I Refuse to Divorce!

Mason woke up the next morning and found that Zoe wasn't by his side. Thinking that she was in the dressing room, he got off the bed and made his way there.

His suit had been laid out, ready for him to wear. A matching watch and cuff links had been prepared as well, but she was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps she was preparing his breakfast downstairs, he thought. So, he freshened up and made his way down. The servant was laying out the plates and cutleries in the dining hall.

Two freshly baked croissants and a cup of black coffee, his usual breakfast, had already been set on the table. The day's newspaper was on the left side of the table as well, as usual. Zoe had always made sure everything was set up in this way.

The servant noticed Mason descending the stairs and greeted him respectfully. He sat down, flipped through the papers casually, and asked, “Where's Zoe?”

She was stunned. When she came back to her senses moments later, she said, “Are you asking about her whereabouts, Mr. Mason? I think she went back to her parents’ place. She said she'll be staying there for a few days.”

He said lightly, “I see.”

Then, he lifted the cup of coffee and took a sip, his lips curled up into a smile.

Perhaps Zoe was feeling shy, he thought. She might not have responded outwardly to anything he said last night, but she did react to him when they kissed after that. He recalled that her eyes were wet with tears while she trembled uncontrollably.

He finished his breakfast and got ready to go to work. Getting into his car, he buckled up and checked if his wife sent him a text. Naturally, she hadn't done so.

He decided he'd give her a call instead.

Gordon had already been discharged from the hospital. All he needed now was to make weekly trips to the rehabilitation center. Moreover, he was making good progress on the recovery. He had been lucky.

Even so, he spent all his time in his room and refused to come out. Zoe was making homemade pizza with Mia when her stepmother soothed her softly, “Your dad will come around someday. Give him some time.”

Zoe just nodded in response.

Halfway through making the pizza, Mia glanced at Zoe and thought she looked rather well. Perhaps Mason wasn't bothering her as much as he used to.

Pondering the matter, she asked, “There was that celebrity who goes by the name of Brittany. Is she still hanging out with Mason?"

That threw Zoe back to last night. He told her that he didn't sleep with Brittany or Lilith, and she believed him. After all, there was no need for him to lie to her.

Pursing her lips, she responded lightly, “He said it was just a misunderstanding!”

“If it's just a misunderstanding, why did you decide to stay here for a while?"

She had no good answer for that. In fact, she was a little flustered. She'd much rather Mason look her up to sate his lust occasionally and leave her to her own devices after that. That would've been much easier.

However, he seemed different last night. Judging from what he told her, was it right for her to assume that he was trying to turn over a new leaf? She was deep in her thoughts when her phone rang. It was Mason. Mia saw it and ducked out of the kitchen.

After a brief contemplation, Zoe made a decision and picked up the call. Both of them didn’t say anything when the call was connected. The sound of their breathing on the phone reminded her of the moment when he breathed behind her ear. He wanted to have his way with her, but he couldn't. So, he panted in her ear for the longest time.

She couldn't think about it anymore. Then, she spoke first, “I want to stay with my parents for a few days, Mason. I want to keep Dad company.”

He paused for a few seconds before responding to her in a tender tone, “Are you avoiding me, Zoe?"

Both of them went quiet again.

Then, he spoke in an even gentler tone, “Was it because of what happened last night? Did I scare you?"

The way he said it made Zoe's heart pounding like crazy. She was so nervous that she hung up on him. After that, she fiddled with her phone and felt her ear turning hot.