Chapter 21 - Darling, Are You Jealous?

'Play along...?' Upon hearing those words, Matthew Xi knitted his brows. He doesn't know what's her ploy this time, but it was interesting. Thus, slowly, he rested his chin on top of her head, getting a good whiff of the scent of her shampoo that lingered on her hair.

'Smells like peonies — fresh, bright, and lovely just like her.' His creepy subconscious mind whispered.

"Miss Zhou, why are you hiding?" Leaning down, Matthew Xi whispered as he glanced behind her.

The way she buried her face, almost squeezing herself onto him was enough proof she was hiding. Whether it was from someone or something, it intrigued Matthew Xi.

"Ah..." Instead of receiving an answer, Zoey poked his healing wound just enough for him to shut up. Matthew Xi almost pushed her. Alas, Zoey linked her hands on his back and pressed him against her.

'Do I want this woman in my life?' Upon feeling the slight pain, Matthew Xi asked this very question that had been floating inside his head since day one.

Matthew Xi had often asked himself about these types of questions whenever he was deciding on to something. It often revolved around his wants and needs, the necessities of the decision and how it would benefit him as the result.

Yet, in Zoey's case, he was stuck in between yes and no.

No woman gave him a hard time on decision making as much as she does; rather, aside from Zoey, Matthew Xi was never attracted to anyone — just Zoey. Reasons he was letting her stick around. Still, even if she hurt him a little just now, he still couldn't decide.

What a shame.

"Is he still there...?" Zoey murmured as she slightly turned her head and peeked at a certain direction. Just as she did, the person she glimpsed at suddenly turned his gentle eyes to their direction. Thus, Zoey buried her face in his chest again.

Matthew Xi with a sharp senses turned his gaze to the direction she peeked at. There were other people, but he noticed a tall man with great physical build and facial features.

For a second, Matthew Xi's naturally piercing eyes met the man's. That instant, his competitiveness triggered as he hooked his arm around her slim waist and tilted his head to the side and leaned down.

Zoey could feel his fiery breaths caressed her ear, making it turn red. 'What is he doing?' Alarmed, Zoey slowly turned her head to see his pair of curious orbs.

"Uh..."

"He's still there," seeing her flustered for the first time, Matthew Xi coldly informed. His tone was unusually colder, more like he could produce a snow storm at the start of spring season if he desires to.

The two remained with that position for as long as Zoey could remember. They didn't care if they took quite the surrounding's attention.

Still, in other people's eyes, they were lovers that was showing their love at each other publicly. Moreover, they were just hugging, nothing too bold to be shock about.

Matthew Xi then raised his gaze and the man already left. When he made sure that the person wasn't there anymore, Matthew Xi straightened his posture.

"He's gone." He informed in nonchalance. His interest however dissipated into nothing; he didn't want to know who that man was and what he was in her life.

He didn't understand himself either. Matthew Xi thoroughly knew himself and must admit that his patience was short. Perhaps, it was because he could get everything he wanted with a slight lift of his finger and could dispose those who he doesn't need easily.

But this... this thing with her, Matthew Xi was beginning to dislike it. Ironically enough, that dislike only ignited the fire within him; the drive to crack the code of her erratic pattern.

"Phew," patting her bust, Zoey heaved a sigh of relief as she looked around to check if he was truly gone.

"Anyway, I can't accompany you anymore. I forgot I need to do something." Staring at her cautious side profile, Matthew Xi coldly stated. "I'll see you on the 13th." He added.

"Huh?" Zoey slowly raised her gaze, surprised to see that his already cold temperament had transformed into a different level of coldness.

"Mhmm," Nodding his head, Matthew Xi shoved his hand inside his pocket as he turned his back against her.

Well, he was interested with her and her antics but, Matthew Xi knew that his mood wouldn't get any better. Therefore, he instantly shrugged everything he was looking forward to today.

Thinking about what her employees told him, Matthew Xi was slightly guilty but having no attachment to them, he could more or less be bothered.

With that said note, Matthew Xi took a step forward. His steps didn't falter nor did he looked back. However, when he reached the entrance of the mall premises, his tracks stopped as a heavy exhale escaped his nose along when he closed his eyes.

"Why are you following me?" Before he could turn around, he asked in distress. His brows twitching, face began to distort as he turned to face her.

"Err..." Zoey scratched the back of her head as she awkwardly chuckled. "I am not — I'm going back to the office."

"But your car is parked at the east wing exit." Raising his brows, Matthew Xi thrusted his chin to the direction where she parked her car; it was also his way to expose her lies.

"I know but I don't care." Zoey rolled her eyes as she shrugged her shoulders. By the looks of it, she wasn't lying yet, Matthew Xi wasn't convinced.

Opening his mouth slightly, Matthew Xi pursed his lips once again as he stared at her. He wanted to say something but, he didn't know what words he should use. Hence, he only pointed out the reason Zoey went in here.

"How about the meeting?"

"Cancel."

"Because of him?" Just as Matthew Xi blurted out his question, he had the urge to cut his tongue for even asking.

Why would he ask such question? Didn't he say he was uninterested to know her relationship with that person? Yet, he only let his guard down for a second and his mouth run before he realized it.

"Yep." Zoey nodded her head without batting an eye. "My darling, if you think I am crazy, that guy was the true epitome of crazy, alright? He can build his own statue and gather a cult of crazies to worship him because he truly deserve that!" Zoey fumed, nearly throwing a huge fit as if she was truly frustrated about something.

Matthew Xi watched her reaction and blinked his eyes as he was surprised by it. He already assumed that the person might be one of her former lovers whom she truly invested her feelings.

Therefore, he reckoned to see even the slightest bit of pain and bitterness in her eyes. But, what he could see in her eyes was nothing but utter disgust.

"What do you mean?" He asked as he knitted his brows.

"What do you mean, what do I mean?" Frowning, Zoey wanted to vent but when she set her eyes on her darling, she couldn't remain that mad. "What I'm saying is, that guy had sabotaged my company many times because he can't get over that he's not my type, hah! Such an ugly creature wanting some love from a goddess!" She scoffed, having the urge to vomit recalling something in the past.

"Wait a minute..." Just then, Zoey arched her brows as she noticed something amiss.. "Darling, are you jealous?" Slowly, Zoey covered her lips as she set her expectant eyes on him.