Chapter 66: Painful past
Ivy’s smile faltered, her eyes flickering with hurt. She forced herself to maintain her composure, but the rejection stung. She had hoped to win him over, to make their relationship more than just a transaction. Yet, Zack’s words were like a cold slap, reminding her of the reality she was trying to deny.
"Zack," she pleaded, reaching out to hold his hand.
Zack’s expression remained stern, a wall of indifference that she couldn’t breach. He stepped aside, avoiding her touch.
The rejection burned in Ivy’s eyes, turning them into a fiery inferno. "Why, Zack?" she cried. "What’s lacking in me? I am smart, beautiful, and from an affluent family. I am perfect to be your wife. Why can’t you love me?"
Zack ran a hand through his hair, exhaustion etched on his face. He was too tired to talk to her. This conversation was not going anywhere. "You can leave now," he said dismissively, turning his back to her.
But Ivy was the past reason. Her temper reached the boiling point.
"Don’t you dare dismiss me!" she snapped. "This isn’t some fleeting fancy, Zack. Remember what my family did for you? Without my father’s help, you wouldn’t have rebuilt your business. Have you forgotten the past so easily?"
Her words struck a raw nerve. Zack whirled around and faced her. Anger, hot and raw, clouded his face.
"I don’t forget anything," he roared, his loud voice echoing inside the room. "Every. Single. Day—it’s a torturous reminder. If that incident had not happened, I wouldn’t have been tied up to you."
His fists trembled as he was losing his temper. "Don’t even think about getting close," he warned. "You can never replace Rose in my heart."