Game Over No Second Chances

Larry didn't bother waiting for Zach's reply. He lazily stubbed out his cigarette.

"Doesn't matter. You're dropping a fortune to board the cruise, and I'm more than happy to pocket a few extra million dollars in chips. I won't ask questions. Just don't stir up trouble."

Zach frowned deeply. That price stung badly. A single ticket had cost him nearly ten million dollars. Serena's birthday party was more exclusive than most high- profile press conferences.

Everything around him felt like a jab to the gut.

Serena married Hugh and was better off with him than she ever was with Zach.

His fists clenched. He didn't even know why he was doing this-shelling out millions just to torture himself? What was he trying to prove?

Then he heard two servers chatting nearby.

"Mr. Larson might be cold as ice, but Mrs. Larson is absolutely lovely. She's also so gorgeous, kind, and graceful."

"I thought she was resting-how'd you see her?"

"She just took a short nap and got up. Said it was rude not to greet guests and promised she'd come out for afternoon tea.

"I showed her the guest list and schedule, and she was so gentle and soft- spoken. It was honestly heart-melting..."

"Even the coldest man can't resist a perfect woman like that. Grim reaper or not, he's clearly head over heels."

Two servers were whispering, dreamy-eyed, gushing about how elegant and sweet Serena was.

Zach heard every word, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. Serena had always been warm and kind.

Zach had arrived early at the restaurant for afternoon tea and secured his table.

It wasn't long before Serena stepped into the dining room in a simple, elegant lavender gown. She was lightly holding onto Hugh's arm.

As they walked in, she glanced up at him with a gentle smile, then her eyes flicked to the faint shadows beneath his eyes.

"You look exhausted. And there are still more events to attend this week. Should I get you some eye cream?"

"I'm a man."

"I figured you'd say that. That's why I brought men's eye cream and serum."

"Might be worth a try." For a brief moment, a crack appeared in Hugh's otherwise stoic expression.

As Serena reached the threshold, he reached out and gently steadied her by the arm. His voice dropped. "You don't have to look into my eyes while you talk. Watch your step."

"I haven't tripped yet," Serena muttered the reply dryly, finally lowering her gaze, just in time to see Hugh bend slightly and lift her skirt hem to help her step through.

Her steps faltered, just for a moment. Then she walked on.

There were too many eyes watching. Hugh's tenderness, she guessed, was probably just for show and to prove to Calvin.

Gasps rippled through the restaurant.

"Was that Hugh? Hugh Larson? Did he really lift her dress for her?"

"Mrs. Larson looked like it was nothing new. Maybe Mr. Larson's alwaysdike this behind closed- doors? Wow... and here I thought a man like him would marry a pretty little trophy wife. But this..

"He married for love!"

Friends of the Larson family quickly stood up, offering warm

congratulations. The rest stayed

back, watching from a safe distance. After all, it was "Mr. Larson". Few dared approach him.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed.

Hugh led Serena to their table. "Waffles?"

"And a cup of hot cocoa. I'm still a little sleepy," Serena said with a lazy yawn.

Her gaze swept across the room, noting how quiet everything had gotten.

Feeling both surprised and amused, she murmured, "If I'd known sitting next to you would make everyone too scared to talk, I would've chosen lunchtime. At least I could've had some steak."

"If you want steak, we can get some now."noveldrama

"But it's tea time now."