Chapter 48 Just Like Old Times
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Zayden looked down at the metal box in his hands. It was worn and old–clearly something that had been around for years.
If Eliza hadn’t said anything, he never would’ve guessed that she’d collected so many photos of him–let alone stored them so carefully.
“Eliza, actually..”
“We’re already over, right? So one last hug shouldn’t be a big deal
She opened her arms with a faint smile.
Zayden didn’t refuse. He leaned forward and hugged her.
From outside the attic, Naomi–fresh from the bathroom–froze in her tracks the moment she spotted them.
Her expression darkened instantly.
“Zayden!”
Startled by her voice, Zayden released Eliza and turned. “Naomi?”
Naomi stepped into the attic, immediately clinging to Zayden’s arm with a bright, unaffected smile. “What are you two doing up here? Dinner’s ready–we should head down.”
Eliza just shrugged. “I was giving Zayden something, that’s all.”
“What was it? Can I see?”
“No.”
Zayden cut her off without hesitation.
Naomi’s smile faltered for a split second..
Eliza said nothing–but this was all part of her plan.
Zayden didn’t know that the attic faced the upstairs bathroom. Naomi would’ve seen them the second she stepped out.
In her past life, something just like this had happened too. Years after she married Zayden, Naomi had returned from abroad, pulled the exact same move in the same setting.
Now, Eliza was simply returning the favor.
Downstairs, Nathan and Evelyn were chatting enthusiastically with Grace.
The families had always gotten along, but now–since Zayden and Naomi were to be engaged–they were closer than ever.
“I always said it–Zayden and Naomi are perfect for each other,” Evelyn gushed, completely ignoring the fact that Eliza sat right there.
Eliza didn’t react. She kept her head down and quietly ate her food, letting Evelyn’s words wash over her like meaningless.
Let them laugh now.
Next year, when the Holt family goes bankrupt, we’ll see who’s laughing.
The clinking of Eliza’s utensils drew glances her way.
To smooth things over, Grace offered, “Why don’t we do candles first? It’s Naomi’s birthday, after all.”
Everyone gathered around the cake.
Chapter 48 Just Like Old Times
Naomi, surrounded and adored, looked every bit the birthday princess.
Eliza stood across from them, completely out of place.
“Can you take a picture for us?” Naomi handed her the phone, smile bright and sweet.
Grace added warmly, “Yes, Eliza–help us take a photo.”
Eliza took the phone and fiddled with it for a moment. Then she looked up at Zayden.
“Zayden. I’m not sure how to work this. Can you help?”
Without hesitation, Zayden walked over to stand beside her.
The two of them exchanged comments back and forth while figuring out the phone together.
Naomi’s face stiffened.
Her fiancé and his ex–fiancée huddled close, and no one seemed to think it was a problem.
Nathan and Evelyn began to frown as well.
Eliza caught their reactions but pretended not to see.
After all, back when she was the one engaged to Zayden, Naomi had done far worse–and no one had said a word.
Evelyn snapped, “Eliza, it’s just a phone. Can’t you figure it out yourself? Why bother Zayden?”
“Sorry. Mom. Naomi’s phone is so nice–I’ve never used one like it.”
The sarcasm was obvious.
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Growing up, she’d only ever had Naomi’s hand–me–downs. Naomi, on the other hand, always got the latest models.
Evelyn’s expression darkened at the veiled jab.
Nathan added with disapproval, “Eliza, you should be more aware. Zayden’s Naomi’s fiancé now. Don’t rely on him for every little thing”
“Oh? Sorry, Naomi. I just figured you wouldn’t mind. After all, when I was engaged to Zayden, you two were always holding hands like it was nothing.”
Naomi’s face flushed red.
Back then, she had deliberately gotten close to Zayden, knowing exactly what she was doing. The adults might’ve acted clueless, but it was clear what she was after.
Evelyn said nothing–partly out of embarrassment, partly out of bias,
Nathan looked uneasy, and Grace.. she saw right through Naomi’s act
Once Eliza figured out the phone, Zayden realized how awkward it was for her to be the only one taking the photo.
He suggested, “Didn’t your house have a tripod? We could all take one together.”
That made Naomi even more uncomfortable. “That old tripod… might not work anymore.”
“It’s fine. We’ll just set a timer and use it to take the picture.”
“But…”
Naomi had invited Bliza back to humiliate her.
Now, it was all backfiring.
