Since no children were in the picture yet, the couple could enjoy the finer things in life.
The expenses would become costly when the family grew. It would take a lot of money to raise children.
“I have an income, and I’m part of the family. I’ll pay for some of the household expenses. Save some money and clear the mortgage early if you can. At least then. you’ll have spare cash once the house loan is out of the way.”
Serena did not propose chipping in on the mortgage.
Zack bought the villa before they were married, and he was still paying the mortgage like Hank.
Even though Serena and Zack were no longer married in name and could not be in a better place in their marriage, Serena did not want to end up on the same path as her sister. It was his house, and she would not covet it nor help with the mortgage.
What if she and Zack were not meant to be? The divorce would be ugly with the division of assets and quarrels.
It was better to keep their assets apart right from the start.
Propping his chin on her shoulder, Zack affectionately said, “Don’t worry about the mortgage, Serena. Although I don’t have a lot in savings, I can manage the payments. Besides, New Year is coming. I’ll get a year–end bonus. The bonus is pretty good for senior executives.
“I told you when I married you that I will provide for you. I won’t go halves with you.
“Although I’m still paying for the villa, I put down a hefty sum for the down payment. The mortgage fee isn’t too bad. Don’t forget that your husband makes millions a year.”
Serena pried open his hand over her and turned around to face him squarely. She said, “So long as you know what you’re doing.”
Being in the high–income bracket, Zack was used to dining at high–end restaurants and paying the premium price for things.
She had pointed it out to him. It was not her place to speak more on the matter if he did not want to listen.
“I’m going back to our house in Brynfield when you get to work later. I’m more comfortable living there. It’s much more accessible.”
While the environment here was better, the villa was far from the places she hung out.
With a smile, Zack replied, “Both places are our home. We can live in Brynfield if you prefer there. We can take short breaks over the weekend or festive holidays. here.”
“Okay,” Serena answered. It was a waste to get a villa if it was only for a short stay.
Zack probably would not buy a property in Brynfield if it were not for their whirlwind marriage.
Ultimately, he kept the villa from her because he suspected that she was a conniving gold digger. Zack thought twice before letting her know that he brought home millions in income.
Serena had not once asked about his salary since they tied the knot.
“What are your plans today?”
Zack drew a chair back for her to sit down. He then took a seat next to her.
“I’m on my leave now. I don’t have much to do other than my crafts, but I intend to visit my sister’s rented shop to see what I can do to help.”
Zack nodded.
“Jasmine and I are checking out an Italian place tonight.”
Zack said, “I’m not free tonight.”
“I didn’t say I’m taking you.”
Zack was lost for words.
“Jasmine and I agreed that it’ll only be the two of us. We can eat to our hearts‘ content. She said she’s been tagging along to Drake’s dinner appointments while I wasn’t around. She didn’t have enough to eat.”
Zack buried his head in his breakfast.
It got nothing to do with him anyway.
“It’s my company’s annual dinner in a few days. I’ll get an invitation for you. You need a gown for the event. I can come back and pick you up, or you can drive there.
“Why should I go to your company’s annual dinner? I’m not an employee.”
Serena was not keen on attending social events.
The only reason she would ever go was for the food.
Nevertheless, as Jasmine said, Serena would have to curb her eating if she was there as Zack’s plus–one.
Serena would rather check out new eateries with Jasmine..
“We can bring a family member to the company’s annual dinner. Others would bring theirs, so why can’t I?”
Serena had no words as she stared at Zack.
“I’ll be helping out a little at the dinner. It might be a little later if you want me to pick you up. I’ll come straight after I’m done.”
“Alright. Let me know on that day itself. I’ll head over myself, so you don’t have to rush back. You can come out to bring me in when I reach your office. You can’t expect me to enter the event like a deer in headlights.”
Relieved, Zack replied, “Of course. Ms. Stone will probably be attending too. Mr. Bucham doesn’t have a girlfriend, but he’s interested in Ms. Sox. It’s likely he’d invite Ms. Sox to be his plus–one.”
In the past, Zack would usually give his speech at the company’s annual dinner and leave right after.
The employees would not be able to let loose and enjoy themselves with him there.
As the life of the party, Josh would party with everybody until it was over.
Many female employees would try to partner with Josh for the company’s annual dinner, hoping Josh could see their beauty and assets and fall in love with them.
Although Josh was gentler, chattier, and easier to get along with compared to Zack, he did not enjoy being attacked by a pack of hungry female employees.
Subsequently, Josh would hire a young woman in his family to be his plus–one for the company’s annual dinner to ward off the female employees‘ enthusiastic pursuit.
Now that Jasmine was around, Josh was likely to ask her to be his plus–one.
Serena wanted to give her two cents that Jasmine might not agree to go with Josh. but decided to bite her tongue.
She was not Jasmine, so she could not make the decision for her.
After breakfast, Zack drove Serena back to Brynfield before rushing to work.
Serena got back home and asked Mrs. Lane to get ready because they were going to Liberty’s place.
Alas, Liberty was not there. She had gone to the shop first thing in the morning.
Serena then drove to her sister’s shop.
Renovations had not started on Liberty’s shop as the workers were mostly off for the holidays.
Liberty had basically bought the material needed, so there was no need for her to come to the shop right now. However, she could not sit still and needed to keep her hands occupied.
Time went by faster when she was busy.
Sitting behind the table in the shop, Liberty kept herself busy while Sonny ran around in the shop. A glass door was installed at the entrance. Since the door was heavy and closed, Sonny did not have the strength to push it open. Hence, it was safe for him to race around the place.
“Mom. Mom.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.