Chapter 3

That night, I came home to find Zachary pacing the living room, totally on edge.

The second he saw me, he rushed over and grabbed my hand.

"Baby, where were you? You didn't answer your phone or text—I was losing my mind."

I stared at him, heart a mess. His panic felt real.

It reminded me of that college trip—my phone died, and he showed up hours away, frantic.

Back then, he loved me like I was his whole world.

But now? That love wasn't mine alone.

If I once had all of his heart, 90% was already gone.

The ache hit hard—every breath burned.

But I held it in.

I dropped my gaze, shoved everything down, and shrugged.

"Just went shopping. Phone was on silent."

Truth was, I just didn't want to pick up. My head was a mess.

He visibly relaxed and pulled me in.

"You scared me. I thought something happened. Just check your phone next time, okay?"

I nodded.

He kissed my neck, voice low.

"Come try the strawberries I got you—and the glazed ribs I made."

Then he let go and led me to the table.

I sat down and watched him pile ribs into a plate and set it in front of me.

I took a bite.

It was really good.

I used to be super picky, so he—once a hotshot CEO who'd never touched a spatula—spent half a month learning from a private chef just for me.

He picked up a strawberry, held it to my lips, face soft in the glow.

I opened my mouth and took it.

Every move was so gentle, so full of love.

Then his phone buzzed.

One glance, and his face changed. He stepped back.

"Baby, something urgent came up at work. Gotta handle it. Don't wait up, okay?"

I nodded.

Watched him rush out the door, and let out a quiet laugh.

I'd seen the screen.

It was Cathryn.

He lied—to go see her.

All those late nights at the office?

They were never about work.

After a pause, I followed him.

He didn't head to the office. He went to the hospital.

Outside the room, I peeked through the window.

He was holding Cathryn in his arms.

Furious, he snapped at the doctors.

"How do you treat my wife like this? You give her meds and she ends up vomiting?"

The doctor bowed, shaking.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Jurg. It's a side effect. We'll be more careful next time."

Zachary's voice cut like ice.

"If it happens again, this hospital's done."

They scattered.

My chest tightened.

He'd rented out an entire hospital for her over a stomach issue.

He really cared.

I waited in the shadows till the hallway cleared, then stepped closer.

Cathryn looked so fragile, face streaked with tears, curled into his chest.

He gently rubbed her stomach.

"Feeling better?"

She winced, full of guilt.

"I'm sorry, Zachary. My body's such a mess. Now you missed time with Ms. Arden because of me. I must be a curse."

"Don't say that," he said softly, even as he scolded her. "If you're sick, I should be here."

"But... what about Ms. Arden?"

His voice went cold. "Don't mention her. Just get better. I'll handle it."

Then came the dagger.

"She's only my partner in name. You and I... we're the real thing. Of course I should be with you."