The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 373

Zoey suddenly realized the implications of Leon's words. She hastily unlinked her arm from Ferris's, her face flushing crimson as she waved her hands in frantic denial. "No, no, you've got it wrong! We're not together. We just came to look for the gloves I left here the other night. We aren't... we aren't a couple yet..."

Today was just full of hilarious contradictions.

A simple lunch between friends was being violently condemned by Ferris as a romantic date.

Meanwhile, Leon, who was just a friend, was holding my hand pretending to be my boyfriend, while the actual lovers standing across from us—who had undoubtedly slept together countless times—were desperately denying their relationship.

It honestly baffled me. They had already crossed every line; why were they still refusing to admit they were together?

"Zoey," Ferris interrupted, his voice low and commanding. His gaze flicked sharply to where my hand rested in Leon's. "Let's go."

Ah, I was overthinking it.

Just because Zoey was too scared to admit it didn't mean Ferris felt the same.

Zoey might have wanted to hide it to protect his reputation, but Ferris had always been bold and unapologetic about his devotion to her.

He was a man willing to surrender massive portions of his own wealth to me during the divorce, all to ensure she never suffered a moment's grievance. Of course he wasn't afraid to claim her.

That venomous snake in my chest suddenly sank its fangs in. The agonizing sting spread instantly, a suffocating wave of despair that left me entirely numb.

Taking a deep breath, I swallowed the lump in my throat. "You're right. Director Sterling and Dr. Zeller have been so kind to us. We really should wish them the best."

Ferris froze mid-turn. He whipped his head back, glaring at Leon and me.

I intertwined my fingers with Leon's, flashing a brilliant smile to meet Ferris's darkened gaze. "May you both have a lifetime of happiness together."

She was still frantically trying to explain. "No, Selena, you're really misunderstanding this. Ferris and I..."

Before she could finish, Ferris spun on his heel and stormed off.

Abandoning her excuses, Zoey hurried after him. "Ferris, wait!"

They arrived like a hurricane and vanished just as fast. The second Ferris was gone, I sagged, as if every ounce of strength had been drained from my body.

As if my soul had been siphoned out.

My hand slipped limply from Leon's grasp. The ache in my chest was unbearable, forcing me to hunch over and press my palm against my heart.

The bitter agony completely swallowed me whole.