Chapter 642 - The Responsible Man

Zoey and Matthew walked into his mansion happily. They didn't speak much, just their hands intertwined and hearts filled with content.

It was enough for these lovers even without much word. They could understand each other's heart from the warmth of their hands.

Soon, Zoey and Matthew reached the front door. They changed their footwears to house slippers and headed inside. Once they entered, the picturesque atmosphere shattered upon when Zoey heard a familiar voice.

"Wow… you guys really had fun!" Ivan was clapping, shaking his head in disbelief.

Slowly, Zoey moved her gaze to Matthew. The latter sported a subtle smile.

"You kids shouldn't overdo it. Trust me! I've been there." Ivan sighed heavily before he picked up his glass of milk.

"Why are you here?" In disbelief, Zoey scoffed as she darted her gaze from Matthew to Ivan.

"Darling? Why is he in our matrimonial home?" Zoey added.

More than surprised, she wondered how Ivan knew this place. In this lifetime, or rather, in both her lifetimes, Ivan was never in this place. Also, this place was far more sacred than any place for Matthew.

Therefore, how come Ivan was there? It even appeared like he was there even before them.

"Duh? Because I'm a responsible man?" Ivan scoffed, clicking his tongue as he studied her from head to toe.

"Unlike those three, I'm rather surprised you're not as wasted as them. Well, they were young and it's understandable that you have the energy to party until you drop. But for me, I only need a glass of milk to fall asleep!"

"Hey! Don't you dare speak so righteously with a glass of milk at three in the morning!" Zoey argued, casting Ivan a look of dismay.

Zoey knew Ivan was a wild, free man. He had a strong hold on liquor. Still, hearing him say such things and acting like a grandpa was too violent for Zoey's eyes and ears! Just because he had Cora, how could Ivan act as if he was a saint condemning them?

As the two bickered, Matthew faced Zoey. He explained,

"He called me so I invited him over."

"Ah?" Zoey arched her brow, glancing at Ivan in dismay. The latter rolled his eyes, chuckling shortly that sounded more as a scoff.

"Didn't I tell you I have something important to say? But you just went off with your brother just to party." In a matter-of-fact tone, Ivan explained as he recalled his last conversation with Zoey.

"So, I called a more mature person to talk to. But, he had to pick you up at three in the morning." 

Ivan added sarcastically. Indeed, Ivan had been wanting to tell her about his new mission. However, she just didn't want to listen because Zion was around.

Although Ivan still didn't have full confidence in Matthew, he was the sole person who could help. Ivan was doing this because he had someone to protect. A person more important than anyone: Cora.

"We'll talk later." Matthew uttered as he cast Ivan a look.

"Well, obviously, I already know that. Also, I'm tired. I already chugged an entire gallon of milk in the fridge. So, don't look for it." Ivan shrugged, not expecting that they would talk about important matters at this time.

It was already late and Ivan didn't want to miss anything just because he was sleepy. With that being said, Ivan glanced at Zoey for the last time and scoffed.

He then walked back to the guest room which was prepared for him. Zoey watched him retreat and turned to her darling after a scoff.

"Baby, I know he wouldn't come to you if it's not important, but can you kill him now?" 

Yet, instead of answering, Matthew raised his hand and stroked her hair. A subtle smile resurfaced on his thin lips while Zoey frowned.

"Thank you." said Matthew. Zoey furrowed her brows.

"For?"

"For letting me take over this problem. I won't break this trust." He looked at her in the eye, pinching her cheek lightly.

Zoey bit her bottom lip. 'Why was he thanking me? It's a burden I passed to him and I paid little attention to this damn problem. I should be the one thanking him for lifting that burden from my back.'

Zoey had a lot of things to say, however, she decided to keep it to herself. Letting out a sigh, she held the back of his hand -- the hand that was pinching her cheek.

"Dummy. Don't make it sound like running away and passing the burden to you is something amazing." She said with a frown. "Do you think Niko wants me dead?"

Since Zoey was forced to face this problem, she had a few reasons why Ivan sought Matthew's help. Being in the Silva Family for years was enough time to know them.

Niko was a psycho. His failed attempt earlier and his encounter with Matthew surely hit a few major nerves. Thus, Zoey wouldn't be surprised if Niko wanted her dead or Matthew.

"No," After a beat, Matthew shook his head.

"I know. But I hope he wants me dead rather than wanting you, brother Zion, Cora, or anyone I cared for dead." Zoey sighed.

Knowing Niko, he was not the person who would do want silly revenge. He always liked doing it grandly; slowly taking his enemy's loved ones one by one until his enemy took their own lives voluntarily. He's that sick.

Again, Zoey let out a weary sigh. It's three in the morning, but her mind felt very active with the thought of Niko. Now, she could not help but regret considering Niko in her life again.

Suddenly, after the long silence, Matthew leaned closer and kissed her worries away. "He would never take anything from you again. I won't let anyone."

"Trust me, alright?" He added, offering a reassuring smile as his eyes stared at hers.

"It's not that I don't trust you. I'm just worried." Zoey let out another weary sigh. "But I trust you. Tell me when you need my help, I will do anything, okay?"

Zoey took a step forward, snaking her arms around his waist as she leaned her head on his chest. Slowly, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"I will. I promise.." Hugging her back, his hand soothed her back while sniffing the pleasant scent of her hair.