The Runaway Groom

Zachary shot James a look. "The missus is strict, huh?"

James was not about to take the bait. "You don't even have one to be strict with you."

Zachary shut up right then—he had to be upset again!

Since he could not fight back, he just had to hide!

If he snapped at James, James had his wife to back him up, and he alone would never win against two.

Picking up the wine bottle and pouring it for Irene, Zachary said, "Let's drink a little since Isaac isn't around.”

Irene frowned. "Don't mention him."

"Who?" Zachary asked despite knowing the answer, and he chuckled as Irene shot him a glare.

Even if Irene had a husband, right now, she was alone like him—having a kindred spirit certainly made it feel a lot less lonely.

Since he was not the most tragic person around... did that mean she was the same as him?

“If I recall, you're bad with liquor. One drink, and that's all," Zachary said, but he poured her a full glass, clearly trying to get her drunk.

Irene rolled her eyes, Zachary said, "Come on. I'm

was clearly trying to tempt

could not hold her liquor, which was both bitter

were flushed

the taste.” Irene kept eating instead to try to quell the bitter aftertaste, but Zachary poured her another glass. "It's just how alcohol

could not

hand. "Trust me. Drink this, and you won't find it

“I don't believe you.

her stand. "How are you going to mingle with Isaac's business partners if you

me to,"

asked her then, "Who were you seeing

was curious why he kept making

was trying to loosen

just work," she snapped. "Or do I have

just asking..."

sleep,” Irene

what