Chapter 305 I Won't Bother You Anymore
When Zachary saw the name "Eva" on the screen, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Winona couldn't bear his intense gaze and wanted to turn away to answer the call, but before she could move, Zachary grabbed her. He didn't say anything, but his meaning was clear: answer it right here.
"Hello."
Eva's voice sounded genuinely concerned on the other end. "Winona, I heard about the museum incident. Is Daniel really acting that clingy? Even if there was an issue, he should handle it without causing a scene."
If Winona hadn't already investigated Eva's character and weren't naturally slow to warm up emotionally, the concern in Eva's voice might have been disarming.
On the other end, Eva was still expressing her indignation on Winona's behalf. A subtle, indescribable smile formed on Winona's delicate face. She tilted her head and said calmly, "It wasn't my doing; that was cleared up yesterday."
There was a brief silence on the other end, but when Eva's voice came back, her sound shifted back to normal again. "Is that so? That's messed up. He should've checked the facts before blaming anyone."
She paused and then changed the subject. "Winona, I heard from Caleb that you took the day off today. Let's hit the shops. I need company in this new town, been a bore fest here."
Eva's voice tingled with excitement, like a kid let loose after a long time.
Zachary's grip tightened slightly, a silent warning. Winona caught his look, a clear message to decline.
Winona hadn't decided how to respond, but at that moment, whether out of curiosity about Eva's intentions or a desire to annoy Zachary, she prepared to agree.
Yet before Winona could even speak, Zachary's lips pressed against hers.
Their lips met gently, just a light touch that made Winona shut her mouth abruptly, her hand instinctively pushing him away.
Zachary effortlessly caught her hand, deftly maneuvering it behind her back as he drew her nearer into his embrace.
On the other end of the phone, Eva didn't say anything more. Although she couldn't see or hear anything, sometimes she just knew when to back down.
In the ensuing hush, Winona couldn't contain herself any longer and hung up the call. "Zachary, are you out of your mind?"
Her tone, though strong, now bore a hint of vulnerability compared to earlier, a change detectable only to an observer.
Zachary released her, smoothing out her rumpled attire, raising an eyebrow in response. "Had you declined or steered clear of her, I wouldn't have had the chance to go off the rails."
Winona shot back, "You've got some serious nerve."
Zachary chuckled, opting not to argue. "If my proximity bugs you, then quit putting yourself in harm's way. You know I can't just let you be, and your troubles are mine. Every time I lend a hand, we get more tangled."
Looking at her furrowed brow, he grinned and ruffled her hair. "How about a deal? I'll delve into your mom's situation, and you focus on living your best life. Once everything's settled and you're doing well, I'll back off."
Since their split, he kept reappearing in her life, making severance seem like a distant dream. The prospect of his release made Winona almost elated, yet her joy was tempered.
She saw a genuine fondness in him now.
Having worked at the Bailey Group before, even in a minor role, she understood Zachary's workload. Describing him as "busy" was an understatement. Despite this, for almost a year, he had devoted considerable time to her.
If this wasn't genuine, then he was a remarkable actor.
Though not contemplating a reunion, Winona's stance wasn't as resolute. Zachary was right; she had softened.
This wasn't a positive sign.
Eyeing Zachary warily as they bargained, Winona inquired, "What's the criteria for 'doing well'? And what if I think I'm good, but you disagree?"
After a moment's contemplation, Zachary responded seriously, "Then it's by my measure. I can't stand seeing you struggle; it compels me to stick around."
Winona shot him a fierce glare. "Are you toying with me? How can I be sure you won't claim 'your life's dull sans me' later?"
Zachary was taken aback, then chuckled softly. "Good point, I'll keep that in mind."
Winona glowered at him, pivoting to leave. His smile vanishing, he grasped her arm. "Where're you headed?"
"To see Rebecca."
Only then did Zachary let go.
Rebecca was in the store when Winona arrived. She was resting her chin on her hand, staring blankly outside, not even noticing when Winona walked in.
Winona waved her hand in front of Rebecca's face and asked, "What are you doing? You look so distracted, and it's only early in the morning."
Rebecca shifted her gaze from the window to Winona, her expression vacant. If observed closely, her eyes held a hint of distress.
Winona's smile dimmed. "Something on your mind? You seem off."
"Is Zachary still pursuing you? If you let him..." Rebecca's voice trailed off, her gaze dropping quickly. "Nevermind, it's silly. I was watching this show where everyone dies, and it hit me hard."
Knowing Rebecca for years, Winona sensed a deeper issue beneath her usually carefree demeanor.
With her usual lightheartedness, she could usually laugh off such tragedies. Understanding this, Winona pressed, "What's really going on?"
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