Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 1919

Zoey was sitting in the coffee shop when she saw Gemma order two cups of coffee. The shop was located just a short walk from the preschool, serving as a cozy retreat for the teachers. It wasn't lunchtime yet, and the other staff were busy with the kids, leaving the café quiet, with just Zoey and Gemma inside.

Gemma discreetly added some powder into one of the coffee cups before handing it to Zoey. "Zoey, drink up. How do you want me to apologize? I'll clear this whole mess up in front of our colleagues if that's what you want. It's not my fault, though. You were all jittery that day, ignoring me when I called out to you. How was I supposed to know you weren't up to something shady?"

Zoey took a sip of her coffee, her expression unchangingly cold. She and Gemma had never really gotten along. Although Gemma rarely bragged about her father's political career, she carried an air of arrogance around the school. The principal treated her with kid gloves, making her feel untouchable.

Zion City Preschool was the place to be, with students from wealthy families. Gemma's intention of working there was clear: to mingle with the rich. Her father, though holding a minor official title, had seen better days. With the government's crackdown on corruption, the days of easy money were over. His earnings paled in comparison to the lavish lifestyles of the truly wealthy, where a single luxury handbag could cost a fortune.

Gemma envied such lives and had been scouting for a wealthy partner. She had set her sights on Fitch, but Zoey had inadvertently caught his attention first.

Zoey took another sip of her coffee and then heard Gemma say something astonishing. "Zoey, you're not getting any younger. It's time you thought about settling down. What do you think of my dad?"

Zoey thought she had misheard. Her dad? That middle-aged man with a potbelly and a bald spot who clearly wasn't up to any good?

Her expression darkened, and she stood up to leave. But Gemma suddenly changed her tone. "What, you think my dad's not good enough for you? We live in a mansion worth millions. There are plenty of people dying to get on my dad's good side. Marrying you would be a blessing for a nobody like you!"

Zoey was speechless at Gemma's audacity. As she made her way to the door, feeling increasingly weak, she turned to Gemma. Gemma smirked, "Oh, I put something in your coffee. You're so naive for drinking anything I give you. Consider this a lesson. My dad will be here to pick you up soon. You'll be tied to him before you know it, and that'll keep you away from Mr. Haskins."