The Runaway Groom
Chapter 869

Zachary ignored her question. "Is Lulu with you?"

Irene got up and left the dining room. "Just stop it, Zachary—"

“I'm not messing around—I could've done that at the hotel the other day if I wanted to instead of biding my time. And I'm sure you know that Lulu and that man are close, so I can't separate them no matter what I do. What are you so afraid of?"

“Lulu is pregnant,” Irene retorted. “I'm afraid you'll hurt her child and affect her life—"

Zachary cut her short right then. "She's there with you, right? I'm driving there now."

Irene frowned. "Zachary—"

Beep, beep, beep...

He already hung up.

Irene quickly dialed her number, but he refused to answer, leaving her utterly frustrated.

After thinking about it, she decided that the only option was to tell Lulu and discuss what they should do.

She texted her: [Zachary is coming.]

Lulu saw the text and peered into the living room for a moment before replying: [It's alright.]

Since Lulu said that, she must have been mentally prepared and perhaps even had a plan.

As such, Irene returned to the dining table with a smile. "Sorry. The research center had some questions.”

While she spoke, she slid a peek at Lulu, but Lulu simply put a slice of beef on her plate.

Although Lulu was not nervous or affected about Zachary's impending arrival, she was still worried that Martin would misunderstand. Throughout dinner, Irene’s heart was racing and the food was tasteless although they were supposed to be delicious.

Isaac saw that she was acting weird, and he ladled her a bowl of soup and put it in front of her. "What's on your mind?" sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Irene quickly pulled herself together and shook her head. "Nothing." However, the doorbell rang even as she picked up the bowl.

Mrs. Watson got up to answer it, but Irene quickly stopped her. "I'll go, Mrs. Watson."

She headed to the porch and opened the door, asking softly when she saw Zachary, "What are you doing?"

Zachary smiled, ignored her question, and sidestepped her, heading inside.

The atmosphere around the entire dining table turned weird when they saw him show up.

James got to his feet, worried that he would cause trouble.

However, Zachary did not seem to consider himself a stranger and asked Mrs. Watson to bring him another plate.

"Am I still a friend, guys? Why weren't I invited?" He smiled.

“You're welcome if you're only here to eat," Isaac growled. "But leave right now if you're up to no good.”

Zachary scanned the table just then, where the weird atmosphere still lingered, as if everyone was displeased about his arrival.

Naturally, he felt upset at being ostracized as if he were a villain.

Still, he restrained that feeling and smiled faintly.

“I'm just here to eat," he said, pulling out a chair.

Lulu did not react to his arrival at all, though Martin got up and offered a handshake. "We meet again, though we haven't been formally introduced—I'm Martin York."

Seeing the outstretched hand, Zachary got up to take it. "Zachary Slate."

Smiling, he added, "I just came by to congratulate you as well." "Thanks," Martin replied, open-minded as ever.

Turning to Lulu, Zacahry added, “I'm sure you're leaving soon, so I wish you all the happiness in the world."

Lulu smiled slightly. “Thank you."

Martin put a hand on Lulu's shoulder and said, "I'll take good care of her. Don't worry."

“I'm sure you will," Zachary said, and shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, since I'm not welcome here, I won't impose. I've said what I came to say, so I'll go. Please, enjoy your dinner.”

With that, he got up and strode outside.

Irene did not return to her seat, as she followed him out instead. "Let me walk you out.”

As she followed him out of the door, Zachary suddenly paused and said, "You should go back. You shouldn't stray off when you have so many guests... I'm sure my presence killed the mood, huh?"

Irene stared at him from the back, and she found a loneliness she could not put to words.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly.

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