Chapter 15

Penny's point-of-view Standing outside the door, Zack let his emotions slip through for once, knowing I hadn't yet emerged. Ever since my dad had spoken to him about a marriage alliance, Zack had felt as though he were trapped in a dream. But how could I ever agree to such an engagement? When I left for abroad, I hadn't even wanted to see him. He never understood why the woman he loved had suddenly cut him off. Time and again, he had gone to the Sullivan residence, only to be driven back by Ethan and Xander, who guarded the door like snarling hounds, refusing him entry. A dark heaviness settled over Zack's heart as he recalled those days. Over the years, he had never forgotten me. My smiles, my tears, my playful teasing, and my laughter. They were all etched into his memory. He kept them locked in his heart, replaying them endlessly. They had been his solace, the thing that kept him going all these years. He didn't understand why the three of them had let me slip away, and