Chapter 79: Childhood Friend

Amy heard her cellphone ring while she was busy organizing the twins' things. When she checked it, she saw a message from her childhood friend, Alik. She smiled and quickly typed a reply. She didn’t realize Zack was already behind her, quietly observing her with a curious look as she busily texted back.

Zack moved closer and placed a hand on Amy's shoulder. "Who is that?" he asked, his tone slightly serious. Amy turned to her husband, smiling as she replied, "It’s Alik. He’s my childhood friend, Hon."

"Alik?" Zack repeated, his brows furrowing slightly as he glanced at Amy's phone. "Why is he messaging you?"

Amy just smiled. "Nothing, Hon. He just said hi and asked how I’m doing. We haven’t talked in ages, so I’m happy to hear from him again."

"Really now?" Zack asked, clearly annoyed, leaning closer to Amy as if to sneak a look at her phone. "What else did he say?"

Amy grinned, deciding to tease her husband. "Oh, he said he missed me. He also mentioned how he remembers buying me ice cream when we were kids."

"Missed you?" Zack repeated, his frown deepening as he gripped Amy's shoulder a little tighter. "Did you tell him you’re married?"

"Of course, Hon," Amy replied with a playful smile. "I told him I’m married and we have twins. But you know what? He said he still remembers helping me whenever my shoe fell off back in the day."

Zack didn’t say anything, but his annoyance was evident. "Sounds like he’s too interested in you," he muttered. "Do you really need to reply to him?"

"Hon, he’s just a childhood friend. Come on!" Amy said, laughing softly as she tried to lighten the mood.

Zack suddenly grabbed Amy's phone from her hand. "Let me reply," he said, seriously looking at Alik’s message.

"Zack!" Amy protested, but it was clear she was amused by her husband's jealousy.

Zack typed a short response:

"This is Amy’s husband. She’s busy. Don’t disturb her too much."

"Hon! That’s rude!" Amy laughed, but her tone was full of affection.

"Rude? I’m just being honest," Zack replied, pulling Amy into a hug from behind. "And reminding him that you’re mine."

Smiling, Amy knew this would be a long conversation with Zack, but deep down, she was happy. She found her husband's jealousy endearing.

Zack returned the phone to Amy, but the serious look on his face remained. He sat next to her, and Amy, still amused, began scrolling through her messages.

"Hon, you’re overreacting," Amy said, glancing at her husband.

"I’m not overreacting," Zack replied, his voice tinged with jealousy. "I just don’t like the idea of some guy from your past suddenly appearing and acting like he knows you better than I do."

"Alik is just a childhood friend, Zack," Amy explained, holding her husband’s hand to reassure him. "You have nothing to worry about. You’re my husband. And I love you."

Zack still looked unconvinced. "Yeah, but why does he have to message you now? What does he want? Nostalgia? Closure? Or does he think he still has a chance with you?"

Amy shook her head, smiling. "You’re overthinking! Do you know how young we were when we last talked? Whatever you’re imagining is far from reality."

But Zack remained unconvinced. He stood and stared out the window, continuing his litany. "What if he starts asking you to meet him? What if—"

"Zack!" Amy interrupted, standing up and grabbing his arm. "Do you want me to text him right now and say we can’t talk anymore because my billionaire husband is too jealous?"

Zack looked at her but said nothing. Amy shook her head, laughing softly. "Hon, you’re so adorable when you’re jealous. But seriously, you have nothing to worry about. You’re way more important to me than anyone from my past."

"Adorable?" Zack asked, pretending to pout. "I’m not trying to be adorable. I’m being serious here."

"Hon, I know," Amy said, wrapping her arms around him from behind. "But you’re letting your imagination run wild. Why don’t you just trust me to handle the situation? You know me, don’t you?"

Zack didn’t respond, but Amy felt him relax slightly. She turned to walk back to her seat, but before she could sit, Zack suddenly picked her up.

"Zack! What now?" Amy exclaimed, laughing.

Zack didn’t answer. He carried her to the couch, gently placed her down, and looked into her eyes seriously. "Fine, I’ll drop it. But don’t expect me not to keep an eye on this Alik, okay? I’m watching you… and him."

Amy laughed, her heart warmed by her husband’s protective nature. "I wouldn’t have it any other way, Hon," she replied, pulling him closer. "You’re the only one I love. No matter how many Aliks show up, it’s only you."

Zack smiled, finally reassured. "You better keep that promise, Mrs. Delgado."

In the following days, Zack became even more watchful of Amy’s actions. Every time her phone pinged, he quickly glanced at it and frequently asked, "Who’s that?" even if it was just a notification. Amy just shook her head but couldn’t deny the fluttering feeling in her heart at her husband’s jealousy.

One evening, while Amy was busy with the twins, her phone buzzed again. When she saw it was another message from Alik, she couldn’t help but smile. Zack, who was at the dining table, noticed and immediately approached.

"Alik again?" Zack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Hon," Amy replied playfully. "He’s just asking how the twins are. He even said he’d like to see pictures of them."

"Pictures?" Zack repeated, his brow furrowing further. "And you’re planning to send him pictures of our kids?"

Amy burst out laughing. "Zack, do you even know me? Of course not! I know how protective you are of the kids."

"Good," Zack said, sitting beside her. But his body language showed he was still uneasy. "What else did he say?"

Amy stifled a laugh. "Do you want me to read all his messages to you, Hon? Just so you can relax?"

Zack cleared his throat, looking away. "I’m just looking out for you."

Amy shook her head, grabbed her phone, and started typing. "You know what, Hon? If you’re that curious, here, let me reply for you."

She typed:

"Hi Alik, this is Amy’s husband. Just letting you know she’s very busy taking care of our family. I hope you understand that she might not be able to reply often."

She showed it to Zack. "Well? Is this good enough to put your mind at ease?"

Zack stared at the message before nodding. "That’s better. At least he knows not to overstep."

Amy kissed Zack on the cheek, laughing. "You’re really cute when you’re jealous, Hon. But don’t worry, okay? I’ll always make sure you’re my priority."

"Good," Zack said, pulling her back to the couch. "But just to be safe, I think I’ll keep an eye on this Alik. Even if he’s just a childhood friend, he’s still a guy."

"Whatever you say, Hon," Amy replied, leaning on his chest with a smile. "But don’t be surprised if I brag about you to Alik. Just so he knows how perfect my husband is."

Zack smiled, finally at ease. Even with his jealousy, Amy’s constant reassurances showed just how much she loved him. And during those moments, as they shared quiet nights together, they felt their bond grow stronger—more genuine, deeper, and full of love.