Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
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Soon after, Coral sent Anneliese a photo along with a text. ‘It’s done. How do you want me to give it to you?‘
Anneliese received her WhatsApp message just as she arrived at the pet store to pick up
Meatloaf. She opened the attachment and stared intently at the signed divorce agreement with Zacharias‘ signature enlarged on her screen.
The man was normally very cautious, yet Coral had still managed to get his signature this quickly. It only proved how much he still trusted and doted on her.
What do you call that? Thinking with the wrong head?
She couldn’t help but wonder what Zacharias‘ reaction would be when he realized he’d been played. She was actually starting to look forward to it.
“Meatloaf, go on—your human’s here!”
Hearing the store clerk’s voice, Anneliese looked up just in time for the big dog to pounce on her with excitement.
Meatloaf, a golden retriever, was gentle and incredibly well–behaved. She had found him as a stray the same year her adoptive parents passed away and had raised him by hand ever since.
Melody Zwick–her mother–in–law–was allergic to dog fur and had forbidden her from keeping a pet, but Anneliese hadn’t been willing to give Meatloaf away.
Still, once the topic of pregnancy came up, Melody used Meatloaf as another excuse, saying pregnant women shouldn’t keep dogs, that it would affect both the mother and the fetus. And this time, Zacharias hadn’t stood up for her.
In the end, she’d compromised and left Meatloaf at a pet boarding facility, only coming by every few days to see him.
Now, holding it again, Anneliese’s nose stung. She buried her face in its soft fur, taking a deep breath as she stroked its big, fluffy head.
“Meatloaf, I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll never abandon you again. Will you forgive me?”
It was as if Meatloaf understood. It panted happily at her, tongue hanging out, and nudged her palm with its nose over and over again–like it was trying to comfort her.
Anneliese smiled. “Thank you, big boy. Let’s go home.”
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Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
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She led Meatloaf to the car and wasted no time replying to Coral’s message. ‘Clauderias Tech parking lot. Bring it down. I’m almost there.‘
She started the car and headed straight for the company.
Since her car was registered in the company system, just to be safe, she parked in the public plaza lot and walked over to meet Coral.
The exchange went smoothly. Anneliese had just stashed the divorce agreement into her bag when a startled voice called out behind her.
“Madam? What are you doing here?”
It was Jackie.
Anneliese froze. She quickly shot Coral a look, who immediately turned and left. Anneliese spun around to block Jackie’s view, stepping in his direction.
“Jackie, I came to see Zacharias. He’s in his office, right?”
Clutching her purse, she felt a wave of regret. She never should’ve been so eager to get the signed agreement–choosing this location for the handoff had been a mistake.
Jackie glanced in Coral’s direction. “He is. Who were you just talking to, Madam?”
Anneliese’s expression didn’t change. “No one—just a stranger asking for directions. Why?”
Jackie thought for a second. That silhouette had looked a lot like Coral, but the two women had been standing in a shadowy corner, and he hadn’t gotten a clear look.
Besides, Coral could never possibly be involved with Annelise in any way. He must’ve been mistaken.
“I’ll take you up,” he said, brushing it off and leading her toward the elevators.
Inside, he quickly lowered his head and sent a text on WhatsApp. When he looked up, he found Anneliese watching him with a faint smile playing on her lips.
“What?” she asked lightly, “Texting your boss to give him a heads–up?”
Jackie stiffened, cold sweat forming on his back. Does she… know something?
“C’mon, Madam. Everyone knows Mr. Shaw adores you–he’d have you dangling from his neck at work if he could. I don’t need to warn him about anything.”
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Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
Anneliese let out a small laugh. “Oh? So, I’m just some decorative accessory now?”
Jackie instantly slapped himself across the mouth–twice.
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“That was my bad! Everyone in the company knows how capable you are, Ms. Claude. Back when you were still active, the entire PR department worshipped you. Every press release, every product launch, every interview draft you prepped for Mr. Shaw–flawless. Every single time.”
Jackie’s face was full of reverence and sincerity. Anneliese didn’t say another word.
Case closed. Just like his boss–an actor worthy of an award.
Right before she stepped into Zacharias‘ office, the cleaning lady happened to exit with her cart. Anneliese glanced at her, and the thought of Coral obtaining Zacharias‘ signature flashed through her mind.
She seemed to know what Coral had done to get it.
Her eyes filled with bitter clarity and mockery, fingernails digging into her palm.
She was sick and tired of living like this–constantly being made the fool.
Maybe it was all in her head, but the moment she entered Zacharias‘ office, she felt like there was a disgusting, lingering stench in the air. It made her stomach churn.
So, when Zacharias reached out to hold her hand, she instinctively stepped back–two full
steps.
Zacharias frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Anneliese quickly thought of an excuse. “I just wanted to tell you I went to see Meatloaf. I brought him back home. If you don’t agree, then don’t touch me.”
It was the perfect excuse–plausible enough to mask everything else.
Zacharias‘ expression relaxed slightly. “Honey, didn’t we already talk about this? Once the baby’s a little older, we’ll bring him back.”
“My body isn’t even ready yet. Who knows how long it’ll take for me to get pregnant–maybe years. And how old does the baby have to be, anyway? Three? Five? Meatloaf’s not young anymore. You think he’ll still be around by then?”
Her voice rose as emotion surged.
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Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
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Zacharias didn’t know what had triggered her again, but Anneliese had been out of sorts for days now.
He didn’t try to coax her this time. His face darkened, and he returned to his chair. “I said no. Take the dog back. Your job right now is to get pregnant. We need a kid in the next two years. This isn’t up for discussion, Anneliese.”
“And if I refuse to take him back?”
Zacharias‘ entire body turned cold. “Then I won’t mind finding the dog a new owner.”
“You don’t get to decide that, Zacharias!” she shouted, face pale with anger. “Meatloaf is my family. You have no right to threaten me like this.”
Zacharias‘ voice remained cold and even. “Anne, we’re husband and wife. I’m more than capable of dealing with one dog. Be good. I’ll let it slide today. Keep the dog for tonight. Send him back tomorrow, alright?”
Seeing her face drained of color, he stood up and started walking toward her again. He still didn’t want her to be too upset. He was going to pull her into his arms and calm her down.
But before he could get close, Anneliese took a furious step back. “Dog, dog, dog! He has a name! It’s Meatloaf! If you love saying the word so much, what breed are you, huh? If I called you a stupid mutt, would you answer?”
Zacharias could hardly believe what he was hearing. His face turned dark with rage–but before he could respond, Anneliese turned and stormed out, slamming the office door behind her with a resounding bang.
He pressed his fingers to his brow, his entire body tense with fury. There was no way he was going to chase after her.
For a brief moment, he even recalled that phone call from Christopher, and for once, he thought the man might have a point.
Maybe it was time to teach her a lesson.
With that, he picked up his phone and called his private financial advisor. “Freeze the joint account,” he instructed coldly. “Temporarily suspend my wife’s access.”
Anneliese left Clauderias Tech fuming, nearly bursting at the seams.
Remembering that Meatloaf was still waiting in the car, she quickened her pace.
She reached the parking lot and unlocked the car. The first thing she did was reach for the rear
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Chapter 13 And She Fell on Him Again
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door, anxious to check on her dog. But before she could open it, a lazy, familiar voice sounded behind her.
“Abusing a dog in broad daylight? Didn’t know that was your thing, Mrs. Shaw.”
Startled, Anneliese turned around and saw a tall figure emerging from behind the car.
It was Jonathan.
He was wearing a sharp black pinstripe suit–simple and classic in style–but unlike the white shirts he’d worn before, this time he had on a black satin shirt underneath. It amplified his commanding presence, casting a shadow as he approached. The air around him felt colder, heavier.
Anneliese’s eyes instinctively flicked to his black shirt, a strange pang of guilt twisting in her gut.
He’s probably wearing dark colors to avoid another wardrobe casualty. Can’t even blame him—he looks like he’s on his way to a funeral.
“Woof! Woof! Woof!” Meatloaf, noticing her, began pawing at the window and panting excitedly.
Anneliese immediately opened the car door, and Meatloaf shot out like a golden cannonball, bursting with joy.
“Woof! Woof! Woof!”
But instead of throwing itself at her like usual, Meatloaf charged full speed toward Jonathan- growling like a little beast.
Oh shoot! Is my brain cursed? Do I manifest every worst–case scenario by thinking about it? If Meatloaf claws him, forget the shirt–the whole d’mn suit’s going to be a write–off!
