Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 22

I was anxious, waiting for Zora to go out so I could make my move. Jaylan wasn't home, and I figured I could handle Zora on my own.

To pass the time, I pulled out my phone and sorted through the information I'd gathered from Jaylan's phone the night before. I sent the useful bits to my close friend, Catherine, for further investigation.

Catherine is the daughter of my father's good friend, we've been thick as thieves since we were kids, and we both ended up in Goldenvale Town for college. She studied journalism at a different university, but we've always stayed in touch.

Catherine is a single, career-oriented woman, a real go-getter in her field at Goldenvale Media. She's outgoing and friendly, with an impressive network of contacts. She always teased me about how I've become a docile 'house-cat' since I married Jaylan.

Whenever she saw me, she tutted and shook her head, lamenting, "Such a talented business partner, off the market just like that! Women really shouldn't get married. Men are like sandpaper, they smooth out all your edges until you're round and dull, devoid of personality. You're the perfect example."

I always brushed off her comments, replying, "What's wrong with being rounded? I enjoy my current life, right?"

"Ha! More like you've been trained into a housewife by Jaylan, that man's a bona fide ladykiller. Look at you, he's practically killing you!"

Her words were eerily prophetic, as it turns out Jaylan really did want me dead. But Catherine remained my steadfast supporter.

After I briefed Catherine on the points she needed to investigate, I took a short rest. I hadn't slept well the night before, my mind was a whirl of thoughts, and I was feeling drained. I needed to conserve my strength.

I barely ate lunch, and to watch Zora's movements, I didn't even go upstairs, choosing to lie down on the living room couch instead.

Carl sat beside me, playing with his toys, while Zora patiently fed him his lunch.

I was getting impatient, but Zora seemed to be in no hurry to leave. She was interacting harmoniously with Carl as if I wasn't there at all.

Seeing that Jaylan wasn't home, she probably didn't feel the need to go to the market. I had to give her a reason to leave the house.

I casually said to her, "Zora, could you buy some shrimp later? I want some for dinner."