Right Person, Wrong Time

Chapter 876

Nicole lowered her gaze. She was filled with so many emotions that she didn't know how to react. He had given her so much that she didn't deserve.

She opened the bag, which then emitted a delicious smell. The bag was filled with different pastries. Zachary bought a lot of them. She felt ready to cry but forced a smile instead.

"I remember seeing a long queue every time I visit that bakery. I didn't know that you had so much patience."

He sounded unbothered. "Nah. I passed it by accident, plus I was only in the queue for a short while. I'll go upstairs to get Hayden to eat with us."

"Okay," she replied quietly.

He walked upstairs when he finished speaking while Nicole stared at the pastries with increasing guilt. She lowered her eyes and picked one up to bite into. The familiar taste of the creamy pastry exploded inside her mouth. She bit her lip, feeling conflicted.

She ate it slowly until Zachary brought Hayden downstairs.

"Mummy, Mr. Yates said he got me delicious snacks. Where are they?" Hayden came down the stairs and ran toward Nicole.

She raised her hand to show him. "Here they are. Remember you said that the pastries from this bakery are delicious?"

Hayden's eyes lit up when he saw the pastries. He jogged over and then shoved some into his mouth happily. "The one with a long waiting queue?"

She laughed and stroked his head. "Yes, greedy little kitten. Didn't you say you want them? Mr. Yates bought them for you."

He nodded and sat obediently on the sofa to enjoy his pastry.

He felt sleepy when he was done and curled up on the sofa, his eyes half-closed as he yawned. Nicole was about to carry him upstairs for a nap when Zachary did it first. Hayden didn't mind who was carrying him and relaxed within Zachary's arms. As soon as he found a comfortable position, he fell asleep.

A hint of helplessness flashed across her features, but she did not say anything, allowing Zachary to take Hayden upstairs.

When Zachary returned, Nicole was still eating her pastries. He approached her slowly and sat beside her. They remained silent in the quiet room. It was somewhat awkward.

Eventually, he broke the silence. "Is it good?"

She made a sound of assent, looking slightly sad. "Zach, you don't have to go all out just for me."

Zachary's expression didn't really change as he replied serenely, "I want to, Nicole. You don't have to feel guilty."

How can I not? His treatment of her weighed heavily on her heart. She forced a smile and made a hum of agreement.

Zachary suddenly looked at her seriously. After seemingly pondering over it for a while, he finally said, "Oh, yes. The Wrenns sent me an invitation today."

At the mention of the Wrenns, Nicole froze briefly then smiled after remembering something. "For Evelyn and Colton's engagement?"

"Yes. The marital union between the Wrenns and the Gardners may be a little rushed but they do have a certain status in the business world, so it will be a grand event. It's okay if you don't want to go, Nicole." His tone was understanding.