

This was merely a ruse to deceive his wife. What was her name again?

“Oh, right. What’s the name of the missus again?”

Zachary couldn’t be bothered to search through his marriage license. It was likely that Nana hadn’t returned it after he had shown it to her. Regardless, the document was not with him.

The bodyguard answered, “… The young missus is Serenity Hunt. She’s twenty-five this year. You might want to remember that.”

Mr. Zachary had an impressive memory, but when it came to individuals he didn’t like, he simply blocked them out.

This was particularly true for women. He probably wouldn’t even recognize her name if they crossed paths daily.

“Sure. Got it.”

Zachary replied nonchalantly.

From Zachary’s indifferent tone, the bodyguard understood that he wouldn’t bother to remember the young missus’ name.

Choosing not to expend any more mental energy on Serenity, Zachary reclined in his seat and closed his eyes.

The drive from Wiltspoon Hotel to Brynfield took about ten minutes.

As the convoy of luxury sedans halted at the neighborhood entrance, Zachary took the wheel of the national MPV and drove into the area.

Even though he couldn’t recall his bride’s name, Zachary certainly wouldn’t forget the property he had purchased.

Soon, he arrived at his home and noticed a pair of familiar slippers at the doorstep. They appeared to be his.

Why were they discarded?

It must have been Serenity’s doing!

As anger simmered within him, tension creased Zachary’s chiseled face. Initially, he had felt grateful to the girl for rescuing Nana, but that good impression faded quickly with Nana’s incessant praise of her and constant nagging to marry her.

Now, Zachary…

Zachary had always suspected that Serenity was a deceitful person. Despite giving in to Nana’s wishes and agreeing to marry Serenity, he drew the line at fully trusting her. He devised a plan to keep his identity concealed after the wedding, intending to assess Serenity’s true character. If she proved herself worthy, he would gladly accept her as his lifelong partner. However, if he discovered that she was indeed manipulative, she would face the consequences. Zachary believed that those who played games with him would ultimately regret it.

As Zachary took out his keys to unlock the door, frustration set in when he realized that Serenity had locked him out. This was his house, after all! He had welcomed her in, only for her to shut him out. Anger surged through him, and he lifted his foot to kick the door. Bang!

In addition to that, Zachary was trying to reach Serenity on her phone. Following the earlier incident, he had saved her contact, even adding a note about their spousal status to help him remember who she was—he refused to delete her contact again.

Meanwhile, the loud bang jolted Serenity awake. Who could possibly be knocking on her door at such an hour? Sleep was now a distant memory. Typically a morning grump, she was even more irritable after being disturbed. Tossing off her covers, she stormed out in her pajamas, unaware that Zachary had already tried to contact her.

“Who is it? Why are you knocking on my door when you should be sleeping?” she shouted as she swung the door open, ready to confront the late-night visitor. But as she laid eyes on the person outside, her words caught in her throat. Staring at Zachary’s face for a moment, she quickly regained her composure and plastered on a smile. Embarrassed, she stammered, “Oh, it’s you, Mr. York.”

At that moment, Zachary’s anger reached its peak, feeling even more frustrated by her lack of awareness.

pick up his call.

Brushing Serenity off, Zachary walked past her with a sour expression and stepped into the house.

Serenity, feeling a bit mischievous, stuck her tongue out at him behind his back.

This was the aftermath of their whirlwind marriage, having tied the knot at first sight.

She peeked out the door to get a glimpse of the situation. Thankfully, the neighbors seemed undisturbed by Zachary’s forceful slamming of the door.

Noticing the slippers by the entrance, Serenity bent down to place them back inside before securing the door behind her.

“I returned home at midnight. I figured you wouldn’t return since you weren’t here by then, so I locked the door,” Serenity explained.

“I was home alone, and thought it wise to leave your slippers by the door. If anyone sees a man’s slippers outside, they’ll know there’s a man in the house and think twice about trying anything.”

Serenity wasn’t easily frightened by potential intruders, as she had practiced self-defense. Still, that didn’t stop her from taking extra precautions for their home’s safety.

Sitting on the sofa, Zachary fixed her with a chilly, penetrating gaze that felt almost as cold as the October nights. Serenity could feel the winter creeping in, and his icy stare only amplified the chill in the air.

“I apologize, Mr. York,” she said, bringing his slippers over and placing them at his feet as she spoke.

She regretted not calling to check if he was returning.

After a moment of silence, Zachary finally spoke, his voice cold, “I told you not to worry about me, but this is my home. I’m not pleased that you locked me out.”

“I’m really sorry, Mr. York. I’ll make sure to call in advance next time to see if you’re coming back. I won’t lock the door if you plan to return,” she promised.

After a brief pause, Zachary replied, “I’ll let you know when I’m going on business trips. I’ll be home every day unless I…”

“Don’t call me. I’m a busy man and I simply don’t have the time for your relentless calls,” he replied.

“Oh,” Serenity responded softly.

Whatever he said next faded into the background.

This was his domain.

He was in charge.

“Mr. York, would you like any supper?” Serenity inquired.

Considering that Zachary often worked late, she figured he might be feeling hungry. Her question came from a place of genuine kindness.

“I don’t typically snack at midnight. It’s not good for me,” he stated.