Chapter 5
It seemed like Zachary was worried Anna might leave, so he quickly instructed the housekeeper to move her luggage into the largest guest room.
Yolanda, feeling quite smug, turned to Hannah and said, “Well, what are you standing around for? Go make dinner. Remember, Anna can’t handle spicy food, so keep it mild.”
In this household, even with help around, it was always Hannah who cooked. Mostly because Zachary was quite the picky eater, and even top–starred chefs couldn’t satisfy him. Only Hannah’s cooking was passable enough for him to eat.
But no matter how much effort Hannah put into the meals, Zachary would only take a few bites, occasionally joined by Yolanda who would critique every dish.
This time, Hannah simply shook her head and said something no one expected.
“I can’t do it.”
Hearing Hannah’s refusal, Zachary instinctively looked over at her. In his memory, she had never gone against the family. This was her first time refusing.
Just as he was about to speak, Anna’s eyes reddened, and she bit her lip, eyes downcast.
“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have moved in. After all, I’m just an outsider. It’s not right to make Ms. Clarke cook for
me.”
With that, she turned to go upstairs and pack her bags, but Zachary quickly grabbed her arm.
“It’s not related to you,” he said, turning back to Hannah with a more serious tone. “You said you weren’t upset. What’s this about now?”
Hannah lifted her hand, revealing band–aids on her index finger and the fourth one.
“I’m injured. I can’t touch water for a while.”
In truth, she wasn’t hurt at all. The agreement was over, and she didn’t want to waste any more time on Zachary, so she had slapped on some band–aids as an excuse not to cook.
The atmosphere turned tense.
Hannah had always managed the household chores herself, so the servants would leave on time. Now, with no one else to cook, calling the help back would take too long.
Yolanda frowned with displeasure, full of complaints. “Why didn’t you say you were hurt earlier? Are you trying to make us starve purposely?”
She was about to scold Hannah further when Anna gently intervened. “Yoli, don’t be like that.”
Anna turned to Zachary. “Zack, being abroad all this time, I’ve missed that diner by our high school. Remember how we’d go there after evening classes? How about we have dinner there tonight?”
Zachary couldn’t refuse Anna’s request, so he agreed warmly, “Sure, I’ll take you.”
They all headed out, taking Hannah along as well.
During the ride, Zachary chatted with Anna and Yolanda in the backseat, reminiscing about their high school days. Anna was delighted, and Yolanda chimed in now and then. They all laughed heartily at memories
shared.
In the midst of their laughter, Anna turned to the front seat where Hannah sat with a smile. “Ms. Clarke, sorry! It’s not that we’re ignoring you; it’s just that you weren’t part of those memories.”
Not just hadn’t she shared that part of memories, but she wouldn’t be involved in the future. Hannah gave a small nod, closing her eyes quietly.
10:17
hapter
Zachary glanced at her, sensing something was different about her.
Once they parked, Hannah excused herself to the restroom. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her bouncy long hair cascaded down her back. Her skin, pale and smooth under the light, couldn’t hide the tiredness in her eyes.
Five years of marriage and Anna looked vibrant, while she appeared worn out. Just hold on a little longer, she told herself, and she’d be free.
When she returned to the private dining room, the others had already ordered.
“A broth base, no meat for Anna, lots of vegetables, but hold the cilantro,” Zachary instructed the server as he scanned the menu.
Even after all these years, he remembered Anna’s preferences clearly.
“Hannah, anything you don’t eat?” he asked. It was the first time in five years he’d inquired about her tastes. Hannah, sitting across the table, wiped down her cutlery with a napkin.
“Anything’s fine, except seafood.”
Throughout the meal, Zachary paid attention only to Anna, ensuring she had plenty to eat while barely touching his own food.
Midway through dinner, a commotion erupted at the neighboring table. Voices rose, and a heated argument turned physical.
As patrons rushed to break it up, one furious man grabbed a steaming pot of soup, intending to throw it at his opponent. The intended target dodged, and in a misdirected throw, the hot soup flew toward their table.
In the chaos, Zachary instinctively shielded Anna, pulling her close. Hannah, caught off guard, watched helplessly as the scalding broth hurtled towards her.
Chapter 6
“Ah!”
