Chapter 57
The next morning, Penelope returned to Rebecca’s apartment to find Zebulon and Mrs. Sullivan waiting for her, their faces thunderous. Rebecca stood nearby, a look of disappointment on her face.
“Penelope, how could you do something so shameless?” Mrs. Sullivan screeched. “You’ve humiliated Zebulon and dragged the Sullivan family name through the mud p>
Penelope raised an eyebrow. “What did I do p>
Zebulon slammed a set of photos onto the coffee table. “Explain this p>
Penelope looked down. They were pictures from the night before: her and Nathan laughing, her linking her arm with his as they got on the elevator, and them entering a hotel room together. The photos were crystal clear. Rebecca had certainly done her homework.
“What’s there to explain?” Mrs. Sullivan sneered. “I always knew she was trouble, constantly surrounded by men and staying out all night. This probably isn’t the first time, and he probably isn’t her first man p>
Penelope blinked. “So you’re accusing me of something p>
“It’s not an accusation! You cheated! You found some man on the side p>
“That man is Nathan Reed from KINY Group,” Penelope stated calmly.
“The Nathan Reed from KINY?” Mrs. Sullivan’s eyes darted around as a look of realization dawned on her. “So that’s why he ignored all our calls but answered yours immediately! And why he agreed to continue the partnership after just a few words from you! It all makes sense now p>
“What makes sense p>
“You two have been sleeping together all along p>
Penelope scoffed. Mrs. Sullivan had quite the imagination.
“Penelope, no man could ever be as good to you as Zebulon,” Rebecca chimed in, playing the role of the concerned friend. “He loves you with all his heart. How could you hurt him like this p>
“Penelope, I love you so much. How could you do this to me?” Zebulon asked, his eyes red with fury.
Loves me with all his heart? So much love? Then what about him and Rebecca? What about the baby in her belly? What about the fake marriage certificate? So it was fine for him to betray her, but if she did the same, it was an unforgivable crime?
“You shameless tramp! Thank God I had the foresight not to let my son actually marry you p>
“What did you say p>
Realizing her slip, Mrs. Sullivan quickly backtracked. “I mean, it would be the worst luck imaginable for the Sullivan family to be stuck with you p>
Penelope snorted. “Did it ever occur to you that I might have been meeting him at the hotel for other reasons p>
“What reason could you possibly have to meet a man in a hotel room late at night? It was obviously a sordid affair!” Mrs. Sullivan spat.
Penelope turned to Zebulon. “So you don’t believe me either p>
Zebulon’s fists were clenched, his face a dark mask of rage. “Penelope, you will explain yourself to me right now p>
“And if I do, will you even believe me p>
Pushed to his limit, Zebulon lunged forward, his hands reaching for her throat.
“You touch me, and we’re getting a divorce p>
“Then divorce her!” Mrs. Sullivan urged. “Why would you want to stay with such a promiscuous woman p>
“Penelope, just admit you cheated and beg for Zebulon’s forgiveness,” Rebecca added with false sincerity.
“If that’s what you all want to believe, then I have nothing more to say,” Penelope said with a shrug.
Zebulon finally snapped. With a roar of fury, he flipped the coffee table, sending glass shattering across the floor. But that wasn’t enough. He grabbed a teapot and hurled it at the television, kicked over the fish tank, and proceeded to destroy every door in the apartment, breaking anything he could get his hands on.
Even after his rampage, his anger was not appeased. “Penelope, how dare you betray me! How dare you p>
Penelope was genuinely taken aback. The gentle, sophisticated Zebulon she knew had never acted like this. Perhaps this was his idea of “deep love”-a love that demanded absolute from her while
allowing him to do as he pleased.
Mrs. Sullivan and Rebecca were also terrified, especially as they watched their home being torn apart. But then a flicker of triumph appeared in Rebecca’s eyes. After this, Zebulon Would never love Penelope again.