"I don't pay you to flirt with my employees. In your office, Brett."

"But sir, it's already six-"

"It's 5.55, Brett. Did you even attend elementary school?"

Wow. When did Zach become so rude?

Brett looks at the ground and sighs before mumbling a 'sorry, sir' and leaving. Brett's face has turned red from embarrassment and I see Julia's eyes follow him outside. She looks concerned, Zach really didn't have to snap like that.

"Miss Sallow, in my office, now." Zach grits out before walking away in angry strides, I realize how he didn't say anything to Julia. I mean, she wasn't working either.

It really shouldn't matter and maybe I am just overthinking.

Julia throws me a mischievous wink and a small smirk. I roll my eyes and follow Zach to his office, feeling anxiety bubbling inside me. Is he mad at me?

He leans against the table and waits for me to enter. I close the door behind me and turn to Zach, taking in his enraged green eyes and clenched jaws.

"Come here." I hesitantly walk to him, taking my time.

"Closer," he grits out. I take a few steps to him. He surprises when he grabs my wrist and pulls me between his legs.

So professional.

Not that I am complaining. My heart beats wildly and I feel butterfly in my stomach at the closeness.

"How's your knee?" My eyes widen at his question, I thought he'd say something about what happened with Brett earlier.

Bipolar much?

"It doesn't hurt anymore, does it?" his eyes look directly at mine and I shake my head. It doesn't hurt much. His eyes don't lose the rage but I see something else in there.

Seven years is a long time. I should have gotten over him. But why am I still feeling like this? Why am I breathing so heavily? Why do I want so desperately for him to kiss me with those lips?

Why do I even want him?

"Ella, I just... I think I still-," Zach groans and pulls his hair in frustration. I still what? Complete it, Zach. Please. I beg in my mind. But instead, he pushes me away and walks to his side of the table. He takes his suit and walks outside the door before calling me.

I walk to him with wobbly knees, my heart was still not calm.

The ride home was uncomfortable. We wouldn't look at each other and the atmosphere was so damn hot and electric. Once we reached, I took off to the room he'd given me, without even looking back.

Lily brought dinner to my room. She told me about her day and everything that happened at school. I listened to her and it was fun to listen to but I couldn't take my mind off Zach. I wished he'd at least complete what he had to say.

Why does he have to be so complicated?

Lily leaves shortly after I finish my food. I take a short shower and change into my pyjamas before jumping into my bed. I wished I knew why Zach had clothes of my size in his home.

Did it belong to someone else?

I sigh exasperatedly. I had to get rid of this jealousy. It was toxic to me. My phone, Zach had asked Julie to give me one, vibrates next to my pillow. I take a look at it and smile when I see Julie's message.

Ella, are you free this weekend?

If yes, come with me to the club?

Please?

Today is Wednesday. I think about it. It will be fun. What could go wrong? So I type an 'okay'. My hands hover over the send button but I am unable to send it. My breathing turns heavier and my head throbs. Sighing, I throw the phone aside and stand up.

Stretching a little, I look at the time. 11.59. I should be asleep.

I almost scream when the door to my room opens. The dim lights fall on Zach. He should have at least knocked. What if I was naked? His eyes widen when he sees me. His gaze drifts down my body and I feel insecure because the pyjama shorts expose my scarred thighs completely.

Wrong choice of clothes.

"I thought you were asleep," Zach says gruffly. He closes the door behind him. The white t-shirt he's wearing hugs his muscled body completely. He is more muscled than he used to be, I realize.

I gulp when he takes some steps to me. I am awkwardly standing next to my bed. When he is close enough that our feet are touching, he leans down to my ear.

"Happy Birthday, baby."

I freeze. My heart skips a beat. I stop breathing. How... how does he remember? And, baby? God, please tell me he isn't just messing with me.

Thankfully, the lights are dim and he can't see my very red face.

"I got you a little something," he says and hands me a beautifully wrapped box that he had behind him the whole time. I stop breathing when he buries his face in the crook of my neck and then the smell hits me.

Alcohol.

"You smell so good," Zach groans on my neck. He wraps his arm around my waist and snuggles on my neck. I stifle a moan when he places a soft kiss.

I push him away. He doesn't want this, he'll regret it tomorrow.

"Stop it," he yells, pulling back. "Stop pushing me away, Ella! Damnit, just stop. I can't take it anymore," his tone turns soft and he bites his lip lightly. He almost looks like a lost puppy.

I wrap my hands around his waist hoping to give him some comfort because it hurts seeing him like this.

He groans and puts his arms around me, pulling me into him.

"Why did you hurt me like that Ella? I loved you, so much," he mumbles into my hair. His voice slurs a little. My heart clenches at his words.

"You said I wasn't rich. That I didn't have money and couldn't provide for you. I never thought you were like that. I never really knew you, did I?" he continues. A tear slides down my cheek but I continue to hold onto him.

I want him to let it all out.

After all, I am the reason.

"But you wanted money. And, I'd give you that. So, I gave my everything to my dad's small company and here I am. I then searched for you everywhere, y'know?" He sighs into my hair before continuing, "until fate brought you to me."

Zach pulls back and I realize how cold his voice has suddenly become.

"Are you happy now? I have what you want. Money," he chuckles coldly and pushes me away. Lightly. But it hurts. My heart squeezes painfully.

"I am so rich, baby. I can finally provide for you," he smiles coldly, a cold shiver passes down my spine. I see a tear roll down his cheeks. He's crying. A sob breaks through me at the sight.

"I fucking loved you. Happy fucking birthday, Ella," he growls before walking out. He slams the door hard and I cover my mouth with the back of my hand to stifle the uncontrollable sobs.

Why me?

unedited.