regret in his wake Ch 15

Chapter 15 

Zachary’s last shred of hope was crushed under the weight of the dense conditions listed on the agreement. 

Frustration surged through him like a breaking dam, threatening to overwhelm him completely. With a swift, sharp motion, the agreement was torn to shreds in his hands. 

To Cecilia, Zachary had always been composed and self–controlled. The only time she’d seen him lose it was when Anna got married and moved abroad. 

This was the second time he was this angry because of someone else. Cecilia held back the words she was 

going to say. 

Zachary took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down. Since Hannah had signed this agreement with his mother, Cecilia must know something about her departure. 

He looked up at his mother, hope flickering in his eyes. 

“Mom, you must know where Hannah went, right?” 

Cecilia held his gaze for a long moment. She probably did know; after all, she was the one who arranged Hannah’s flight abroad. 

But Hannah had begged Cecilia not to reveal her whereabouts. So, torn, she looked at her son apologetically. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you. And besides,” Cecilia let out a bitter laugh, “even if I told you, it wouldn’t matter.” 

Hannah might have foreseen this day, knowing that as Zachary’s mother, she’d likely spill the beans. So Hannah didn’t even go to the country that was arranged for her studies. 

Disappointment clouded Zachary’s eyes. He never imagined Hannah would leave so decisively, just as abruptly as she had entered his life. 

Cecilia, apart from a touch of regret, showed no other emotions. She tentatively asked, “And about you and 

Anna..” 

An ear–piercing ringtone interrupted them. As Zachary answered, Yolanda’s anxious voice came through. 

“Zachary, get home quick! It’s Anna, something’s happened!” 

When Zachary got home, there were a few foreigners standing outside the villa. The man leading them had a detached look, coldly watching Anna, who was crying into her hands. 

Zachary instantly recognized Anna’s ex–husband. He rushed over, and Yolanda, ever the sharp–eyed, spotted him and waved frantically. 

“Zachary, over here!” 

At the sound, everyone turned to look at him, especially Anna’s ex–husband, who scrutinized him, the intense gaze making Zachary’s heart inexplicably clench. 

Zachary approached, addressing the man before him. 

“Mr. Carter, what brings you to our place?” 

Aiden Carter let out a cold laugh as he looked at Zachary. 

“Why I’m here, you should know best, Mr. Cole. I was married to Anna for five years, and you kept harassing her. In fact, our divorce wouldn’t have happened without your help.” 

Zachary was baffled. For those five years, he’d flown overseas every week to secretly check on Anna, but he thought he’d been discreet, gifting only common items. 

Aiden seemed to look at Zachary like the latter was a fool. He and Anna had had a whirlwind romance, but he’d genuinely tried to love her in the beginning. 

1/2 

10-18 

Chapter 15 

Once he took over the family business, however, he got busy with restructuring and neglected Anna. Seeing her posts on Facebook, he’d intended to explain, but endless calls prevented him. 

It was during this time that mysterious gifts began appearing around Anna, 

Checking surveillance, Aiden discovered that it was Zachary leaving these gifts at their doorstep. 

A wave of unbridled anger surged within him. He had dumped all the gifts in front of Anna, leading to countless arguments. Eventually, Anna secretly divorced him and returned home. 

Aiden looked at the man before him. 

“Mr. Cole, such fine manners you bear – having a wife yet you can’t forget about someone else’s” 

Zachary’s face turned pale at the accusation. 

“I’m already divorced.” 

Behind him, Anna’s head snapped up, surprise flashing in her eyes.