Not proud, just resigned. Is that why your mother left?” She asked quickly. Zach stopped.
His back was to her. “My mother left because she couldn’t handle grief,” he said flatly.
“My father died when I was 16. At the funeral, she looked at me and decided she couldn’t be my mother anymore.
Said I was too much like him, that she couldn’t bear to see his face in mine every day.”
He paused. I never saw her again. Novi’s heart cracked. Zack, don’t. He turned around, expression closed off.
I I don’t need sympathy. I need solutions. He crossed his arms. Look, I’ve done more than enough.
I lied to my uncle. I disrupted his wedding. Marriage is too far. There has to be another way.
There isn’t. How much does your stepfather owe my uncle? The sudden shift threw her.
$4 million. Zach nodded once. I’ll pay it. What? The debt? I’ll pay it right now.
He said it like 4 million was spare change. That clears your obligation. Your stepfather can’t force you to marry anyone if there’s no debt.
Novi stared at him. You would pay $4 million for someone you met an hour ago.
It’s money. I have more than I need. He moved toward the door. Come on, let’s end this.
Back in the wedding hall, Zach wasted no time. Uncle Desmond, marriage isn’t necessary. Desmond’s face fell.
My Zachary, I’ll pay Mr. Cross’s debt right now. Zach pulled out a checkbook. $4 million.
Vernon’s eyes nearly popped from his skull. Zach wrote the check with quick, precise strokes, tore it free, and handed it to his uncle.
The debt is cleared. Novi is free. Desmond took the check slowly. Disappointment evident on his face.
I was hoping. I know. Zach’s voice softened slightly. But I’m not ready for marriage.
This is the best I can offer. Vernon lunged for the check, but Desmond held it back.
This goes toward the debt, Desmond said coolly. Not into your pocket for gambling. Yes, yes, of course.
Vernon dropped to his knees, grabbing at Zach’s pant leg. Thank you. You’re a saint.
Get up. Zach stepped back, disgust flickering across his face. Is you’re embarrassing yourself. He turned and walked toward the exit.
Novi gathered her dress and hurried after him. “Wait.” He stopped but didn’t turn. “Please,” she said softly.
“Let me repay you. I can cook, clean, organize anything. Let me work for you.”
Zach’s black eyes swept over her. That won’t be necessary. Please. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
I don’t have anywhere else to go. Before he could respond, a hand clamped down on Novi’s arm.
Actually, Vernon’s oily voice cut in. She does have somewhere to go. His grip was bruising, his eyes gleaming with ugly triumph.
The debts paid. That means she’s mine again. He yanked her toward him. Come on, girl.
We’re going home. Home. Back to that prison. Back to Vernon’s control. No. The word escaped before she could stop it.
Vernon’s face darkened. What did you say? I said no. Novi tried to pull free.
Let go of me. You ungrateful. Let go of her. Zach’s voice cut through like a blade of ice.
Vernon froze. Zach stepped forward, his tall frame looming, his black eyes burning. Who gave you permission to touch her?
She’s my stepdaughter. I don’t care. His voice was soft, but the threat was unmistakable.
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