𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒

Chapter 12

The whole avenue is filled with chatters from all the different kinds of people and followed by the soft clicking of the champagne glass.

The air is brimmed with different scents of expensive perfume. With the atmosphere that is light but heavy, and a soft jazz music in the background.

They both sat on the barstool silently, while observing the feign actions of those people. It feels like a masquerade party, they were concealing their true intentions and acting so well towards the people that they wanted to.

As they both sipped their champagne, a long haired woman with a brown backless dress appeared in front of them. Her whole aura speaks of confidence. She was famous in the part of business tycoons.

"Good evening. I assumed that you already know me." The woman said in an egoistic voice while twirling her curly hair in the side. Seraphina finds her impudent and patronizing. She doesn't like the attitude at all.

In the business world, Seraphina must prefer the attitude over power. Because, the vainglorious aspect makes her displeased and tested. It really irritates her. For her, good behavior is more decent.

"I prefer to introduce yourself, it's more pleasing in that way. I am no predictor to predict your name." Serpahina straightly replied while maintaining their eye contact. 

The girl scoffed lowly. While turning her whole attention to the man who is beside her, Zachariah. Again, her sickening sweet smile plastered on her face, trying to allure Zachariah. Seraphina rolled her eyes at the sight in front of her.

"What a shame, Mr. Ashford, you chose a wife who is domineering." She spoke in a mocking tone, while looking pity towards Zachariah.

Zachariah was about to reply, but he was got cut off by the woman. "A wife should be soft and gentle towards their husband. And care for them like no one should.

And I think I'm fit for that, Mr. Ashford." The woman seductively spoke while inching closer to Zachariah. Seraphina felt her fist tighten due to the statement of that woman.

Seraphina was angry, no, she was fuming in anger. She wanted to fight back, but she still couldn't, not when she is on the verge of losing control. She doesn't want to create a scene in a big event like this, it could cost her reputation and even statistics in the company.

She knew that this woman knew more. She already knew that the woman wanted her to lose her control and snapped out in anger. To create a scandal in this extravaganza event. She wanted to make Serpahina's reputation go low in the ground.

Her breath was ragged and her knuckles turned white due to the tight grip that she was fisting. Suddenly, a soft and gentle hand holds her, making her feel a little cool down, but still the igniting fire didn't immediately go away.

"And who are you to speak so daring at my wife like that coming from your filthy mouth?" Zachariah dangerously spoke with a low voice holding an eye contact with her with full of rage.

Serpahina could feel the nervousness and embarrassment from the woman. She smirked at the pleasing and satisfying scene in front of her. Her previous prideful aura has now become weakened.

Seraphina thought that it was finally over. But, the woman again spoke. Seraphina admired how thick faced she really is, how she can come back to life even if Zachariah already warned her and spoke to her. Guess, today's modern world people have no shame or self-respect at all.

"Do you regret it? Every woman will be ready to give you warmth, unlike your wife."  The woman spoke in a sultry voice while side-eyeing Seraphina in burlesque.

Zachariah stood up and held Seraphina's hand with so much care despite how mad he is now, his veins are now popping and his eyebrows are now furrowed also meeting the other.

He was fuming mad, and it was the first time that Seraphina saw the side of Zachariah that was the exact opposite on how he behaved. The woman really triggered his inner beast. Even Seraphina wouldn't lie that Zachariah's aura is very intimidating right now.

"Why would I regret it? Even if there were plenty of women who were ready to give themselves, I wouldn't care. I have my wife who can make me happy without her doing something. It makes me happy and content just by her presence. She is my serenity. I don't care about physical intimacy, because the mere presence of her already makes me feel at peace.

And a mere lowlife woman like you insulted my wife? I wouldn't sit here and do nothing. You're nothing compared to my wife. My wife is the most important person in my life, and who are you to dishonor my wife? Better hold your company tighter than before, because I will expose your dirty secrets and your dirty achievements. Do you think I wouldn't know that you're using your employees and abused them? And those bribery that you had committed just for some acknowledgement? That you hold a title because of your trashy tricks, not your efforts? Prepare for that, Mrs. Anderson." Zachariah spoke calmly yet dangerously, making Veronica Anderson shuddered and scared. She stumbled on her heels as soon as Zachariah stated about her company.

"IㅡI am sorry, Mr. Ashford for what I had stated. I gave you ill-informations. I should've stayed on my limits. I am deeply sorry for everything. I genuinely do. Please, just don't." Veronica rambled in fright, while clasping her hands together for forgiveness, her prideful face earlier was now gone, replacing an appealing demeanour.

"Don't ask for forgiveness from me, but to my wife. You had already crossed your limits. Forgiveness is now unworkable." Zachariah spoke a venomous tone. His eyes are filled with anger and wrath.

Zachariah held Seraphina's hand with so much gentleness like a fragile glass, while looking at her in an utmost concern lingering in his eyes. The dark and anger inside his eyes were longer gone, replacing opposite emotions opposite earlier.

He caressed her hand with a gentle rub and her back. Veronica was now long gone, they are now both left alone in the corner.

"Thank you." Seraphina uttered while looking at those people who were still busy.

"You don't have to. I can't bear someone disrespecting you like that." Zachariah mumbled while looking at Seraphina with unreadable eyes.

Seraphina hummed in agreement while sipping her champagne. She felt a little peace right now, after those words that Zachariah had let out to Veronica. She doesn't know why, but maybe because it was her first time someone defended her.

She couldn't let out how she was grateful for Zachariah, but saying thank you was better than saying nothing.

"It will never happen again. I can handle my own." Seraphina stated with full authority, as she looked at Zachariah with a willpower look.

Zachariah smiled at those words that Seraphina stated. He knows Seraphina is a strong woman, and forever will be.

"But if you can't take it anymore, just tell me. I'll do the rest." Zachariah spoke softly, then smiled reassuringly.