Chapter 661 - You Want Love? Romance? No.

"Why me?" Zoey inquired.

She had been wondering about this for a long time. Nikolai was a smart guy if she set aside his violent tendency.

To be honest, Zoey respected Nikolai. In the past, she considered him as her family — Inigo as well. She was a kid when she joined the Silva Family.

Her life in this crime family might not be all rainbows and butterflies. However, she got to enjoy some days because of them.

They were all innocent, albeit not purely innocent. Still, they were all like siblings. Just what had happened?

If Nikolai didn't resort to such tactics, they would still be good friends. Zoey wouldn't hesitate to take a bullet for him just like in the past.

So, why?

Why would he resort to such underhanded tactics? Why wouldn't he let her go? Why can't he just be happy for her? And… Why would he need to ruin everything just because he wanted to keep her by his side?

No, before all that, why did he betray Inigo in the first place? If Nikolai didn't do all that, Zoey would probably still be in the Silva Family.

If only Nikolai and the Silva Family let Inigo go peacefully, they'd all be here. She wouldn't probably think of breaking ties with him.

They would probably still be a team.

"What do you mean, why you?" After a long silence between them, Nikolai tilted his head to the side.

"What do I have that you can't let go?" Zoey clarified, curious at the answer for this question.

She felt like it from this lifetime or the previous one. Nikolai never completely let her go. Thus, now was her chance to get the answer.

"Because…" Nikolai trailed, staring at her straight in the eye. "Because it's you."

As simple as one, two, three, Nikolai shrugged. "I don't have any strong reason aside from that."

Hearing this granted her to hear her heart sinking. No strong reason aside from that?

"They said people can be replaced just like things. I say otherwise. Because if someone can easily replace anyone, why would I try to force myself into your life?" In a matter-of-fact tone, Nikolai raised his brows as he shrugged his shoulders once again.

"My family values me and thinks I'm important. The government and other private organizations think I'm a threat who needs to be kept an eye on. So, why would an important person like me settle for a scrape of affection from you? You can't even do the bare minimum of showing me what I want."

Zoey remained silent before a light scoff slipped past her lips. "So you want love? Romance?"

"I don't know much about love or romance. I can f*ck anyone without feeling guilt." Nikolai honestly relayed his thoughts.

"To be honest, I just want you to be mine. Mine as my property or mine as my woman, either way, both work for me."

Nikolai added, telling her that he was uncertain himself. If he knew about it, he wouldn't be so kind as to use other means other than forcing. He was good at it, anyway.

However, there was this part of him that wanted to please her. He didn't enjoy hurting her, at least physically. But he couldn't sympathize with emotional distress.

"I see." Zoey nodded in understanding, holding herself back from prolonging this conversation. "If you're done, I'll rest first."

With that being said, Zoey pushed herself back and trudged back to the bedroom. Just as she took three steps, she halted upon his call.

"By the way, Zia. Throw your phone away." Nikolai ordered before eating the last piece of the unappetizing egg she made.

"Already did." Zoey said, before resuming in her steps.

Although she didn't literally throw it away, she left it inside Matthew's car. She knew she wouldn't need it here. Therefore, instead of throwing something so valuable as a businesswoman, Zoey left it to the person she trusted the most.

When Zoey reached the bedroom, she closed the door behind her. Resting her back against the door as she took heavy breath.

"This feels suffocating." She muttered. The air in this place was just utterly suffocating.

"Matty…" Zoey whispered, thinking of Matthew and what he was doing currently. "I miss you so bad."

Slowly, Zoey's knees gave way as she slumped on the floor. It's just been hours,  but it felt like she had been separated from him for a lifetime.

****

Meanwhile, in XI Corporation...

"Master," Paul called out, his eyes filled with worry staring at Matthew who was standing in front of the floor to ceiling window.

Matthew had been gazing outside with a glass of rum in his hand. Paul had heard what had happened to Kenneth, and then to Zoey.

Yet Paul couldn't find the words of comfort. Heck. He didn't even know his boss's plan now with his silence.

"Paul." For the first time after his long silence, Matthew finally broke his silence.

"Yes, Master?" Paul perked up, clearing his throat as he was all ears to whatever Matthew's orders were.

"Prepare for a meeting tomorrow morning." Matthew paused, his eyes staring at the lights of the city that were akin to stars. "I'll be stepping down as the CEO of the XI Corporation."

As soon as he heard that, Paul froze. Did he hear what he just heard? Did Matthew say what he just said?

"Master, I'm sorry. I think…"

"I'm retiring." Before Paul could finish his sentence, Matthew cut him off by summarizing his words into two words.

"What…"

"Zoey is out there with someone else. She's there protecting everyone who betrayed her. I don't want her to suffer because of the mistakes in the past." Matthew murmured, his eyes glinted with nothing but sorrow and guilt.

"Master…" Paul wanted to argue, but he had never heard Matthew filled with sorrow. Even if he was just Matthew's assistant, his heart ached for his boss.

"I'm trying… but the more I do, the more I'm close to failing.. I won't abandon her again — never again."