Game Over No Second Chances

Chapter 3

A flicker of hesitation flashed in Zach's eyes.

"Rena, Wendy's apartment is under renovation," he began. "The fumes are too strong, and it's bad for her health, so..."

Serena felt a tightness in her chest. She had convinced herself she wouldn't care anymore, yet the suffocating pain spread through her entire body.

"She can't afford a hotel?"

Wendy's eyes reddened as she packed up her violin. "Please don't fight because of me. I'll leave right now."

She reached for her suitcase in a fluster, but in her rush, she bumped into the corner of the table. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she clutched her chest, her breathy whimper both pained and delicate.

"Are you okay? Why are you so careless? Where does it hurt? Did you bring your medicine?" Zach's voice was full of worry as he scooped her into his arms and headed upstairs.

There were only two rooms upstairs-his and Serena's.

"This is my house. I don't agree!"

Serena stepped forward, blocking his way. The tension in the air turned suffocating.

Zach's expression darkened. "Serena, Wendy isn't feeling well right now. If you want to throw a tantrum, pick a better time. And let me remind you-I bought this villa. Get that straight."

Wendy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she weakly wrapped her arms around Zach's neck, her lips nearly brushing his jaw.

"Zach put me down," she pleaded. "Someone like me... How could I possibly deserve to stay here?"

Zach's protective instinct flared instantly. He shoved Serena aside and carried Wendy upstairs.

"I decide who belongs here," he declared.

Serena stumbled back, her leg hitting the staircase railing. A sharp pain shot through her, draining the color from her face.

Zach gently soothed Wendy, not sparing Serena a single glance.

After making sure Wendy was settled, he went downstairs, only to find that Serena was nowhere to be seen. He called her, but she didn't pick up.

go here or Pauline's house in the countryside. She would throw a

go upstairs, something in the corner caught his eye-a small yellow charm

before her birthday. He picked up the pouch and pulled out the red slip

on it was

called his assistant, clearing his schedule for the

he hung up, a series of transaction notifications popped

sent a text. "Ten million limit. Spend it all and come

was indulgence in his words, a hint of helpless

receipt when the

ten. One word from him, and she would always

forever was in the bedroom they had planned to

woman.

"No

intention

shopping, Serena grabbed her bags and headed straight to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in Yellowbrook City. She booked the penthouse

menu.

by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of red wine as she gazed at the city's glittering skyline. She once thought she would never leave

had

up her phone and sent a message. "Tomorrow at 10:00 am. Eastside Café. Bring the money,

came almost instantly.

together. When it was first established, he had given her 10% of the original shares. Just like the villa they lived in,

had been ecstatic, touched by his devotion. Wanting to ease his burden, she had linked the dividend account to the company's finances. Over the years, she had never taken a single cent, reinvesting everything into the company. Now that she was leaving, she would cut all ties.

to bed, Zach sent another WhatsApp message. "I extended your stay at the hotel until next Monday. Rena,

suitcase. The

stared at his text for a

what was supposed to be their marital bed, yet he extended Serena's hotel stay as if it

How ironic!

how he still believed she would obediently marry him

11:30 pm, Serena woke up

burn spread through her stomach, like fire

Foster family. The excessive drinking had landed her in the hospital with a gastric

She sat up, opened the nightstand

remembered-this wasn't their house.