Married at First Sight (Serenity and Zachary) novel Chapter 3973

Chapter 3973 
     
Abby felt a wave of satisfaction as she watched Evan struggle to find words. A mischievous smile danced on her lips as she leaned in closer, her flawless face mere inches from his. 
Their eyes locked, the air between them charged with tension. 
The proximity was overwhelming. Evan caught a faint, familiar fragrance drifting from her—delicate yet distinct. 
It wasn’t the scent of the Changeable Fox. That woman, cautious as always, never wore perfume, likely to avoid leaving traces. But this fragrance… this was something else. 
It hit him like a jolt. 
The scent was Abby’s—the same one from when he’d first pursued her. Or… Bianca’s. 
Memories clicked into place. The fragrance, unmistakably, belonged to both women. 
Abby is Bianca. 
Evan was certain now, but he didn’t press her for answers. 
What was the point? Even if he asked, she’d never admit it. 
And he didn’t need her to. His grandmother’s words echoed in his mind: trust her judgment. Grandma wouldn’t steer him wrong when it came to marriage. 
She knew about his love for the Changeable Fox, yet she’d still urged him to pursue Abby. That alone was the answer he needed. 
Evan berated himself silently. How could he have been so blind, so naive? Unlike his elder brother, he lacked clarity. His hesitation and missteps had cost him dearly, pushing the woman he loved further away. 
But no more. He resolved to trust his grandmother and follow his elder brother’s advice. He would win Abby back. 
The closeness between them was electric, their breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere. 
Abby couldn’t help but sigh internally. How was Evan this devastatingly handsome? Of course, the entire York family was blessed with good looks, and their wives were equally stunning. 
The genes ran strong. Even the elder Yorks, despite their age, carried the charm of their youth. It was no surprise that the nine young masters of the York family turned heads wherever they went. Abby imagined all nine of them strolling through a crowded street, causing utter chaos as people craned their necks just to catch a glimpse. 
For a fleeting moment, she had the urge to reach out and touch Evan’s face. But she quickly brushed the thought aside. 
She straightened herself and spoke, her tone calm but firm. “Evan, are you seriously thinking about pursuing me again? Didn’t you once claim the woman you loved was that girl, Fox? Isn’t she the one who’s better suited for you? If you chase after me now, aren’t you afraid she’ll find out and you’ll lose her completely? Or… is this just another one of your grandmother’s ideas?” 
She leaned back slightly, her expression steady. “Listen, Evan. You don’t have to do this. Marriage isn’t what it used to be—it’s not decided by elders anymore. Your parents don’t interfere in your choices, so why should your grandmother dictate who you marry? You should follow your heart, not hers.” 
Evan’s reply was measured. “It’s true that she’s not the one getting married. But she has the wisdom to see what I couldn’t. In the end, you’re the one I need to be with—not her.” 
Abby shook her head, her voice soft but resolute. “Don’t force yourself, Evan. Marriage is for life. If you can’t love me, we’d both end up miserable, wouldn’t we?” 
Straightening up, Abby turned away and sank back into her chair. “Go home, Evan. Sincere or not, you’ve already hurt me once. I won’t fall for the same trap twice. And don’t confuse me with Miss Fox or Bianca. I am Abby—the second daughter of the Du family.” 
Her words were final. 
She pushed the bouquet of flowers and the jewelry box toward him. “Take these back. Whatever apology you think this is, it’s unnecessary. Our story ended long ago.” 
Evan sat there, stunned. A bouquet and a set of jewelry weren’t nearly enough to undo the damage he’d caused. Abby wasn’t going to make it easy for him—and he knew she was right.