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.

rolled her eyes, Zachary said,

trying

she really could not hold her liquor, which was both bitter and burned her

cheeks were flushed soon

not hold her liquor, Zachary kept goading her anyway. "Keep drinking and you'll get used to the taste.” Irene kept eating instead to try to quell the bitter aftertaste, but Zachary

waved him off—she could not drink

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

Irene stared at him, tipsy but skeptical. “I don't believe you. I'm going back

stand. "How are you going to mingle with Isaac's business partners if you can't

me to," Irene

asked her then, "Who

then—and here she was

was trying

she snapped. "Or do I

just asking..." Zachary quickly

I'm sleepy—I need to sleep,” Irene slapped his

what you wanted,