The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 30

“What? I thought you were on a business trip in another city.”

“Do you remember what today is?”

“Of course. Our third wedding anniversary.”

“Well, get on a ferry and come over. I have a surprise for you.”

“Really?”

Two hours later, Penelope arrived at the resort. Zebulun was waiting for her at the entrance. The moment she stepped out of the car, he grabbed her hand and led her to the room decorated with roses.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Are you surprised?” he whispered.

Surprised? Disgusted was more like it.

“Wow,” Penelope gasped. “It’s beautiful! Darling, you must have spent so much time and effort on this.”

“It was worth it, for you.”

He held her tighter, his heart beating fast against her back. He was already aroused. He began kissing her temple, his breath growing heavier. But just as his lips were about to meet hers, she shoved him away.

“Ugh…” Penelope retched, covering her mouth.

“Penelope, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I think I just ate something too rich last night.”

Believing her, Zebulon moved in again, but she pushed him away once more.

“You…”

“What is this long hair doing here?” Penelope held up a single strand she had plucked from the bedspread, holding it in front of his face accusingly.

Panic flickered in Zebulon’s eyes, but he quickly composed himself. “It must have been the housekeeper. It probably fell out when she was making the bed.”

“Really?”

“What else could it be?”

Penelope then picked another long hair from the pillow. “Did this fall out of the housekeeper’s head too?”

“What are you accusing me of?” Zebulon’s voice rose, his brow furrowing. “What’s gotten into you lately? You’re always so suspicious. You’re breaking my heart!”

Penelope pouted. “I don’t want to be suspicious, but… wait, here’s another one!”

“We were having a perfectly pleasant family dinner, and the moment you arrive, you ruin everyone’s mood!” Mr. Sullivan barked.

“‘Family dinner’?” Penelope raised an eyebrow. “So I’m not part of the family? Does that mean Zebulon has another wife?”

“You… stop twisting my words!”

Penelope turned to Zebulon. “Honey, why don’t you clarify for your parents, once and for all, who exactly your wife is?”

Zebulon sighed. “It’s you, of course.”

“Is it?”

“Alright, stop this.”

Zebulon stepped forward to embrace her, but as he got close, Penelope slapped him hard across the face.

The sound echoed through the silent room.

Everyone was stunned. Mrs. Sullivan was the first to react.

“You shrew! How dare you hit my son!”