Chapter 26

Zoe woke up to an empty bed the next morning, her gaze scanning the room and bathroom for Bernard, but he was nowhere to be found. She checked her phone for any message from Bernard, but she found none.

Zoe wondered if Bernard might have slipped downstairs to enjoy his daily cup of black coffee.

As Zoe stood amidst the empty room, her phone rang, displaying Bernard's name and she swiftly answered.

"Good morning Bernard, I woke up and couldn't find you in the room…., where are you?" Zoe asked with her voice laced with a mix of concern and curiosity.

Bernard had quietly exited the house, citing work as his reason. Although he went to his office for a short meeting, his true motive was to make an arrangement for a romantic surprise. Officially proposing to Zoe and asking for her hand in marriage.

Throughout the night, Bernard couldn't shake off the feeling of remorse for impulsively introducing Zoe to his family, knowing he should have asked for her permission first.

Bernard Heart's goal was to make Zoe's happiness his top priority, ensuring her smile never faded, eliminating any potential cause of complaint.

'I will be back soon, love. In the meantime, feel free to call the chef, I mean Lucy, if you'd like breakfast – she'll take care of you.' Bernard said loudly through the phone.

'I Politely declined.' Zoe said in her heart.

"Take care, bye."

Beep.

"I would rather wait for Bernard to return than request Lucy to prepare breakfast for me." Zoe declared. "Lucy's piercing looks made me uncomfortable, her eyes narrowing as if I had stolen something from her."

Zoe's eyes darted on her phone screen, briefly checking the time. 

"Huh, I can't believe it's 10am…, I must've slept like a rock!"

Zoe headed straight to the bathroom for a warm bath.

As Zoe soaked in Bernard's bathtub, her mind drifted away, lost in thoughts.

'Being with Bernard fills me with an unparalleled sense of peace, and I'm starting to believe that he might be that man who truly understands and appreciates me as a woman.' Zoe thought to herself.

Zoe's previous marriage left her shattered, questioning her value as a woman, but becoming pregnant and experiencing Bernard's unwavering love and support have revitalized her spirit, making her feel complete.

The stillness of the moment was pierced by a knock at the room door, startling Zoe and pulling her thoughts back to the present.

The bathroom door, left slightly open, created a direct line of sound. Ensuring Zoe heard the knock on the room door with perfect clarity.

"Who could that be?" Zoe wondered. Her heart skipped a beat as she considered the possibility that it might be Benard.

However, Zoe realized the door couldn't possibly be locked, as Bernard had left for the day earlier that morning, and she hadn't touched the door.

A second knock on the room door echoed through the air, slightly louder and more urgent.

Zoe hastily stepped out of the bathtub, her wet body gleaming.

Zoe's eyes flicked to the bathroom door, where Bernard's robe was slung over the hook.

Zoe quickly donned Bernard's robe, tying the belt around her waist as she hurried to see who was knocking.

Without hesitation, Zoe opened the door wide, expecting Bernard but finding someone else entirely.

Zoe saw Michael Standing in the doorway, a familiar smile spread across his face. 

"Good morning, Zoe." Michael greeted as he crossed the threshold into the room.

"Good morning." Zoe replied. "Didn't Bernard tell you he'd be out?" 

"He didn't." Michael responded as his expression turned Sly. "Although I saw Bernard leaving this morning; my presence here serves a different purpose."

Michael's family was painfully aware of his notorious womanizing tendencies, including his relentless pursuit of women, regardless of their relationship status.

"What's the purpose of your presence here, Michael?" Zoe inquired, standing by the open door.

Zoe recalled the intense gaze Micheal had given her the previous night, both upon her arrival and at dinner, but wondered if she had misinterpreted its significance as mere curiosity.

Michael's response was delayed, his eyes cast downward, as if he was gathering his thoughts.

Micheal raised his head, his eyes meeting Zoe's. "You look nice on that robe." He said.

"Thank you, but you haven't said the purpose of your presence here." Zoe explained.

"I couldn't sleep last night, Zoe, thought of you kept me awake." Michael's words spilled out in a gentle rush.

Zoe's mind raced with confusion wondering if Micheal was drunk or something, to be speaking so candidly.

Zoe's expression turned serious. "Are you aware that I'm soon to be your sister-in-law, and this conversation is crossing boundaries?" Zoe asked.

"That's exactly why I'm here—, this isn't our first meeting." Michael revealed, "you shut me down at the bar, but I'm glad I get to know you now."

Zoe's expression darkened, her eyes darted at Michael. "Y—you mean our paths had crossed before?" 

Zoe's memories sharpened, recollecting the fateful evening she had ventured to the bar, secretly hoping to run into Bernard again. Only to be approached by a mysterious young man who looks just like Bernard and he had introduced himself as Michael.

She scrutinized his features. 'That Michael from the bar…, it can't be.' Zoe thought to herself. But the man before her seemed transformed.

Michael's transformation was striking. The rugged beard that had framed his face the night he approached Zoe in the bar was now gone. Replaced by a clean-shaven jawline.

Zoe's expression shifted. "Now, I recall." She said, "I knew Bernard before our paths crossed at the bar that night." Zoe clarified.

"It doesn't matter. I still want you, let's make this work while we keep it a secret from my brother." a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. 

"What do you mean?" Zoe asked.

"I—I mean…" he stammered, struggling to find the right words. Finally, with a nervous chuckle that barely masked his boldness, he continued, "We could… you know… have an affair. Without Bernard knowing."

She looked at him, her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice sharp and steady, betraying none of the turmoil she felt inside.

"No offense intended, but I must ask you to leave, this conversation is becoming unbearable." Zoe declared.

If you don't see things my way, Zoe, I might just make your relationship with Bernard suffer consequences." Micheal cautioned.

Zoe's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you think I'm some kind of cheap fling, Michael?" Zoe asked, her tone dripping with disgust.

'Micheal's behavior is a far cry from his brother.' Zoe thought. 'It seems he's the troublesome black sheep of their family.

Zoe raised an eyebrow. "I get it now." Zoe said, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Your goofy stare's last night were because you thought I was some kind of prize to be won."

"We shall see to that." Micheal said. "I met you first, before Bernard and that's all I care about, you are already imprinted on my mind." He declared as he left the room.

As Micheal hastily left the room, his agitated movements almost caused him to knock heads with Lucy, who just got to the door and was standing nearby.