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Novel Catalog
Chapter 48
Zachary stared at the dictionary page, his mind racing as Serenity’s words echoed in his head. She was obviously referring to his earlier conversation with Callum, and now she was making him face it head-on. The word “jealousy” stared back at him, as if daring him to acknowledge what was obvious.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to remain indifferent. “I know what jealousy means,” he said, but his voice lacked conviction. The truth was, he hadn’t really thought about it until now.
Serenity, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed. She took another bite of her avocado toast, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. “Well, that’s a relief. I thought I’d have to send you a whole lecture on emotions,” she teased, clearly enjoying the playful jab.
Zachary could feel his patience thinning, but there was something about Serenity’s confidence, her easygoing nature, that made him hesitate. He knew she wasn’t trying to be mean, but the way she handled everything with such ease left him questioning himself.
“I wasn’t jealous,” he said firmly, though the words felt empty even to him.
Serenity just shrugged, clearly unconvinced. “You don’t have to be jealous to feel something. Maybe you’re just starting to realize what it’s like to care.”
Zachary didn’t respond. What could he say? The conversation had turned more complicated than he had anticipated. He wasn’t used to feeling like this, to being pushed to confront his own emotions. And yet, here he was, sitting across from a woman who seemed to have him figured out more than he liked.
The silence lingered between them, broken only by the sound of Serenity finishing her breakfast. Zachary couldn’t help but notice how at ease she was, how naturally she carried herself even in this small, mundane moment. The video Nana had sent him flashed through his mind again. Serenity, absorbed in her work, exuding confidence and grace—it was hard to ignore the effect it had on him.
Maybe Nana had been right. Maybe he was beginning to feel something more than he was willing to admit. But for now, Zachary kept his thoughts to himself, uncertain of where this new realization would lead.
Serenity, seemingly content with her own observations, finished her meal and stood up. “Well, I’ve got some things to do today. I’ll leave you to your own breakfast, Mr. York,” she said with a teasing smile.
Zachary watched her leave, his thoughts still swirling. Jealousy or not, Serenity had a way of making him question everything.
