Chapter 2 His thumb brushed over her swollen lips, his voice low and magnetic. Water droplets trickled down his collarbone. He had rolled up his shirt sleeves casually, showing off his well-defined arms. But beneath that relaxed vibe was a pulse-pounding sexual tension. Camila's eyelashes fluttered as she turned her head away. "Just go away!" Zachary smirked a little, looking like he was in a good mood. "Want me to carry you to the bath?" But just as he said that, a message popped up on his phone. He quickly turned off the screen, but Camila still caught a glimpse. It was from Mollina. "Zachary, it's thundering! I'm so scared!" Zachary frowned slightly and then looked at Camila. "I've got something urgent at work. I need to go." Without waiting for her reply, he grabbed his coat and walked out briskly. The moment the door shut, a loud rumble echoed through the room. Suddenly, a clap of thunder boomed outside the window. Camila couldn't help but shake all over, her back tensed up right away, and her face went pale. She was scared of thunder, too. Once, when she was with Zachary, she got so freaked out that she burrowed into his arms and held on tight, not want- ing to let go. He just chuckled softly and said, "The girl who's fearless about everything else is actually scared of thunder? How dramatic." Now, when Mollina got scared of thunder, he just took off without thinking twice, looking all worried with his brows furrowed. The difference between loving someone and not was so obvious. Camila's eyes were full of sarcasm. Another loud clap of thunder boomed. She curled up into a little ball, shaking like a leaf. Not long after, Mollina sent over a photo. In it, Zachary-who could stay chill even during their intimate moments- was holding Mollina in his arms, wrapped up in a blanket, while gently patting her and comforting her again and 0.0% 09:03 again. His expression looked so gentle. Camila bit her lower lip hard and tossed her phone to the ground. She spent the whole night in a daze. As dawn broke, she got up, changed her clothes, and headed back to the Ackley manor. As soon as she walked in, Howard shot her a look of disdain. "Out partying again? Can't you take a cue from your sis- ter and be more sensible? You're just making us worry!" "She's sensible?" Camila let out a sarcastic snort. "I think you two should get your eyes checked at the hospital, and while you're at it, maybe check your hearts too. Because clearly, you're blind both inside and out!" "Camila!" Howard slammed his hand on the table, his eyes wide with anger. "How could you talk to us like that?" "Dad, don't get mad." Just then, Mollina chimed in. "Starting your day off angry isn't good for you, you know." Camila glanced over at the sound of her voice and saw Mollina grinning from ear to ear, with Zachary standing next to her. This man, who had said there was some urgent issue at work, was now holding Mollina's coat and bag, playing the part of the perfect boyfriend. Camila quickly turned away. She really didn't want to look at him at all. "Zach, what brings you here?" Maria asked. "I'm just here to give Mr. Ackley an update on the project," Zachary replied, looking as calm as ever. Mollina chimed in with a playful smile. "Dad, I'm starving." Howard immediately switched to a loving dad mode. "Then come sit! Join us for breakfast!" Camila glanced at the spread on the table. Every dish was Mollina's favorite while her own tastes seemed totally ignored. "Molly, I'm gonna pour you some juice. It's great for your skin." "Molly, try this sunny-side-up egg. I made it just for you!" Camila watched the cozy scene of the three of them together and felt a cold laugh echo inside her. "Camila, why aren't you eating?" Mollina asked, pretending to be confused. 39.1 % 09:03 Before Camila could say anything, Mollina grabbed a cup of hot milk and handed it to her with a smile. "Here, have some milk." "I don't want it. Just take it away," Camila said, frowning. But Mollina kept pushing the cup closer. "Come on, just try a sip. It's really good!" "I told you I don't need it!" Camila raised her hand to push the cup away, but she didn't expect Mollina to suddenly shake her hand. The hot milk spilled out and splashed all over Camila's hand. "Ah!" Before Camila could react, Mollina screamed instead. The cup fell to the floor and shattered into pieces. "Molly!" ard and Maria jumped up right away, grabbing Mollina's hands to check on her. were popping up on the back of Camila's hand from the hot milk, but they just ignored them. ead, they turned on her. "Molls nice enough to offer you some milk, and not only did you turn it down, but you also made her hurt h Camila e I'm allergic to milk!" 09:03