Chapter 172: The threat
Bella was taken aback at his audacity. She had thought that Theodore’s warning would have kept Zack at bay, but it was clear now that Zack wasn’t deterred. Bella’s temper flared.
"I love my husband," she shot back firmly and defiantly. "And he loves me."
Zack’s expression darkened, a scowl forming on his face as he heard her words. He was frustrated, almost angry, that she continued to insist on her love for Theodore.
"Really?" he challenged, his tone sharp and disbelieving. "If he loves you, then why hasn’t he introduced you as his wife? Why hasn’t he announced your marriage to the world?"
Bella didn’t answer. It wasn’t Theodore’s fault that their marriage was still a secret. He had been ready to announce it, but she had insisted on keeping it under wraps until she had proven herself in her career. She wanted to be seen as more than just Theodore Reid’s wife; she wanted to stand on her own merit to prove that she was worthy of him.
"Our marriage is none of your business," she hissed, her eyes flashing with anger. "Whether we keep it private or reveal it publicly, it’s our choice—our understanding. Who are you to question it?"
"Come on, Bella, stop pretending you’re some lovey-dovey couple," Zack retorted, his irritation bubbling over. "I know the truth. Your marriage is nothing but a contract."
Bella’s jaw dropped in shock at his words. ’How did he know?’ she wondered to herself.
Zack continued, undeterred by her reaction. "The only woman he actually cares about is Gina Willis, his childhood sweetheart."
In an instant, Bella’s confusion cleared. It all made sense now—Gina had filled Zack’s head with lies, manipulating him to cause trouble. That woman was relentless, always finding ways to create chaos.