Chapter 18
Zach boarded the plane to Javerton City, the torrential rain hammering against the tarmac. As the plane took off, the cabin was filled with murmurs of frustration from business
“Of all does, it had to storm tonight. We have a major bid opening tomorrow–who knows if we’ll even land safely!“
“I heard the pilot say turbulence might be bad during descent…
Zach tuned out the noise. Every passing second felt like an eternity. His mind was a whirlwind of thought,
Why had Serena returned to Javerton City? Who was the man beside her? Why was she still refusing to see him?
The turbulence hit hard, jolting the aircraft. The captain’s voice echoed through the speakers.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts. We are expecting turbulence and preparing for an emergency landing.
With each jolt, the turbulence grew more intense
Zach’s heart pounded as passengers around him reacted—some murmuring prayers, others hurriedly calling their families or texting what could be their final goodbyes
“Is this really the end?” he wondered to himself.
Amidst the violent turbulence, Zach became painfully aware of one thing–his mind was still consumed by a single thought
Why hasn’t Serena come back? The young woman he had spent 13 years with was now completely out of reach.
Zach had sent countless messages to her, but every single one tailed to go through.
She wasn’t replying anymore.
The plane trembled before finally coming to a halt. Cheers erupted throughout the cabin, relief washing over the passengers when the plane safely landed.
However, Zach felt only nausea churning in his gut. Ignoring it, he forced himself up, keeping a cold, unreadable expression.
His messages had all been ignored, disappearing into the void with the grey checkinark Without wasting another second, he rushed off the plane, suppressing the urge to be sick.
He immediately ordered someone to track down Serena’s whereabouts, then got into a car and drove straight to her.
Even in the face of death, she was the only one on his mind.
He had to see her
“The plane made an emergency landing but arrived sately
The news anchor’s relieved voice echoed through Serena’s quiet home
Serena had only turned on the TV to break the silence. Yet as the anchor choked back tears of joy, celebrating the survival of all passengers, she found herself smiling faintly.
It really was a good day.
It was late into the night, and she started feeling hungry. She ordered takeout and soon received a call from the delivery driver.
“Miss, the security at Crestview Bay is too tight.can’t get in.”
“I’ll come down to get it,” she replied
Since she hadn’t hired a maid yet, she had no choice but to go herself
As she reached the neighborhood gate and grabbed the takeout bag, a familiar voice suddenly called out to her.
“Rena!”
That voice, that nickname–it could only be one person
Serena’s fingers clenched tightly around the takeout bag. She turned toward the sound of the voice.
The man who once exuded charm now appeared disheveled, clutching his stomach, with only his deep, affectionate gaze directed at her.
He had finally found her.
But as Zach thought about all the messages that had gone unanswered, anger surged within him. He took a few steps forward, intending to grab her.
“Do you know how long you’ve been gone? Seven days, 12 hours, and 29 minutes! You came back to Javerton City, but you didn’t even tell me. Do you know how worried I’ve been?
The clock tower in the middle of Crestview Bay chimed midnight.
Happiness was like a fleeting dream. Once the time passed, ut vanished without a trace.
Serena’s heart still ached at the sight of Zach, but her body instinctively stepped back, avoiding his touch
“You remember the exact time, down to the second. But none of that matters anymore,” she said. “Our story is over from now on, you go your way, and I go mine. We no lampe have anything to do with each oder
She was starving, and compared to the regretful relationship, she needed the warm meal in her hand more.
Serena turned to leave, but Zach grabbed her wrist.
