Chapter 12: Zachary Visits
Hearing this, I was shocked and my face turned bright red. "Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
Ivy didn't answer directly. She lowered her voice and said, "I just think you're too kind, Sophia. I'm worried you can't control Tyler. I'm teaching you this method - a friend of mine did the same thing, and now her husband wants to go out and find other women but doesn't have the energy."
I really couldn't bring myself to discuss this kind of topic. Feeling awkward, I could only say, "I still think it's better to let things happen naturally. You can control someone for a moment, but not forever."
"That's true too, but Sophia, you should still try my method when you have time."
Just then, Dennis called Ivy over for drinks, and she finally left. Before going, she gave me a knowing look.
I seemed to understand what Ivy meant.
Unintentionally, I glanced over and saw Ava pulling Tyler away, the two of them disappearing around a corner.
I hesitated for a moment, then followed them.
-
In the hotel's back garden, Ava was pressed against Tyler, her tone flirtatious. "Tyler, why did you bring Sophia today? I'm so upset."
Tyler didn't push her away. Instead, his tone was comforting. "Today was special. There's another event abroad in a while, I'll take you then."
"That's more like it. Are you coming to my place tonight? I bought a really sexy nightgown that I want to show you."
Hearing this, my heart couldn't help but heave. Although I had long known their relationship was improper, when I heard these words so nakedly, my heart still ached sharply.
Inadvertently, Tyler's eyes caught sight of me. He quickly pushed Ava away and walked toward me.
My face was expressionless, without a trace of emotion.
"When did you get here?" he asked.
I saw a flash of nervousness in his eyes. Then I looked at Ava, who swaggered toward me, seemingly thinking that with Tyler there, I wouldn't dare do anything to her.
"Sophia, please don't misunderstand. Tyler and I are just close friends."
"Sorry, I didn't hear what you two were saying. Honey, I'm tired. Let's go home." As I spoke, I deliberately took Tyler's arm and looked down at Ava.
Ava's expression instantly changed. She clenched her fists, grinding her teeth.
Tyler nodded and left with me without saying anything to Ava, holding my hand.
On the way back, the car was so quiet you could hear every breath. Tyler's phone rang several times, and he hung up every call.
I looked out the window, my hand clenching and releasing repeatedly. After several times, I seemed to accept my fate and quieted down.
"Before we left, Dennis sent me a message saying he wants to take us to dinner in a few days to thank you." Tyler suddenly spoke.
My expression was blank. "We'll see when the time comes."
"They all really appreciate you. You did very well tonight."
"Didn't you blame me for meddling at first?"
Hearing this, Tyler frowned slightly. "I wasn't blaming you for meddling, just reminding you."
"Whatever."
After that, neither of us spoke again.
For the next few days, Tyler didn't come home at night. I didn't ask anything. I didn't want to, and I was truly tired.
-
A few days later, to my surprise, Zachary showed up at the door.
It was a weekend afternoon. Tyler was in the living room playing with Jasper. I sat nearby reading a book. Originally, I didn't want to be in the same space as Tyler, but Jasper insisted we both play with him.
Just then, the doorbell rang. The maid ran to open the door.
She came back with Zachary. "Mrs. Thompson, he's here to see you."
I looked up, and the moment our eyes met, I froze. I hadn't seen Zachary since graduation. Over the years, we'd only kept in touch online. Now Zachary had become a polished professional, his every gesture revealing success and refinement.
When he saw me, a flash of admiration crossed his eyes. Then he smiled and extended his hand. "Sophia, long time no see."
I was stunned for a few seconds, then quickly stood up. "Long time no see. Zachary, weren't you abroad just a few days ago? Why did you suddenly come back?"
Zachary smiled warmly, then looked at Tyler, who was also standing up.
"Zachary, long time no see."
"Mr. Thompson, long time no see."
I don't know if it was my imagination, but I seemed to sense some tension between these two men.
But I was probably overthinking it.
I knew why Zachary was here, but I didn't want Tyler to know. So I made an excuse to invite Zachary into the first-floor tea room and personally made tea for him.
We sat facing each other, and I spoke first. "Zachary, I haven't told Tyler about the job, so please don't mention it to him yet."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything. I'll only discuss it with you."
I breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, "Why did you suddenly come back?"
"I haven't been back to the country in five years. I've been planning to come back and visit for a while now. I also wanted to see you in person, because I felt some things are better discussed face-to-face than over the phone."
I lowered my eyes, a trace of faint sadness flickering in them.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, Zachary. I... can't give you an answer so quickly yet."
"I'm not here to pressure you today. I just came to see you, catch up with an old classmate. Don't be nervous." His eyes were gentle, looking at me with a smile.
"I didn't realize you haven't been back in five years. Are you married?"
Zachary laughed helplessly. "No, do I look like I'm married?"
Hearing this, I felt a bit awkward. "Actually, you really don't."
"But you look exactly the same as in college, even more beautiful. Now you have more of an intellectual beauty."
I blushed at the compliment and couldn't help but laugh. "How is that possible? Stop flattering me. I feel like I've aged so much. I haven't taken good care of myself these years."
"Sophia, you should know that your excellence and beauty don't need any makeup to enhance them."
I could clearly feel my cheeks burning up, completely out of control. I quickly changed the subject. "By the way, how's that case going? The defense brief I wrote wasn't very professional. It's far behind compared to you guys."
"You wrote it very well. My direct supervisor praised you to me for a long time. He really wants to meet you in person, but unfortunately the distance is too far. Also, your defense brief has become a model text. During the last meeting, the supervisor specifically used it to teach the staff." Zachary's eyes moved slightly, filled with appreciation.
My ears suddenly turned red, and my eyes inadvertently met Tyler's gaze through the crack in the door.