3/3
Chapter 32
“Mia can be quite mischievous. I hope she hasn’t caused you any trouble,” Zachary broke the silence, sensing the tension in the
air.
Before Sarah could respond, a red velvet box appeared before her.
The gold–embossed Cartier logo caught her by surprise. “Mr. Reynolds, what’s this?”
Zachary carefully opened the box, revealing a rose gold diamond bracelet that caught the room’s lighting, sparkling brilliantly. “Mia rarely opens up to others like this. Since she’s taken to you so well, I’d like to consider you a friend too.” Zachary lowered
Sasa?” his gaze briefly before looking up at her, his eyes reflecting her elegant features. “If you don’t mind, may I call you
Sasa…
The nickname floated like a feather, creating ripples in Sarah’s heart. She felt as if someone had called her that before, but couldn’t quite remember who.
“I’m very fond of Mia too, and think of her as a sister, but…”
Sarah knew she wasn’t in the same league as Zachary, one of the youngest and most successful businessmen on the East Coast. She couldn’t presume to be his friend.
“I don’t have many friends, Sasa. You wouldn’t want to disappoint me, would you?”
His voice carried a gentle but unmistakable firmness beneath his subtle smile.
Sarah paused, looking up at him. Being friends with someone of Zachary’s status certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Being practical rather than precious about it, she smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Reynolds.”
Zachary leaned in to fasten the bracelet, his fresh pine scent enveloping her. Sarah could see his handsome profile up close, even
noticing the subtle contours of his neck. (2)
Her heart fluttered unexpectedly.
After securing the bracelet, Zachary admired it. “Just a small token. Your wrist makes it look even more exquisite.”
Sarah pushed aside her embarrassment, admiring the bracelet with genuine pleasure.
She had always loved Cartier’s understated yet striking designs, though she knew they mainly focused on watches and rarely
released jewelry like bracelets.
Seeing her joy, Zachary smiled, discretely turning the Cartier ring on his finger – a matching piece from the same collection, though Sarah hadn’t noticed.
Sarah steered the conversation toward Mia: “You’re too kind, Mr. Reynolds. But regarding Mia’s condition, I’m a bit confused.
1/3
–
She seems so bright and lively what happened to cause her psychological issues?”
Zachary’s expression darkened slightly as he sat back. “I only know she experienced some trauma. I wasn’t there at the time and don’t know the details. I’m counting on you to help her.”
He’d avoided giving her a direct answer.
Sarah lowered her gaze, understanding that wealthy familles had their secrets. Given Zachary’s position, she decided not to probe
further.
The dishes arrived promptly.
Lost in thought about Mia’s condition, Sarah absentmindedly picked up a piece of pepper–crusted filet mignon, immediately choking on the overwhelming heat.
“Cough, cough…”
A glass of iced water was promptly handed to her. Without looking, she took several big gulps, finally soothing the burn.
Embarrassed by the situation, Sarah kept her head down, drinking water to cover up her awkwardness. She wasn’t fond of plain water, usually adding lemon for a bit of flavor, but to her surprise, this glass had a subtle hint of lemon.
“The citrus helps counter the spice. Feeling better?” Zachary explained.
Sarah dismissed it as coincidence: “Steven really doesn’t hold back with the spices for his regulars.” Her throat still burned. T
“I should have warned you,” Zachary said, placing some butter–poached lobster. “These aren’t spicy. They’re best with the garlic
aioli sauce.”
Sarah stared at the perfectly prepared lobster hesitantly.
Garlic aioli was her favorite accompaniment for seafood.
This man had supposedly never been part of her life before, yet somehow he seemed to know her preferences perfectly.
Coincidence?
Fragments of memory flickered at the edges of her mind as she furrowed her brow.
Why did she feel like she’d forgotten something important?
“Sasa?”
Zachary’s voice brought her back to the present.
His deep, magnetic voice was like aged wine intoxicating even in small doses.
Sarah snapped back to reality, trying to maintain her composure despite her unease. With a polite smile, she set down her
chopsticks. “Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds. I ate too quickly. I need to visit the restroom.”
2/3
Lost in her thoughts, Sarah pushed open the bathroom door, only to find Charlotte touching up her makeup at the mirror.
Charlotte seemed equally surprised to see her, putting away her lipstick. “Sarah, what at
coincidence.”
