She Got A Better Man

Chapter 9

After their meal, Elvira and Zach left the restaurant. Just as they reached the door, a reckless guy barreled into Elvira, sending her stumbling into Zach's arms, who instinctively caught her to prevent her fall.

In the chaos, Elvira's hands found their way around Zach's neck as she tried to regain balance, inadvertently brushing her lips against his chin.

Elvira was speechless for a moment.

Zach looked down at Elvira in his arms. He felt the fleeting touch on his chin and his heart skipped. "You alright?" he murmured.

"I'm okay, thanks." Elvira quickly stepped back, her cheeks aflame. She nearly touched her lips reflexively but stopped, feeling it might seem too forward. After all, with Calvin, it had never gone beyond a hug, this was essentially her first kiss. "Sorry, totally didn't see you there!" The one at fault, a young guy, was quick to apologize.

"Watch it next time, Zach said coolly, then started to lead the way out.

Elvira trailed behind him

"Where to? I can drop you off," Zach said, opening the car door for her.

"No, it's fine, I'll cab it. You probably have work to get to. Elvira demurred, her cheeks still burning from their unintended closeness.

"Okay, just be careful then. Hit me up if anything comes up Zach, swamped with work, didn't press her. Only Tracy could make him ditch work like this.

her heart sinking as she

much-needed distraction from Marsh's unresolved issues. Elvira, still mulling over her family woes,

her, Elvira said, "I'm at Mrs. Gilbert's, keeping her company. You should swing

along about us, he thought. The Gilbert mansion was in Jersten's most exclusive area, yet Elvira seemed unfazed. Clearly, she was

on the phone, Elvira?" Tracy

told him I'm here with you. He's

"Oh, really?" Tracy pondered.

Mrs. Gilbert?" Elvira

Just need to sort something out." Tracy excused herself and hurried off to send Zach a pinpoint location, with a terse text

message and frowned, puzzled. "What's this place? Despite his confusion, he

arriving, Zach was escorted upstairs by a servant and only then

like Zach, had cleverly chosen a humble apartment

the kitchen, busily cooking. Hearing his entrance, she briefly looked over her shoulder, greeted Zach, and turned her focus back to her culinary task. Tracy observed Zach's puzzled look and clarified, "I haven't spilled the beans about our

1/2 Chapter 9

on her bustling in the kitchen. She was dressed in a simple cream outfit with an apron, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, radiating youthful vibrance, seemingly younger

playfully scolded Zach. "This is all your doing, insisting we keep our wealth a secret and making Elvira cook.

hasty misjudgment of Elvira, Zach offered his

said, as a few strands fell over her forehead, hindering

stepping closer. Elvira turned, allowing him to gently tuck her stray hair behind her car, the brief touch sending a tingle through both of them. "Thanks, Elvira said, focusing