FIVE

The dining room felt so quiet; only the sounds of utensils clinking against plates could be heard. Griffin seemed to be enjoying his meal, unlike his parents, who were exchanging glances as if about to ask something.

"What's up, Dad! I know you've been wanting to ask me something since earlier?" Griffin asked without taking his eyes off his food, his expression flat, making Alex uneasy.

"Why didn't you accompany Anna yesterday to try on dresses for your engagement party? Anna said you went with Zaylee," Alex said candidly, placing his utensils next to his plate.

"Zaylee? That girl, are you still in contact with her? You must remember your promise to Mom, Griffin! And remember how she treated you before!" Vion raised his voice, his emotions overflowing upon hearing a name that angered him.

Griffin just smiled faintly. He was tired of his parents' drama, as if they didn't know what happened between him and Zaylee. He was not oblivious to the facts; he kept silent, going with the flow.

"Why didn't I meet Zaylee yesterday? She's my mother's secretary!" Griffin said without guilt, making Vion furious. What he regretted until now was making a promise to Griffin. That agreement allowed Griffin to be with Zaylee now under the guise of a CEO-secretary relationship.

"Remember, Griffin! You're getting married to Anna! Don't do anything that would jeopardize the company's stocks!" Alex scolded, making Griffin nod. However, in his heart, he wanted to scream because the sacred moment meant nothing to his father. Everything was for the sake of the company and wealth.

"Yes, Dad, don't worry! Griffin won't do anything strange. Just figure out what's best!" Griffin stood up, having finished his morning breakfast with bitterness that he had swallowed earlier, hidden behind his cold demeanour.

Today, the sky wasn't adorned with dark clouds. The sun shone brightly without hindrance. But it wasn't the same for the girl who had been confined to her room's bathroom since earlier; her heart was genuinely cloudy, ready to rain at any moment. Zaylee was crying, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Like someone who had lost her sanity, she suddenly laughed at herself, looking so bleak and sad.

She couldn't sleep all night, staring blankly at the pills in her right hand, filled with immense frustration. The disappointment, anger, and sadness left Zaylee unsure of what to do now. Like a ball thrown far, penetrating several levels of the sky, then falling into the most bottomless abyss without any light.

"Should I get rid of you?" Zaylee asked, rubbing her still slightly visible stomach. Of course, it had only been a few weeks. Zaylee's heart was in turmoil; she was genuinely angry, blaming whoever for the universe's cruelty towards her. She couldn't even accept the norm violation she committed, let alone the fact that Griffin refused to take responsibility for the pregnancy caused partly by Griffin's mistake that night under the influence of alcohol.

Until her eyes felt hot, tears kept flowing, and it seemed even more intense. Zaylee massaged her forehead; her whole body felt sore. Griffin's words about aborting the baby kept haunting her mind.

Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, Griffin welcomed her, sitting at his desk, his legs crossed without hesitation on the table. Zaylee approached with a pale face, wanting to say something to Griffin. Griffin awaited her enthusiastically, hoping Zaylee's response would align with his request.

Zaylee scanned the room, taking a deep breath to articulate what she wanted to say to Griffin.

"I can't abort this innocent baby, Griffin!" Zaylee said, causing Griffin's excited face to vanish instantly.

Griffin's face turned crimson. Slamming Zaylee's desk, her weak back hit the wall. Griffin didn't hesitate to press Zaylee with his sharp gaze, consumed by raging emotions, leaving Zaylee completely silent, not expecting it to end like this.

"If you still want to keep that fetus in your belly, don't blame me if I abort it my way!" Griffin hissed, his face close to Zaylee's.

Zaylee couldn't do anything but be scared. Her breath was held, tears uncontrollable. For the first time, she met a man completely different from her expectations. A genuinely selfish figure, according to Zaylee. Not just stubborn, but quite rough.

Cupp...

Griffin forcibly kissed Zaylee, just a peck with no passion. Just touching, but making Zaylee close her eyes tightly; she was terrified. Griffin consciously continued to press his slightly darkened lips against Zaylee's full and thin lips. Just pushing, Griffin accepted the tranquillity at that moment; Zaylee's breath gently brushed his face.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the time to enjoy it. He remembered the decision of the girl in his arms that infuriated him. Zaylee opened her eyes when Griffin pulled his lips from her small, thin lips.

"Is there something wrong? Am I scaring you? Haven't we done this before?" Griffin asked cynically, not pleased with Zaylee's feigned innocence as if she had never done it before.

"It seems Anna was right about you! You're just a cheap girl hiding behind your innocent mask!" Griffin let go roughly, making Zaylee stunned.

"I can't believe this isn't your trap to get me back. It's too late, Zaylee. I'm getting engaged to Anna!" Griffin said, leaving Zaylee petrified and unable to say a word.

"You're the one who dumped me first. Whatever your motives, I won't be willing to return to a sly woman like you!" Griffin walked away, leaving Zaylee still in shock, caught in a mental and emotional battle.

"This is the last time, Zaylee! Terminate your pregnancy before your stomach gets big, and make sure my family doesn't hear about this! I don't want my life to fall apart for the second time!" Griffin firmly rushed away, leaving Zaylee stunned and unable to utter a single word.