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.

here

in the corner

picking a wedding date before her birthday. He picked up the pouch and pulled out the red slip of paper

on it was next

took out his phone and called his

hung up, a series of transaction notifications popped up from Serena's

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

indulgence in his words, a hint of helpless

signed another receipt when

was ten.

promised to be by her side forever

woman.

"No staying out

had no intention

headed straight to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in Yellowbrook City. She

menu.

by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of red wine as she gazed at the

had

picked up her phone and sent a message. "Tomorrow at 10:00

came almost instantly.

and Zach had built together. When it was first established, he had given her 10% of the original shares. Just like the villa they lived in, it was meant to be something that

burden, she had linked the dividend account to the company's finances. Over the years, she had never taken a single cent, reinvesting

Zach sent another WhatsApp message. "I extended your stay at the hotel until next Monday. Rena, don't be mad anymore. I'll pick

searched through her suitcase. The charm pouch

stared at his text for a

he extended Serena's hotel stay as if it were

How ironic!

believed

Serena woke up

spread through her stomach, like fire

himself to the Foster family. The excessive drinking had landed her in the hospital with a gastric perforation. It had taken her six months to recover. After that, Zach forbade her from getting

up, opened the nightstand drawer, and fumbled inside-only to find it

she remembered-this wasn't their house. This