Game Over No Second Chances novel Chapter 3

A flicker of hesitation flashed in Zach's eyes.

"Rena, Wendy's apartment is under renovation," he began. "The fumes are too strong, and it's bad for her health, so…"

Serena felt a tightness in her chest. She had convinced herself she wouldn't care anymore, yet the suffocating pain spread through her entire body.

"She can't afford a hotel?"

Wendy's eyes reddened as she packed up her violin. "Please don't fight because of me. I'll leave right now."

She reached for her suitcase in a fluster, but in her rush, she bumped into the corner of the table. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she clutched her chest, her breathy whimper both pained and delicate.

"Are you okay? Why are you so careless? Where does it hurt? Did you bring your medicine?" Zach's voice was full of worry as he scooped her into his arms and headed upstairs.

There were only two rooms upstairs—his and Serena's.

"This is my house. I don't agree!"

Serena stepped forward, blocking his way. The tension in the air turned suffocating.

Zach's expression darkened. "Serena, Wendy isn't feeling well right now. If you want to throw a tantrum, pick a better time. And let me remind you—I bought this villa. Get that straight."

Wendy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she weakly wrapped her arms around Zach's neck, her lips nearly brushing his jaw.

"Zach put me down," she pleaded. "Someone like me… How could I possibly deserve to stay here?"

Zach's protective instinct flared instantly. He shoved Serena aside and carried Wendy upstairs.

"I decide who belongs here," he declared.

Serena stumbled back, her leg hitting the staircase railing. A sharp pain shot through her, draining the color from her face.

Zach gently soothed Wendy, not sparing Serena a single glance.

After making sure Wendy was settled, he went downstairs, only to find that Serena was nowhere to be seen. He called her, but she didn't pick up.

He didn't think much of it. In Yellowbrook City, there were only two places she could go—here or Pauline's house in the countryside. She would throw a fit, but she would always come back.

As he turned to go upstairs, something in the corner caught his eye—a small yellow charm pouch.

He suddenly remembered Serena mentioning picking a wedding date before her birthday. He picked up the pouch and pulled out the red slip of paper inside.

The date written on it was next Monday.

He took out his phone and called his assistant, clearing his schedule for the morning.

The moment he hung up, a series of transaction notifications popped up from Serena's secondary credit card—jewelry, clothes, designer bags…

He opened WhatsApp and sent a text. "Ten million limit. Spend it all and come home. No staying out overnight."

There was indulgence in his words, a hint of helpless spoiling.

At that moment, Serena had just signed another receipt when the message popped up. Her heart felt emptier than ever.

Zach had been controlling her life since she was ten. One word from him, and she would always obey.

But now, the man who had once promised to be by her side forever was in the bedroom they had planned to share on their wedding night—holding another woman.

Serena scoffed. "No staying out overnight?"

She had no intention of coming back.

Losing the mood to continue shopping, Serena grabbed her bags and headed straight to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in Yellowbrook City. She booked the penthouse suite and ordered the most expensive red wine and steak on the menu.

After a long, relaxing bath, she stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of red wine as she gazed at the city's glittering skyline. She once thought she would never leave this place.

But life had other plans.

Finishing her second glass, she picked up her phone and sent a message. "Tomorrow at 10:00 am. Eastside Café. Bring the money, and I'll sign."

The reply came almost instantly. "Deal!"

Zarena Group was a company she and Zach had built together. When it was first established, he had given her 10% of the original shares. Just like the villa they lived in, it was meant to be something that tied them together forever.