Chapter 143
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This was an anonymous multimedia message. He didn’t know who sent the photo or what their intentions were.
The image completely disrupted Zachary’s composure. He’d never been so unsettled by anything before. Though he maintained
his outward calm, his mind was in chaos.
He e dialed the number. After two rings, someone picked up, speaking through laughter, “Hello? Sarah can’t come to the phone right now, she’s hugging my brother… Oh, sorry, I’ve said too much. Why don’t you call back later?”
“Click…”
After hanging up, Lucy’s eyes crinkled with satisfaction. She deleted the call record and put the phone back exactly where it had
been.
The whole thing had happened silently, as if it never occurred.
She looked over at the pair – Sarah and James were still opening the pastry box.
The sweet aroma from the freshly baked goods wafted through the air, seeping into her skin. Sarah carefully lifted out the delicate pastries.
After disposing of the wrapping, only the gentle sweetness remained. Somehow, it reminded her of that faint cedar scent.
Whether at St. Ritz or when he had held her, that scent always made her heart race.
At this moment, she was completely unaware of everything.
After a couple quick games of chess with Richard, she left. She couldn’t stand seeing Lucy’s face or James any longer.
Over the next few days, Sarah didn’t see Zachary at all. The person who’d been constantly by her side was suddenly busy, and she
felt his absence.
Mia had been staying at her place. Though her condition had stabilized, they weren’t comfortable letting her live alone yet.
After school, they returned home. Shortly after, Mia came back with lots of food.
Sarah was puzzled. “Did you buy all this?”
“No, brother sent it over,” Mia answered obediently.
“Why didn’t he bring it himself?” Sarah lowered her eyes,
“He didn’t say, but he told me not to tell you.” Mia went in and opened the bags, which contained food from St. Ritz, along with
ice cream and pastries from La Patisserie.
Sarah picked up an ice cream dessert topped with fresh mango pieces, but found she had no appetite.
It was strange how Zachary seemed to suddenly become a different person. Though she’d always tried to remind herself of the
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gulf between them, she’d never managed to control her feelings.
Perhaps she’d been presumptuous before, mistakenly thinking Zachary might have feelings for….
But now she realized their relationship had always been on his terms.
And she knew nothing about him at all.
Setting down the half–eaten dessert, she went to her room.
In her vanity mirror, she saw her bitter smile reflected back. On her pale wrist, the Cartier bracelet had lost its warm rose gold
glow, leaving only the harsh sparkle of diamonds.
She took off the bracelet and put it back in the drawer.
Things that didn’t belong to her shouldn’t be kept.
Right?
Though Mia hadn’t fully recovered, her sensitivity made her aware of the unhappiness. Her brother and Sarah were the two
people she loved most.
The next day after school, Mia pulled at Sarah, pleading, “Sarah, Zach is picking me up today. Let’s go home together.”
Sarah thought for a moment before saying gently, “You go ahead, Mia. I can get home by myself. We shouldn’t always trouble
your brother.”
“But you’re not just anyone, Sarah! I’ve been staying at your place all this time you’re the one who’s been troubled,” Mia
wheedled, affectionately linking their arms.
