WHY HIM?

HER HOME.

The place where she spent her twenty five years of existence.

The place that witnessed all their ups and downs and had all their memories as a family.

Quinn family started as a middle class family. They have no lots of money but they can still eat three times a day.

The wealthy one was their mom who was part of the Jones family who belonged to an upper class. But Jones family disowned her for conceiving a child of someone with a lower status than them.

Her father, who was just starting his venture in business, married her mother and work hard until she gave birth to a son, which is Zeke Alexander. After three years, Zoe Abigail was born.

Their life wasn't easy. No one was supporting them, only their parents who gambled in their business despite the risks along with some colleagues who believed in them.

And years had passed, the business of her parents started to gain clients and it became one of the largest group of companies in the state.

Their life started to be comfortable. They was able to build a better house, buy cars and acquire the things they only wished before.

This experienced made Zoe to be a humble person. She wasn't born rich, it was her parent's dedication and perseverance that brought them to a better life.

That is why she will do all the things that will make her parents happy and be obedient to them.

"Mom, you prepared many foods," Zoe said when they reached the dining area.

"Zeke said that you were sad and hungry so I made these dishes personally, right honey?"

Her mother grinned at the old Mr. Quinn.

"Yes, princess. Your mom was very excited to see you again."

They started to have dinner and her mom keep on putting servings of different dishes on Zoe's plate.

"Why do you look thinner from before? Even though you're a model, you need to eat properly," old Mrs. Quinn said as she gave more food to Zoe.

"Last week was a hectic schedule, mom. I need to be on diet or I will be bloated while modelling or walking on a runway. But don't worry! I'm eating properly."

"Just take care of your health, sweetie."

Zoe smiled, "Yes, mom."

"Where is your husband?" Her father suddenly asked.

"He was on a business trip with the mayor, dad," Zoe explained.

"Next time you visit, make sure to bring him with you."

"Yes, dad. I'll try if he's not busy."

She doubt Hans will go with her.

"Oh before I forgot, your Grandma will celebrate her 80th birthday next week. She asked us to come," her mom spoke.

Grandma was her mom's mother. They were already on good terms with her mom's family and all the hard feelings of disowning her mom were already gone. That's the essence of forgiveness.

"Yes, mom! I miss them so much."

"Bring Hans, also. They wanted to meet him."

"Okay, I'll tell him."

"You can also bring your girlfriend, Zeke." Mom said in a teasing voice.

Zoe gasped and looked at her brother, "You have a girlfriend?!"

"Yup. Your brother brought her here yesterday," it was her dad who answered.

"Why didn't you told me? Traitor."

Zoe was surprised that her brother was seeing someone. As long as she know, he was allergic to woman, not literally.

Zeke who was quiet the whole time spoke in a nonchalant voice, "She's my new secretary, not a girlfriend."

Zoe was surprised even more, "Woah! Interesting."

"Right? It's the first time he had an employee that is a girl," her dad added.

"Whatever you think," Zeke said, still not affected by the teasing.

"Oh my, it makes me want to meet her," Zoe mumbled.

"You can meet her if you go to the company."

"Really? Then maybe the following days? I'm free the whole week."

After all, she cleared her schedule for a week, thinking that her husband will go in a honeymoon with her. But since he said no, she will not just stay at home and waste a week being sad about it.

Zeke nodded, "Mhmm, alright."

The dinner was good as she expected, especially that she's sharing it with her beloved family, the food taste even better.

There's no place like home.

"Dad, mom, can I sleep here?" Zoe asked when they finished eating.

"You don't want to go to your home?" Old Mr. Quinn asked while sipping a tea.

"No. Hans is not home, I will be sad and alone there."

Although Aunt Dhalia and Uncle Herman were with her, it still felt different.

"Alright, you're always welcome in your own place."

"Thanks, dad."

"But you should inform your husband or whoever waiting for you there," her mom suggested.

"Yes, mom. I'll send them a message."

After some few minutes talking to her family, Zoe decided to go upstairs where her room is. As she got inside, a familiar feeling of peace and tranquility swept over her.

Her room was still the same. The walls are painted in pastel blue with white curtains covering the large windows of the room. She chose to have wooden furniture because she likes the mood it gives to the room. Her queen sized fluffy bed was still on its place beside the floor-to-ceiling window and its already inviting her to just jump on it and sleep.

Zoe decided to wash up before going to bed. All of her onesies are here so she put on one and didn't waste anymore time and headed to lay on her bed.

"Ahh it's so comfortable."

Just as she was about to close her eyes, a knock on the other side of the door interrupted her.

"Sweetie, you're still awake?" Her mom called.

Zoe sat up, "Come in, mom."

Then her mother in a silk night gown came inside her room and sat beside her.

"How are you, sweetie?"

"I'm good, mom. Been pretty busy lately with shoots and shows."

"Awww, I'm sure you're tired," her mom caressed her hair.

"Not really mom. I still enjoy my job, so it's not really that tiring."

"That's good. How about your life as Mrs. Donovan?"

"Hmmm I don't know, mom. Hans is confusing me."

Zoe didn't hesitate to share it with her mom who knew most of her secrets.

"I understand. Everything will be fine."

"I hope so. But," Zoe wanted to ask her parents with this question, "but why Hans, mom?"

She's been wondering why did her parents chose Hans to be her husband when there were many suitors that were pursuing her. Why did they pick the man who was not interested in her at all?

"I know you liked him," her mom answered.

"Y-you did, mom? But how?"

So her mother knew her admiration towards Hans?

"Sweetie, your eyes were as clear as a mirror," Old Mrs. Quinn smiled fondly. "Everytime we attend events and Hans is also there with the mayor, your eyes were lighting up when you steal glances of him. I always see it."

"Really? I didn't know I was looking at him that way. It must have been weird seeing me like that, mom."

Her mom laughed, "Of course not! You were just adorable when you look at him because your cheeks were blushing. It's always nice seeing my daughter getting crazy like a teenager."

"Mom! You're teasing me!"

"I'm not, sweetie," her mom comb Zoe's hair with her fingers just like how she do it when her daughter was younger, "I am just happy that you opened your heart again and just by looking at your reactions whenever Hans is nearby, I can say that you really adore him."

"Yes mom, I like him... so much," Zoe mumbled, "but how did Hans' parents agreed with the marriage?"

"Sweetie, they have their reasons. And trust me when I say that it was for the good of their son and for you, too."

Zoe tried to understand it but it was just too complicated.

"I know you still have many questions about us interfering yours and Hans' personal lives but when the right time come, you will understand the purpose of this marriage," her mom added that made her even more confused.

"For now, just let your heart explore love. And if ever it won't work out to the two of you and you're already hurting, it's still your decision to end it."

Zoe bit her lower lip and nodded, "Yes mom. I will be patient."

"Okay, sweetie. Don't think too much about it. You will accompany Marcus tomorrow, right? You better have a good sleep also."

"Yes, mom. Good night."

"Good night, sweetie." Her mom kissed her on the head and walked out of her room.

When Zoe was left alone, her mind replayed what her mom said earlier.

There marriage has a purpose.

And it was for good.

Whatever that purpose is, she wanted to know what her mother meant. But maybe right now is not the right time for it.

She'll just put trust to her parents.

"Ahhh! I forgot to send a message to Aunt Dhalia!"

Zoe immediately got her phone out of her bag and it was dead. She groaned frustratingly and hastily plugged the charger. She wasn't able to charge it since they left Hawaii.

After waiting for some few minutes that felt like eternity, her phone was opened and she was right, there were missed calls and messages from Aunt Dhalia and Uncle Herman.

A maid bought her bag up to her room as soon as she arrived that's why she didn't hear the phone ring.

Zoe dialed Dhalia's contact number and it was answered instantly.

"Aunt Dhalia! I'm sorry I wasn't able to answer your calls! Sorry!"

"Oh dear... where are you? Did something wrong happened?" Aunt Dhalia asked on the other line with a worried voice.

"No, no, everything's fine, Aunt Dhalia.. I'm sorry. I am here at my parents' house and I didn't notice that you were calling and my phone went out of battery."

"It's fine. We were just worried that you haven't gotten home at this hour."

"Ahh... Sorry for making you worry. Please tell Uncle Herman that I'm sorry."

Zoe felt so guilty knowing that the two was worried of her for the reason that she wasn't able to inform them beforehand.

"Yes dear, we were just relieved that you are safe. Are you still going home?"

"I'm okay, Aunt Dhalia. And I will stay here for the night. I'm sorryyyy."

"It's fine now, dear, you don't need to apologize. It happens."

"I should have informed you earlier. Sorry."

"Shhh that's enough. Have a rest now. Good night, dear."

"Ahhh good night, Aunt Dhalia. I apologize for what happened."

"Zoe dear, don't worry about it. I'll end the call now. See you tomorrow."

"See you, Aunt Dahlia!"

Zoe sighed and let her body fell on her soft mattress when the call was ended. She completely forgot about it after spending time with her family.

She hates it, making other people worry.

"Be at peace and sleep Zoe!"

Zoe scolded herself. Aunt Dhalia said she doesn't need to worry anymore.

Clearing her mind, Zoe snuggled in her warm mattress and she started to feel drowsy. And with the help of her onesie, she immediately fell asleep.

Earlier, somewhere in a dark secluded and abandoned place...

North Twilight requested their partner, South Twilight, for an aid in their mission. It's a big operation that needed to have elite people fighting alongside with them.

While waiting, South Twilight agents were communicating from different locations with the help of their agents' hightech ring.

"Bro, I can see up from here using my sniper scope that you're literally checking your phone every ten seconds."

"Ahh, am I your target?"

"My friend, as your captain, I order you to call her."

"I already did! She's not answering and suddenly I can't contact her anymore."

"Oh no! What happened to my crush?!"

"Shut up! You're not helping."

"Want me to locate her? Just send me a cheque afterwards."

"No!"

"Captain, the target is already making their move."

"Standby in your positions and wait for North's signal."

"Got it, captain."

"Hans, if tonight's mission is a success, just spend the week with your wife. We'll handle the remaining minor operations."

"I can't just leave all of you fighting without me."

"Captain, North sent out their signal."

"Let's talk about it later, Hans. For now, South Twilight, I want you to follow the plan and don't die here!"

"Yes, captain!"

And another bloody night is about to start, unknown to the sleeping citizens of the country.