Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 10

The triumphant look on Zebulon's face froze.

“Naomi!”

No matter how out of hand their antics got, the younger generation was never supposed to involve the adults. That was the rule in their circle.

There was no way Naomi didn't know that, but her expression was resolute. It was clear she was determined to defy him.

Watching Naomi quietly take a few steps toward Lennon, like a mother hen protecting her chick, Zebulon laughed in fury. “Fine! Don't you regret this!”

Zebulon stormed back to his seat, kicking his chair as he sat down—rude and unrestrained. But the adults present were long accustomed to his temper. At the urging of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, everyone returned to their seats. The conflict was finally resolved, though some were pleased and others were not.

Colin and the others were chatting animatedly in their group chat. The buzzing of his phone made Zebulon pull it out. He saw them discussing Naomi's actions, saying she had clearly given up on him. Zebulon clenched his jaw and cursed silently. He wanted to smash his phone, but seeing the elders, he reined in his emotions, shoved the phone back into his pocket, and stared blankly at the dishes in front of him.

“Kids will be kids. Don't pay it any mind.”

One of the Spencer elders seemed to be apologizing on Lennon's behalf. Mr. Hughes laughed heartily, urging everyone not to dwell on what had just happened.

“It's my marriage. Why can't I have a say? I'm making it clear right here and now: I, Zebulon, would rather die than marry Naomi!”

Knowing she had caused trouble for Lennon, Naomi had been eating mechanically since sitting back down at the end of the table, not daring to look at him. She thought the meal would proceed peacefully, but she never expected Zebulon to cause another scene by publicly rejecting their engagement.

All eyes turned to Naomi. As Zebulon's words—'rather die than marry her'—replayed in her mind, she gave a bitter smile and stood up decisively.

“What a coincidence. Same here.”