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.

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

turned to go upstairs, something in the corner

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

on it was

called his assistant, clearing his schedule for the

notifications popped up from Serena's secondary credit card-jewelry,

"Ten million limit. Spend it all and come home. No staying

in his words,

receipt when the message

controlling her life since she was ten. One word from

now, the man who had once promised to be by her side forever was

woman.

"No

no intention

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

menu.

a long, relaxing bath, she stood 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

and sent a message. "Tomorrow at 10:00 am. Eastside Café.

reply came

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

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

the hotel until next Monday. Rena, don't be mad anymore.

searched through her suitcase. The charm

stared at his text for

into what was supposed to be their marital bed, yet he extended Serena's hotel stay as if it were nothing. And now, he was casually bringing up getting their marriage certificate, as

How ironic!

wonder how he still believed she

Serena

spread through her stomach, like fire licking at her

days attending one business dinner after another, fighting to secure deals and attract investors. Her only goal had been to help Zach prove 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 involved in the company, insisting

She sat up, opened the nightstand

she remembered-this wasn't their