Chapter 2

It was three years later in Scatham. "Cynthia, the customer from Rivermont Estate called again about their delivery. What's taking so long?" her best friend asked urgently over the phone. Cynthia navigated through the maze-like luxury neighborhood with the food delivery bag, finally locating house no. 99. She replied with relief, "I'm here. I just found the place." "That's great. Anyway, the customer sounded really unfriendly on the phone. Those living in the neighborhood are all important figures, so be extra careful not to upset him," her friend warned before hanging up. "Okay, I will," she said and ended the call, deciding this would be her last delivery before heading home. Standing before the grand entrance, she pressed the doorbell. When the luxurious electronic gate swung open, Cynthia froze. There stood an incredibly handsome man; his sharp, defined features all too familiar. It was Zachary, the man from that unforgettable night years ago. Her mind raced in panic as she wondered how to handle this. After so many years, she never expected to see him again, especially not here in Scatham. Meanwhile, Zachary's intense gaze fell on her, his brows furrowing slightly. The woman standing before him was dressed in a knee-length black uniform with a white apron, her figure undeniably attractive. In the ten years he had known her, he had never seen her in such attire. He asked, "Trying a new style?" Confused by his question but remembering Janice's warning to pretend not to know him if they ever met, Cynthia kept her head down. "Sir, here's your order. That'll be 96 dollars." She held out the delivery bag, hoping to complete the transaction quickly and leave. However, he merely watched her with interest and made no move to take it. Cynthia's hand hovered awkwardly in the air, moving back and forth. It might almost look flirtatious to an onlooker, as if they were playing a little game. Suddenly, a strange energy sparked between them, and Zachary felt an electric current run through him at their near contact. His eyes darkened as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms with one swift motion. "Role-playing, are we? Not bad. I like it," he murmured. 　 Cynthia crashed against his firm chest, her face burning with shock. She pushed against him frantically. "Sir, I don't understand what you mean. P-Please let go..." As she struggled, Zachary caught the subtle scent of her fragrance. His usually composed demeanor slipped further. Ever since that night, he had maintained a stoic, disciplined life all these years. Yet now, with her in this new outfit, he felt his control slipping. "Stop moving," he warned, his voice rough. If she continued moving, things might actually escalate. Cynthia was taken aback. There was no way she would listen to him, and she had no intention of getting involved with him again. Besides, this situation was completely inappropriate. In desperation, she tried to bite his hand to free herself. To Zachary, it felt more like a playful nip from a kitten. If anything, it only fueled the fire. He cradled the back of her head as he whispered, "Janice, you won tonight." The name hit Cynthia like lightning as she realized Zachary thought she was Janice again, just like that night years ago. However, what did he mean by her winning? Before she could piece it together, Zachary's lips claimed hers with overwhelming intensity. Her eyes widened in shock as she thought he was out of his mind for kissing her. Her heart ached with the realization that yet again, he was seeing her sister instead of her. Four years ago, he had mistaken her for Janice and left her with a nightmare she could never forget. And now, it was happening all over again.