Chapter 577 Winona, Marry Me
Zachary glanced at Samuel. He couldn't tell who Maeve resembled, nor did he care. He had just helped her out of a sense of decency. "Let's go."
"Wait," Maeve called out, her face full of gratitude. "Thank you so much for helping me. Can I get your contact info or address? I want to return your jacket after I clean it."
"No need, just toss it." With that, he walked off with Samuel, not sparing her another glance.
Maeve clutched Zachary's jacket tightly, watching his retreating figure with gratitude. Even if he had helped her on a whim, she would remember his kindness.
"That girl looked kinda like Fiona. You didn't help her because of that, did you?" Samuel asked.
Zachary replied, "No."
He hadn't even seen her face clearly.
Samuel noticed Zachary occasionally pressing his temples, looking uncomfortable. "You okay? If you're not feeling well, you should see a doctor."
Zachary shook his head. "I've been really busy lately. Just a headache."
Samuel knew about the recent situation at the Bailey Group and that Zachary had been working overtime for a while. He glanced at Zachary's furrowed brow. "If you really don't feel well, go to the hospital."
"Alright."
After getting the ring, Zachary started planning the proposal. He booked a romantic French restaurant, hired a wedding planning company, and chose a sunny day from the calendar.
Winona looked around the restaurant. The large hall was empty. "Did you book the whole place?"
This high-end French restaurant only served a limited number of tables each day to ensure quality and experience. Reservations were usually required, and it was rare to see the entire hall empty unless it was booked.
Zachary held her hand. "Yeah."
The restaurant was on the top floor, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Dreamopolis at night.
Dim lighting, soft piano music, blooming flowers... everything indicated this would be a special dinner.
Winona had a hunch about his intentions. No wonder Zachary had been subtly probing her feelings lately. Her chest tightened, and she unconsciously clenched her fingers, feeling a bit nervous. "Is today a special occasion? Why book the whole place just for dinner?"
Their previous marriage had been a simple courthouse affair without a proposal. Despite Zachary's recent hints, Winona knew he cared for her, but liking someone and wanting to marry them were different things. Plus, he had a history. Zachary was nervous about the proposal. "It's not a special occasion. I just heard from my female colleagues that couples need a bit of romance and surprise now and then."
Winona scoffed inwardly. Let's see how long you can keep this up. But since it was a surprise, she didn't press further.
The restaurant's lighting was dim. When the waiter handed them the menu, he also lit the candle on the table.
After ordering, the waiter took the menu, bowed politely, and left.
Zachary rubbed his temples, feeling a headache.
Winona noticed his action and asked worriedly, "Are you feeling unwell? You've been rubbing your temples a lot lately."
"No, just tired."
Zachary had undergone a thorough neurological exam a few days ago, and nothing was found. The doctor advised him to rest more.
Zachary held Winona's hand, the flickering candlelight reflecting in his eyes, making them shine brightly. He spoke earnestly, "Winona, I know I haven't been good to you in the past and made you sad. But I've changed now. I'm not great at expressing emotions, but I..."
He paused. "I'll try to control myself and avoid saying hurtful things."
Winona glanced at the sky. It was rare for him to realize his words were hurtful.
Zachary followed her gaze outside. Apart from the dazzling neon lights and the dark night sky, there was nothing. "What are you looking at?"
"Nothing, just the night view. It's pretty."
Winona was actually wondering if the sun had risen from the west.
Zachary pursed his lips. He wasn't stupid, just emotionally inept. "Be honest."
Winona didn't want to discourage him, but he insisted on honesty. She gave him a thumbs up, sincerely praising, "Realizing your words are hurtful is a big step in emotional intelligence."
Zachary had spent days researching and thinking of heartfelt words, only to be blocked by Winona's bluntness. "I'll change. I won't make you sad anymore. I'll fulfill my duties as a husband."
The waiter, sensing the atmosphere was right, handed Zachary a large bouquet of roses.
Zachary took the roses and knelt on one knee.
Although Winona had anticipated the proposal, she still felt visibly nervous, instinctively leaning back against the booth.
The restaurant's private room door opened, and several people walked out.
Winona saw Lydia, Evander, Frank, Rebecca, Anthony, Samuel, Matthew, and even Austin.
The restaurant fell silent, and even the piano music stopped. Winona guessed Zachary's intention but decided to come in, indicating her agreement. However, in front of so many people, she felt a bit flustered.
Zachary spoke seriously, "I invited them not to pressure you, but to show sincerity and importance to this marriage. You don't have to worry about others. If you think I'm worth spending your life with, say yes. If you think I haven't proven myself, you can refuse."
Winona glanced at Frank in the crowd. She hadn't told him about reconciling with Zachary. Although it was obvious, she hadn't formally introduced Zachary to him.
It wouldn't be right to finalize the marriage without her father meeting her fiancé.
Although she and Frank had only recently reunited, she appreciated his kindness and had accepted him as her father. Their bond wasn't deep, so she felt the need to follow proper etiquette, fearing Frank might think she didn't consider him a father by not introducing Zachary.
Frank, seeing Winona's gaze, understood her thoughts. "Zachary visited me with gifts a few days ago. He wanted to surprise you, so he didn't bring you along. I don't oppose this. Your marriage is your decision. If you agree, I'll plan a grand wedding that everyone will envy. If you don't, I'll introduce you to other good men. I have..."
Plenty of young men's photos and profiles on his phone.
Sensing potential complications, Zachary quickly interrupted, "Winona, marry me."
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