Zara lowered her gaze and didn’t spare him another glance. Her tone was so casual that it sounded as though she were saying she was merely telling him that she wasn’t hungry and
didn’t want to eat.
Soren stood beside the couch and looked down at the crown of her head which was adorned by luscious auburn hair. A mixture of emotions welled up in him.
He couldn’t help but feel that Zara had truly changed..
In the past, whenever he was unwell–even when it was just a mild headache–she would be the most anxious. She had never been this indifferent. She acted as though his problems had nothing to do with her. It was like he was just a stranger to her.
Could it be that she was still upset about him leaving her on the mountain?
Frustration surged within him. Pressing his fingers to his temples, he forced himself to set the matter aside and attempted to change the subject
“You should go change your clothes and get ready. There’s a family gathering tonight, and you’re coming with me,” Soren said.
As his words fell, she finally looked up at him. Her gaze wasn’t filled with the surprise he expected but rather mild disbelief.
In their three years of marriage, Soren had done nothing beyond getting a marriage certificate with her. There had been no wedding, no introduction to his family, and not once had he brought her to the Soren family’s monthly gatherings.
Zara happened to discover the reason for this by accident.
She still remembered that it was during their first wedding anniversary. When she had gone to ask him if he’d like to spend the day with her, she’d overheard his phone call with his parents.
“Soren, it’s been a year since you got married. When are you going to bring your wife over to meet us? We want to pass the family heirloom to her. The Cobain family may not be prestigious, but as long as she can help you forget Winry, it’s worth it.”
Though their voices were muffled because she was outside the door, she could still make out what Soren’s parents said. But what came next was his unfiltered and cold response.
He had said, “I only married her out of convenience. There’s no need for her to meet anyone.”
Those words spoke volumes about his attitude toward Zara.
Inside the room, his mother continued, “Haven’t you moved on from Winry? I thought getting married would-”
“I tried. I can’t.”
Спарит
The call ended with a sigh from his mother. Quietly closing the door, Zara left as though she had never been there.
That day, she accepted that she would never step foot in Blight Manor.
The funny thing was that now that she found out she’d mistaken him for someone else and planned to leave, he suddenly wanted her to meet his parents.
“Forget it,” Zara said. She shook her head and tumed him down.
This time, Soren couldn’t hold back anymore. He frowned hard and said with displeasure, What’s been wrong with you lately? You’ve refused everything I’ve suggested. You weren’t like this in the past!”
His frustration boiled over, and his tone grew more emotional toward the end of his rant.
Zara suddenly remembered how accommodating she used to be. After a brief silence, she reluctantly agreed to accompany him to Blight Manor so as not to raise suspicions.
The villa they lived in wasn’t far from Blight Manor, so they arrived quickly. As they entered, Zara saw someone familiar already seated inside through the glass–it was Winry.
She was chatting happily with Soren’s parents. His mother held an emerald bracelet and was lovingly sliding it onto Winry’s wrist.
When Soren saw this, his expression shifted. He explained in a low voice, “Winry is a family friend. That’s why she’s here for dinner…
As he spoke, he glanced at Zara while trying to gauge her reaction. To his surprise, she was calmly changing her shoes with a neutral expression. There was even a faint smile on her face.
“You don’t need to explain anything to me,” Zara said.
His words faltered, and he stared at her dumbfoundedly. He was taken aback by her lack of reaction. Just as his eyes widened with shock, Winry approached.
She informed, “Soren, your parents want to see you in the study. They said they have something to discuss with you.”
His attempt to say something to Zara was cut off With a nod, he turned and reached out to take Zara’s hand. However, Winry stopped him.
“They said they want to speak with
u alone.”
As Soren disappeared around the corner, Winry raised her hand and waved it in front of Zara’s face. She wore a proud and triumphant expression.
“Do you know what this is? It’s the Blight family’s heirloom. Soren’s mother‘ personally gave it to me and said that with my return, he seems complete again. Isn’t it funny? After all these years, I’ve only just realized how much he’s always liked me.”
Chapters
Winry’s taunting gaze landed on Zara’s face. She was eager to capture the slightest flicker of pain or sadness.
But Zara seemed unperturbed. Her gaze never even lingered on the bracelet.
When Winry was done speaking, Zara looked at her with a faint smile and asked in a calm tone, “Do you really not know?”
“Know what?” Winry was caught off guard by the question.
Zara continued, “You grew up together as childhood friends. The love in his eyes when he looks at you is so obvious. Do you really not know of his feelings?”
