She Got A Better Man

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.

Elvira watched his car pull away, her heart sinking as she thought about Marsh

That evening. Tracy called Elvira over for dinner, a much-needed distraction from Marsh's unresolved issues. Elvira, still mulling over her family woes, picked up some food and headed to Tracy's place for some company.

When Zach called to check on her, Elvira said, "I'm at Mrs. Gilbert's, keeping her company. You should swing by"

Instantly, Zach's mood darkened. 'Grandma said she would keep our secret. Damn, she spilled. Elvira must have known all along about us, he thought. The Gilbert mansion was in Jersten's most exclusive area, yet Elvira seemed unfazed. Clearly, she was in the know. Fuming, he sped to the family mansion, resolved to end things with Elvira, thinking, I can't be tied to such a manipulator."

"Who was on the phone, Elvira?" Tracy asked.

"It was Mr. Gilbert, checking on me. I told him I'm here with you. He's coming over," Elvira answered.

"Oh, really?" Tracy pondered.

"What's up, Mrs. Gilbert?" Elvira inquired, sensing something was off.

"It's nothing, dear. Just need to sort something out." Tracy excused herself and hurried off to send Zach a pinpoint location, with a terse text that said, [Get over here!]

En route, Zach checked the message and frowned, puzzled. "What's this place? Despite his confusion, he redirected toward the coordinates Tracy had sent.

Upon arriving, Zach was escorted upstairs by a servant and only then realized the situation.

Tracy, like Zach, had cleverly chosen a humble apartment to masquerade as their home.

Inside, Elvira was in 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 family wealth to Elvira, you know."

1/2 Chapter 9

Zach realized he had misunderstood Elvira again. His gaze unconsciously fell 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 than her twenty-four years.

Tracy playfully scolded Zach. "This is all your doing, insisting we keep our wealth a secret and making Elvira cook. She wouldn't let me help, worrying it would tire me. Now, go lend her a hand!"

Feeling somewhat guilty and still processing his hasty misjudgment of Elvira, Zach offered his assistance in the kitchen. "Can I help with anything?" he asked.

"Almost done, just my hair keeps getting in the way, Elvira said, as a few strands fell over her forehead, hindering her. Gloves on for hygiene, she struggled to manage it.

Tll fix it," Zach said, 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 back on her cooking.

Zach found himself momentarily captivated by her beautiful complexion. Tracy witnessed this tender moment with glee. confident that Elvira's charm and kindness would win Zach over.

Elvira prepared four dishes and a soup, and when everything was served, the three sat down to eat. Zach noted the smaller living space and dining area, a stark contrast to his usual spacious settings.

"The proximity during the meal was unfamiliar to Zach. He was accustomed to long dining tables where their hands would accidentally touch."

Elvira's meal was a hit, drawing praise from Tracy and Zach alike, a welcome change from the lack of appreciation she had experienced in the past. I was such a fool back then, she thought, reflecting on her unrequited efforts for Calvin.

After dinner, Elvira moved to clean up, but Zach, wanting to ease her burden, took on the task despite his inexperience. Elvira took on drying the utensils, their seamless teamwork in the kitchen leaving Tracy beaming, envisioning a future filled with family warmth.

When Zach hinted at leaving. Tracy suddenly clutched her chest, feigning a grimace of pain. "Oh, don't fuss over me. Isn't my surgery right around the corner? Just a bit of tightness here. Why don't you both stay over? That way, if something happens, we can dash to the hospital. Alone at night, I'm just a sitting duck, Tracy wheedled, gripping their hands, making it clear leaving wasn't an option.

Elvira, genuinely concerned for Tracy, readily agreed to stay.

Zach quickly realized Tracy's motive, understanding the strategic choice of a two-bedroom setup. 'No wonder grandma went through the trouble of finding this place!' he thought, somewhat resigned yet amused by her matchmaking effort.