After dinner, Edward engaged her in conversation.
Though he called it chatting, it was mostly him talking while Zoe listened.
He asked, "What do you like?"
She froze, her hand pausing mid-stroke on Christmas' soft fur.
What did she like? What indeed.
She had convinced herself that she could like anything Evan liked, but he had once cherished her and now didn't—people change.
Zoe, who used to adore sweets, had been warned by some meddler that too much sugar would make her gain weight and risk losing Evan. Fear had kept her from indulging since.
Yet, abstaining hadn't made a difference; he still didn't want her.
Why? Why didn't he want her anymore?
Lowering her eyelids, Zoe resumed petting Christmas, shaking her head.
"Alright, let's try this. Can you type or write something? It's boring with just me talking," Edward suggested with a smile, not pushing her.
She lifted her gaze to meet his eyes, instinctively wanting to look away.
He took out his phone, opened the messaging app, and handed it to her.
A phone? How long had it been since she touched one?
Zoe hesitated before accepting it.
He grinned, pleased with any response. He aimed to encourage her to seek therapy later, believing her depression could improve.
"Okay, I'll ask, and you answer."
He wanted to know more about Zoe.
He fired many questions, and she answered each one.
Her bandaged hand made typing slow, but watching her effort brought a constant smile to his face.
"Yes, got it."
Zoe lowered her eyes, pondered, typed something, and showed him.
"I'm quite a failure, aren't I?"
Edward read the message twice, sighing.
Indeed.
Adult life is lived on one's own terms.
Or perhaps, she loved Evan too deeply, relied on him too much, hoping for his return.
Half of her current state was her own doing.
Ultimately, however, Evan had promised her the world but delivered nothing. She waited, but in vain.
Zoe was a pitiable soul.
Edward didn't respond, attempting to pat her head, which she dodged.
Unfazed, he noticed a commotion outside.
Narrowing his eyes, he rose.
Zoe looked towards the tightly shut window, her eyes dimming. Was he coming to take her back?
Edward took the phone, smiled, and said, "Wait here."
He left.
She closed her eyes, feeling a bloating sensation in her stomach.
"Sir, you can't enter..." the butler tried to bar Evan.
Irritated, Evan was about to argue but noticed Edward behind the butler.
Clenching his fists, Evan stepped back.
"Please leave us," Edward instructed the butler, who promptly retreated.
"Hand her over to me," Evan growled, ready to give him a pounce as he did last time.
"Why are you here? How many times must I tell you? Wasn't I clear last time?"
"Don't play dumb. Give me back my wife."
"Wife?" Edward savored the word, grinning mockingly.
His gaze infuriated Evan, who charged past without another word.
"Zoe... My Zoe! Come out! I'll take you home!"
Edward intercepted him, his demeanor changing, his usual composure preventing him from resorting to harsh words.
