When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0408

To be precise, Phoebe and Maggie were watching Winter and Zach from upstairs.

Phoebe said, “Look at them. They’re so sweet.”

Maggie remarked, “I’ve never seen Mr. Zach this proactive with any girl before.”

Phoebe replied, “Winter isn’t just any woman. Regardless of her background or upbringing, she stands out. That rascal finally did something right.”

*Mr. Zach knows when to focus on the big picture and never drops the ball at crucial moments.”

“If he ends up with her, I’d be happy even in my dreams, Phoebe said.

“Wait, why does Mr. Zach look unhappy?”

*Really?” Phoebe narrowed her eyes to look closely. “He does look a little. Don’t you think Winter seems a bit tense?”

The couple was close, so that shouldn’t be the case.

On the contrary, Zach said, “Don’t move. My mom is starting to suspect something.”

Winter asked, “How long has she been standing there?”

“She was there before you answered the phone.”

Her heart raced, and she felt even more guilty now.

Phoebe said, “Why are you just holding her without doing anything?”

Winter heard that loud and clear. She was responsible, so the situation she found herself in was hers to resolve. She looked intently at Zach and said, “Kiss me

He was flabbergasted.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up!” she urged.

Zach’s Adam’s apple bobbed as his gaze grew more intense, like a bottomless abyss swirling with a mysterious whirlpool. In the next moment, he wrapped his arms around Winter’s slim waist and kissed her with a dominating intensity that left no room for refusal

Winter gasped and was overwhelmed. The kiss was warm and fervent, with lips and tongues entwining.

Phoebe said, “Oh dear! They’re kissing. Maggie, we should get out of here before we make things awkward for them.”

“You’re right.”

Phoebe walked away.

Suddenly, there was a sharp sound.

Zach was bewildered. “Wait… Why did you slap me?”

Winter’s legs felt weak. “Why the hell did you kiss?”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0408

She didn’t slap him but gave him a light smack to push him away. It was different from a proper slap.

“Didn’t you tell me to go for it?”

Winter gritted her teeth. “I meant pretend.”

“My mom has a keen eye. If I don’t make it look real, do you think she’ll believe me?”

She thought, “What the hell does he mean by ‘real‘? Seriously?”

Zach continued, “Besides if I’m kissing you, I’m the one losing out. Do you know how many women would line up to kiss me?”

Winter shot back with a sarcastic smile. “What a coincidence! Plenty of men out there want to kiss me,

too.”

“You…” He was momentarily at a loss for words. After a pause, he muttered, “Are their kissing skills better than mine?”

Winter smirked. “You’re pretty average. I’ve been with better.”

Zach was taken aback.

Phoebe echoed from upstairs. “Winter, are you ready? It’s time for the anti–aging session.”

“Coming!” Just as she turned to head upstairs, she realized her phone was on the couch and returned to grab it.

Liam sounded pitiful while waiting for affection earlier, and she had hung up on him unexpectedly. He was probably anxious now, so she thought she needed to message him.

However, Zach was quicker. He snatched up her phone and held it firmly in his hand..

“Hey, what are you doing? Give it back!”

He replied, “What do you need your phone for? Can’t you focus on spending time with my mom? Who knows what you might let slip if you get too distracted?”

Winter felt that he had a point, so she headed upstairs,

Zach glanced at the phone in his hand, and his jaw clenched tightly.

That morning, Miranda left for school. She couldn’t help but glance next door.