Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 143: More Than a Meal

Zephany’s throat felt tight, but not in a painful way—more like the kind of pressure that came with realizing something undeniable. Something she’d been trying not to name for a long time yet couldn’t help it.

Her mind repeated the same question.

Why don’t I just embrace it?

Should I?

Or I might end up regretting it if I continue to live in fear. After all... I don’t have all the time in the world.

She exhaled quietly, finally letting go of the tension in her chest. Her voice came out softer than expected, a little careful but certain.

"Ken, I’m home."

Kendrick turned instantly, his eyes lighting up as they met hers. The smile that spread on his face was instant and unguarded.

"Zeph! You’re right on time! Dinner’s almost ready. Come on, sit down. Let’s go eat soon."

She nodded, lips curving into a quiet smile. Her steps were light as she walked toward the dining area, her fingers brushing the back of one of the chairs before settling down.

"Smells amazing," she said, voice gentle but sincere.

Kendrick turned back to the stove, plating the last of the dishes. When he walked over and placed the food on the table, he couldn’t help but glance at her again.

There it was—that soft smile. Her eyes weren’t distant like this morning. She wasn’t avoiding his gaze. She looked calm. Present.

He exhaled slowly, relief washing over him like a cool breeze.

They started eating peacefully, neither needing to fill the air with anything other than the soft clink of cutlery and the occasional murmur of appreciation.

After dinner, as Kendrick gathered the plates, he looked at her, voice hesitant. "Are you free tomorrow?"

Zephany looked up from her glass of water, caught off guard. "Hmm? Why?"

"I-I just want to bring you somewhere," he said quickly, almost tripping over his own words. The fast thumping of his heart made it impossible to meet her eyes. What if she said no?

Zephany noticed how nervous he looked. His shoulders were tense, and he kept fidgeting with the edge of the placemat. Her smile widened, a little playful.

"Husband, did you do something wrong?"

Kendrick sat up straighter. "Of course not! I just want to treat you to dinner tomorrow at that restaurant downtown. I heard they have the best seafood menu, even better than the one we visited last time."

She smiled again, amused. Why does he look like a cute panda when he’s nervous? she thought. Her hand moved almost on instinct, reaching out and gently patting his head.

The moment her fingers touched his hair, Kendrick froze. His breath caught, and he stared at her like time had stopped.

Realizing what she did, Zephany also froze. Her hand dropped quickly. For a second, they just stared at each other.

Then she cleared her throat, trying to break the silence. "Hmm, what time tomorrow?"

Kendrick blinked, then brightened. "Around five in the afternoon. I’ll pick you up from the Air Media building."

Zephany nodded, standing from her chair. "Okay. Then... I’ll be going to my room now. Goodnight, Ken."

She turned around and walked off, but her steps were faster than usual.

Kendrick stared after her, unable to stop the grin that bloomed on his face. My wife is so cute? he thought.

He raised his fists slightly in victory. "Yes! Now, I need to make sure everything goes smoothly tomorrow."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Inside was a simple yet elegant ring. Silver band, delicate but sturdy, with a small sapphire stone that glowed softly under the light.

"I hope she will like it," he whispered, eyes fixed on the ring.

On Zephany’s side, the moment she stepped into her room and closed the door behind her, she leaned against it. Her hand pressed against her chest.

Her heart was racing.

Calm down, she told herself. Breathe.

But her cheeks were already warm, her thoughts replaying Kendrick’s nervous expression.

She smiled, unable to help it.

"That man... what is he up to tomorrow? Why do I feel like he’s about to confess again?"

Her eyes widened at the thought. Then she blushed deeper.

"But that expression from him... it seems more than that. Is it a proposal this time?"

She chuckled softly. "Seriously, that guy."

She stepped toward the mirror, her smile lingering.

But when her reflection met her gaze, she paused.

"Am I that happy if he proposes to me?"

The question hung in the air.

Then she chuckled. "Seems like there’s no way out now but just to accept it."

She turned slightly, posing in the mirror.

"Well, he’s handsome, he cooks so well, he’s caring and..."

Her voice dropped into a dreamy tone.

"And he’s got that nice body. So it’s a good deal."

She nodded to herself, grinning.

"Cause fate wanted him to be in my life... then I will just accept it."

She thought of Christy and Levy, and her heart warmed.

"Yeah. It seems worth it. Plus, I’ve got a mom and a sis too."

With a firmer tone, she whispered, "I decided. Tomorrow I’ll tell him I like him too."

She dove face-first into her pillow, cheeks flushed.

---

[107 Days Left to Live]

Kendrick was already humming as he laid breakfast on the table. The aroma of eggs, garlic rice, and crispy bacon filled the room.

Zephany entered the dining room, her eyes still a little drowsy but her smile brightening at the sight.

"Zeph! Good morning! Breakfast is ready!"

"Good morning," she replied, voice still soft.

She blushed slightly as he pulled out the chair for her, helping her sit like a true gentleman. Then he began serving her food.

"Thank you," she murmured.

They ate in quiet harmony. Every now and then, Kendrick would ask if she wanted more rice, or if the taste was okay. Zephany simply nodded with a small smile.

As she stood up, ready to go, Kendrick followed her to the door.

"Later at five, I’ll pick you up, okay?"

She nodded. "Okay. I’ll wait for you then."

"See you later. Have a good day at work, Zeph!"

She picked up her bag and smiled. "See you later. Goodbye, Ken. I’ll go to work first."

He watched her leave with a bright expression.

---

Thirty minutes before five, Zephany found herself glancing at the clock again. And again. And again.

Pia, who was typing away beside her, raised a brow. "Do you have an appointment or something? You’ve been staring at the clock since morning."

Zephany froze slightly. "Hmm... yeah."

Before Pia could ask anything else, Zephany stood and walked off toward the comfort room.

Inside, she faced the mirror and tilted her head.

"Do I look pretty?"

She pulled out her pouch and started retouching her lipstick, adjusting her fringe, brushing a bit of powder on her cheeks. When she finally felt satisfied, her phone lit up.

Kendrick’s name appeared in the notification.

I’m in front of the building. Waiting for you.

She couldn’t stop the smile that formed.

Okay. I’m coming.

She hurried out, walking past Pia who was already suspicious but kept quiet.

And there he was.

Kendrick stood by the car, dressed neatly in a navy shirt and slacks, hair brushed back, face glowing as if he had been waiting for this day for weeks.

He looked more handsome than ever.

Her steps slowed slightly as she approached, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

He looked up and saw her.

His face brightened. "Zeph. You look... amazing."

She blushed instantly. "Thanks. You look... really good too."

He walked around to open the passenger side door for her. "Shall we?"

She nodded and stepped in.

As he rounded back and got in on his side, neither of them said anything at first. The air in the car felt warm, hopeful, and slightly nervous.

They both knew tonight was different.

But neither wanted to spoil the surprise just yet.

It didn’t take long before they arrived at the restaurant Kendrick had reserved for the evening.

The sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm amber glow across the pavement as he turned into a quiet street.

The place was nestled at the corner—modest in size, with soft golden lights spilling through its frosted windows, hinting at the calm waiting inside.

Kendrick carefully parked the car, switched off the engine, then turned to look at her. "We’re here."

Zephany glanced outside, slightly surprised by how peaceful the area looked. It wasn’t overly fancy or overly lit. It looked like one of those quiet, tucked-away restaurants where time seemed to slow down.

She started to reach for the door handle, but Kendrick was already stepping out.

"Wait," he said quickly, hurrying around the front of the car.

She paused, her hand frozen in the air, as he opened her door from the outside. Then he extended a hand toward her, his expression soft but steady.

Zephany blinked, momentarily stunned. She didn’t even say anything at first. Just stared at his hand. Then slowly—almost shyly—she placed her hand in his.