Chapter 3

Wynona lowered her gaze and calmly slid into the passenger seat. Just like always, she looked at the restaurant's website to browse its signature dishes.

Along the way, Isaac seemed distracted. He glanced at his watch repeatedly. Every time they hit a red light, he tugged impatiently at his tie like he was afraid someone inside the restaurant would slip away.

Wynona knew full well that Isaac was using her to provoke the ex-girlfriend he could never let go of.

But she didn't always have to be the one being used by others.

The corners of Wynona's lips curled up slightly. She logged into her alternate social media account and sent a private message to the most notorious gossip hound in Lonmire, Tom Vance.

She texted, "You've got a big scoop at Evergreen Restaurant. Hurry."

"Who are you chatting with that's got you smiling like that?" Isaac asked, grinning.

Wynona closed the chat and casually replied, "Just an ex-classmate."

When she saw the Evergreen Restaurant sign ahead, she motioned for Isaac to pull over and stepped out first. While Isaac was backing the car into the parking spot, Wynona took a picture of the license plate and sent it to Tom.

The Karlmann King that Isaac drove was one of only ten in the world. Everyone could recognize it.

The "Typing…" indication appeared in the chat.

Then, it was followed by a succinct reply, "Thanks. On my way."

Wynona slipped her phone into her pocket and looked up, only to see Isaac standing beside the car. He stood frozen in his spot as he stared into the restaurant.

Following his gaze, she finally saw the legendary Marilyn Stone.

She had a sweet and youthful look. If not for her more mature fashion choices, she could easily pass off as someone in her early 20s. She sat alone by the window, eating in graceful, gentle movements.

Isaac stared at her unblinkingly. His eyes held resentment and anger, but also a fierce love and possessiveness.

Over the years, Wynona had witnessed Isaac's many acts of tenderness and thought that he was a gentleman through and through. He was always courteous, considerate, and refined.

But seeing him in front of the woman he truly loved now, she realized how much of it had been an act. When he was facing the one he desired, he was like an unrestrained wolf that hungered for her.

Just as he had schemed to seize the Savills' fortune and resources, he had calculated every step, using Wynona as bait to get to his precious Marilyn.

Wynona thought that it was utterly disgusting. She smiled coldly and asked, "Isaac, what are you staring at? Aren't we going in?"

Isaac snapped out of his daze and gripped her hand tightly as they made their way into the restaurant.

The door hit a wind chime as they entered, and a crisp jingle sounded.

Marilyn turned her head at the sound. Upon catching sight of Isaac, she couldn't look away.

She put down her utensils dazedly and hurried over, calling out, "Z-Zac!"

Isaac froze upon hearing her voice. Yet, his gaze on her was distant and cold.

"Long time no see, Ms. Stone," he greeted icily.

Wynona's hand hurt from how tightly he was gripping it until she almost cried out in pain. She dug her nails into the back of his hand in return. Only then did Isaac ease his grip.

Marilyn's eyes were already misty with tears. She looked at Wynona and asked, "Is she the one you're going to marry?"

Wynona feigned confusion and asked, "And you are?"

Isaac's face tensed as he curtly said, "A stranger."

Marilyn looked devastated and swayed on her feet.

Isaac gripped Wynona's hand again and urged, "Come on. Let's eat."

Marilyn reached out to grab his sleeve desperately. "Zac! It's been so long… Must you be so cold to me? Can't we even catch up a little?"

The other diners were watching the scene unfold. Some brazenly stared with curious interest.

But Wynona couldn't be bothered. She shook off Isaac's hand and said, "It looks like you two need to talk. I'll head upstairs."

And so, she turned and left.

Isaac frowned and couldn't help but glance at her retreating figure. In this situation, he was supposed to be focused on upsetting Marilyn. Yet, he found himself wanting to go after Wynona.

After feigning all that tenderness toward her over the past three years, it seemed that he had even fooled himself.

Isaac clenched his fist and shot Marilyn a frigid look. "Stop clinging to me. You were the one who left. Don't put on this pitiful act now. Who are you trying to fool?"

Without giving her another glance, he followed Wynona upstairs.

Marilyn stood frozen, pale, and biting her lip. A trace of jealous hatred flickered in her eyes.

She surmised that Isaac was just putting on a show. If he was still mad about her leaving, that meant that he still cared. She wouldn't lose to Wynona!

With that thought in mind, Marilyn picked up her untouched glass of wine and followed after them.

Inside the private room, Wynona sat at the table, scrolling through her phone. She didn't even lift her head at the sound of the door opening.

"Are you done reminiscing with your ex?" she casually asked.

Isaac stiffened. He hadn't expected Wynona to know about Marilyn. But then again, he had only ever had a serious relationship with one other woman, and that was Marilyn.

Isaac smiled, leaned in, and brushed his chin lightly against her hair. "Don't be mad. We've already broken up. It's all in the past."

Wynona glanced at the silhouette outside the room and pushed him away. "It had better be."

Isaac turned as Marilyn entered the private room.

"Why did you follow us?" Contrary to his seemingly impatient tone, there was a subtle hint of elation when he questioned her.

Marilyn gave a bitter smile, her eyes reddening. "It's been three years. At the very least, we're old acquaintances. Seeing how close you and Ms. Savill are, and that you're about to get married, I'm genuinely happy for you. I came to offer a toast."

Isaac's expression darkened. "Do you mean that?"

Marilyn steadied herself. "Of course."

Isaac gave a cold laugh and poured himself a glass of wine. "Fine. Thank you for your wishes."

Next, Marilyn turned to Wynona and asked, "Ms. Savill, won't you join us?"

Isaac said nothing, which conveyed his agreement.

Wynona had no choice but to raise her glass and clink it with Marilyn's. But just as their glasses were about to meet, Marilyn tilted her hand a little. Wynona didn't manage to clink her glass against Marilyn's, so some of her wine spilled onto Marilyn. She even splashed a little on herself as well.

Marilyn gasped. Her blouse was instantly soaked through, revealing her curves underneath.

Isaac's breath caught. Without hesitation, he pulled over his jacket and draped it over her. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up."

He rushed off with Marilyn in tow, as if he had completely forgotten Wynona's existence.

Wynona remained expressionless upon witnessing this interaction. She waited until they were gone before strolling downstairs to grab napkins from the car.

Outside, Tom was snooping around but couldn't spot Isaac.

Wynona shot him a text, "Restroom."

Tom rushed into the restaurant just as Wynona got into the car.

A while later, Isaac and Marilyn reappeared.

They stood not far from the vehicle, while Tom watched secretly from behind the restaurant door.

Marilyn noticed that someone was seated in the car. A subtle glint flashed across her eyes right before she grabbed Isaac's sleeve.

Isaac was momentarily stunned. Then, he pushed her hand away.

"We'll exchange numbers. I'll transfer the money to you after you get a new dress. My fiancee spilled wine on it, so I should compensate you," he said.

Tears welled up in Marilyn's eyes. "Zac, do you really love her?"

Isaac answered without hesitation, "Of course."

"You're lying! If you loved her, you wouldn't have only cared about me when both our clothes were soaked. You obviously still like me more," Marilyn choked.

Isaac paused and frowned.

Did Wynona's clothes get wet too? He hadn't even noticed.

Marilyn wiped her tears and went on, "See? You didn't even realize. You were only focused on me. How can you say that you don't love me?"

Wynona sat quietly in the car, her eyes full of cold sarcasm as she thought, "Go on. The more you say, the more there is to expose."

It was time for Isaac's carefully crafted image of a loving man devoted to his fiancee to crack.

At that moment, Isaac was more concerned about Wynona being soaked and missing. The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became.

He shoved Marilyn away again and said, "Enough! You disappeared for three years. Don't think you can just waltz back in and rekindle things with me. I want you to regret ever leaving me and beg to come back to me!"

Isaac then turned and strode toward the car.

Inside, Wynona slid lower in her seat and turned to lean her head against the window, preparing to feign being asleep. But when she half-squinted toward the window, she was caught off guard upon noticing that someone else was watching the drama unfold.

A Lexus had its window halfway down. The man behind the steering wheel wore a black shirt and was leaning back in the driver's seat lazily. His features were sharp and prominent, and he had an enigmatic gaze, exuding an air of untamed wildness.

If Isaac were a ravenous wolf, then this man was a mysterious lion. He showed no reaction to the messy dynamic between the three.

However, he seemed to have sensed Wynona's gaze. He looked her way for a fraction of a second and slowly raised his window. He then put his broad hands on the steering wheel, pulling the car away.

Wynona's heart skipped a beat. Watching her own fiance's scandal unfold from the sidelines and getting seen doing it was never a good thing.

She grew anxious and tried to memorize the Lexus' license plate. As she was busy committing it to memory, the car door was suddenly yanked open.