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Novel Catalog
Chapter 47
…independent and strong-willed ways, but you’ll definitely fall for her charm. Nana’s just trying to nudge you in the right direction,” Callum teased, his voice still full of laughter.
Zachary groaned in annoyance, clearly not thrilled about the topic. “I’m not falling for any tricks. I’ve been clear from the start about how I feel about this marriage.”
Callum didn’t miss a beat, though. “Right, right. Keep telling yourself that. But you’ve spent all this time playing the indifferent husband. How long do you think that act will last?”
Zachary didn’t have an answer. Instead, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, looking over at Serenity’s closed bedroom door. Callum’s words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, Zachary found himself questioning whether he truly understood the complexity of his feelings for Serenity.
“I just don’t get it, Callum,” Zachary admitted, his tone softer than usual. “Why would Nana set me up like that? I know she’s grateful, but is this her way of helping me… or messing with me?”
“Zack, Nana’s old-school. She’s seen everything, probably more than you can imagine. She wants to see you happy, but she also knows it won’t be easy for you to admit you need to feel something. She’s playing her cards to get you there, whether you like it or not.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Callum added, “Look, I’m not saying you should rush into anything, but sometimes… you’ve got to let go of your control and let things happen. Who knows? Maybe Serenity will surprise you.”
Zachary didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stared at the TV screen, lost in thought. Was Callum right? Was he really just holding back out of fear? Serenity had always been different, and maybe that was what drew him to her in the first place. Her independence, her confidence—it all left him feeling a mix of admiration and frustration. And now, with Nana’s antics, he realized how much he had already let her into his life without even meaning to.
“I’ve got to go,” Zachary said abruptly, hanging up the phone. He stood up and made his way towards the stairs, moving quietly so as not to disturb Serenity. But as he reached the top, he noticed her still seated on the balcony swing, staring out at the night sky.
“Serenity,” he called softly, his voice almost tentative.
She didn’t turn around immediately, but after a moment, she replied, “You’re back.”
Zachary walked over and stood beside her, his hands in his pockets. He didn’t know what to say, but the silence between them was heavier than it had been before. He could feel the weight of her presence next to him, the stillness in the air.
“You know,” he began, his voice uncharacteristically unsure, “Nana… she set me up today.”
Serenity raised an eyebrow, but she didn’t say anything. She had a feeling this had something to do with the tension she felt earlier at Beans and Cream.
“She knew I’d see you with Mr. Bill,” Zachary continued, finally meeting her eyes. “She… wanted to see if I’d get jealous.”
Serenity blinked, surprised. She hadn’t realized Nana’s intentions were so calculated. “So, what now?”
Zachary hesitated. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But maybe it’s time I start figuring it out.”
Serenity felt a shift in the air between them, a moment of unspoken understanding. The walls Zachary had built around himself were cracking, little by little, and for once, Serenity wasn’t sure whether to push or wait.
“Goodnight, Zachary,” she said quietly, offering him a soft smile.
“Goodnight, Serenity,” he replied, his voice steady but his gaze lingering a moment longer than usual.
As he turned to head inside, Serenity stayed on the swing, the night breeze cool against her skin. There was still so much she didn’t understand about Zachary, but for the first time, she felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, things could change between them.
