Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 101

Naomi felt like she must have done something terrible in a past life to deserve Zebulon.

The workload at the studio today had been immense. Even as a novice, Naomi was swept up in the whirlwind of activity, working flat out all afternoon. Lennon hadn't let her leave until the dorms were about to lock up for the night, and she’d almost fallen asleep in the car on the way back.

All she wanted was to wash up and collapse into bed, but Zebulon started ordering her around again. Naomi tried to reason with him via text: [The dorms are about to close. Can we talk tomorrow?]

With that, she headed for the bathroom.

Her phone buzzed frantically again.

[Naomi, didn't you hear me? I told you to come out.]

[What right do you have to refuse?]

[I get it. You have a guilty conscience, don't you? You must. Do you have any idea how badly Tiffany got chewed out today? If you have a problem, why not just come at me? Why do you always have to drag innocent people into this?]

[I'm giving you one last chance. Otherwise, I'll go tell your parents you're not suited for this job.]

Even for someone as gentle and patient as Naomi, Zebulon's messages made her want to curse.

But she was no longer the pathetic girl who used to chase after him, bending to his every whim.

She replied coolly: [Zebulon, who do you think you are to tell my parents I shouldn't work?]

On the other end, Zebulon was instantly silenced.

Seeing him stumped, Naomi didn't feel the need to press her advantage. She wasn't trying to be confrontational; she was just so overwhelmed with exhaustion that she couldn't be bothered with his pointless drama.

[I'm truly exhausted and I need to rest. Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow.]

After sending the message, Naomi switched her phone to airplane mode and hurried to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Meanwhile, Zebulon flew into a rage when he received her message.

A flood of messages from Zebulon and numerous missed calls poured in.

Naomi skimmed through them, realizing Zebulon had sent a barrage of texts last night. She ignored them all and was about to get up and wash when a call came in from Mrs. Gonzalez.

Naomi paused, a bad feeling rising in her gut.

"Mom."

She answered the phone as she got out of bed.

"Naomi, what is going on with you?"

It seemed that ever since Naomi had announced at the dinner table that she had no intention of getting engaged to Zebulon, every call from her mother had become an interrogation.

It was as if she had committed some unforgivable sin.