Chapter 641 - 'I’ll Love You Correctly This Time.”

Since Matthew's decision was final, Zoey and Enzo could only abide by the king's orders. For Zoey, how could she even disagree and argue if Matthew's words were akin to a royal decree?

With that, they headed to Matthew's mansion; not the mansion where he kept his militia, but the mansion where Matthew used to live in before meeting Zoey in their previous life.

When they arrived, Zoey stared at the grand mansion from the driveway. Katherine, Zion, and Kenneth were already being carried to their rooms. Yet, Zoey didn't pay attention to them as she had a fair share of memories in this place.

'I remember he liked this place, but moved into my villa.' Zoey muttered internally.

In their previous life, Zoey and Matthew agreed that Zoey's own villa would be their matrimonial house. Zoey was well-aware that Matthew liked this place for some reason. But, as always, wherever she goes, Matthew would follow her decision.

"Darling," Zoey called out upon hearing Matthew depart the driver's seat. "Why are you not staying in this place anymore?"

She asked. When she realized how stupid her question was, Zoey bit her tongue.

'Of course! Why would he stay in this place if he was busy with all that underground stuff? How can I assume he was already fond of this place more than the other one?' Zoey grumbled internally, massaging her temples.

For a moment, Matthew watched Zoey's expression change as she massaged her temples. Slowly, the corner of his lips curled into a smile.

"It's not that I don't like it anymore. My grandfather gifted me this land we're stepping on back when he was alive." 

Matthew explained. As far as he could remember, Matthew didn't inform Zoey about these minor details. In their previous life, Matthew didn't mention this piece of information to her knowing that it would make her feel guilty.

If he told her about it back then, Zoey would surely change her mind and insist on making this place as their matrimonial home. Matthew didn't want that. Knowing Zoey, her pride would be hurt and people -- the Xi family members, to be precise -- might think she was taking advantage of him.

"What?" As expected, Zoey was surprised as she shifted her eyes from the mansion to Matthew.

He was leaning on the side of the car. His arms were crossed on his chest.

"My grandfather gifted me this land for my 9th birthday. He was a great architect. So, this house's model was designed by me and him." Matthew summarized, smiling as a precious memory came down to his memory lane.

Zoey's lips parted, but no words came out. She looked at him in awe. Surely, dating the thirty-year-old Matthew and the younger version felt like dating two different men. 

She felt like there was more to learn about the man she married. There were just too many things she didn't know about him and his past.

"This was his last project; a matrimonial home he designed for me." Matthew added.

Upon hearing his last remarks, Zoey felt her heart sink. 'A matrimonial home?' she said internally.

Matthew's grandfather gifted this house for his future family. Yet, they didn't use it because of Zoey's pride. Although Matthew didn't mention it nor did he tell her about it, Zoey already guessed the reason.

"That's why I haven't been here for a long time because of my recent activities. I feel bad and feel like I would be tainting the home he designed for me if I stay in here while having fun in the underground activities."

Zoey pursed her lips. Right, that's the kind of Matthew she knew. He was a bit of an overthinker and sometimes, logic wouldn't work on his personal reasons.

"Let's go inside. You'll catch a cold." After taking a deep breath, Matthew stood and trudged towards her.

Zoey gazed down at his hand before she slowly looked up. Without a second hesitation, Zoey leapt towards him, slipping her hands through the gaps between his waist and arms.

Instantly, Matthew furrowed his brow, but suddenly liked her physical affection. Thus, he pulled her in his embrace.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Zoey asked, despite knowing her question might confuse him.

To be truthfully honest, Zoey just wanted to ask her husband that question. If this place was so important to him, he could have told her. Of course, she wanted them to live in her own villa.

However, if this place had more memorable memories and long history, Zoey would understand. After all, Matthew's grandfather seemed a very important figure in Matthew's heart.

'Because I know my grandfather would understand my reasons.' Matthew answered her question inside his mind.

He wanted to answer her. However, before he could speak, he felt like his tongue rolled back to his throat. Must be the spell of that flying dumpling.

Matthew felt Zoey's arms around him tighten. But not too tight enough to bring him discomfort. Chuckling, Matthew stroked her back gently.

"Why are you suddenly sulking?" He asked despite knowing the answer. "Not that I'm getting married yet." 

He humored. Zoey's gentle countenance immediately died down. Slowly, she took a step back and drew away.

"That's right. You're too young for that." She blankly replied. "We should head inside. We can't let a young one like you catch a cold."

She added sarcastically. Not that she was disappointed at what he said as it was normal because he was young and they just started dating. However, part of her felt offended.

He just sounded like a liar after everything he had said previously. 

"Tsk. How insensitive."

Zoey muttered as she stomped her feet away from him. However, just as Zoey stormed away, Matthew was quick to follow her and caught her hand.

"Don't misunderstand. I want you to know me more than ever before we take it to another level." He said as he cast her a side eye. 

'I don't want you ruining your life again if something happened again.' Matthew added inside his mind as he held her hand dearly.

Matthew may think he felt blessed to have another chance in life. However, he was never pleased at Zoey's actions after his death.

If only Zoey knew more about him, she would know that hurting herself would hurt him more. Hence, in this lifetime, he wanted to live and die without regrets. He was thankful for this second chance in life, but he was aware that this was their last chance.

'I want to live, love, and protect you correctly this time.' Matthew smiled as he glanced back at Zoey again.

As if her heart understood, Zoey smiled back.. "I'll love you correctly this time."