Wild Young Miss: Mister, Let's Kiss!

When their discussion came to an end, Ivan stormed out of the office and left the two alone. He didn't say a single word as he needed time to take everything in. 

"Aren't we leaving? We still have a party to attend to." Minutes after Ivan left, Matthew turned to Zoey and asked.

Zoey remained silent the entire time. Aside from her initial surprised expression earlier, she kept her blank expression throughout the entire conversation. Even after Ivan stormed out, she didn't move nor did she ask anything further.

"How far do you know everything?" When her lips finally parted, Zoey peered at his pair of russet eyes, bearing a solid yet unknown determination.

"More than you think." Matthew answered without batting an eye. "I initially planned on keeping everything a secret from you, but I think you deserve to know a thing or two. Although I didn't plan on saying it this way -- I guess there's no perfect time for it."

Matthew indifferently nodded in satisfaction. After all, there was just no perfect time to let her know everything. At the very least, informing Ivan and Zoey at the same time was akin to hitting two birds in one stone.

Whatever lies in the future was a gamble. However, Matthew would not gamble in a game he knew he had low chances of winning. 

It would be hard for Ivan to accept things in a different perspective than he was used to seeing things. But with Cora's involvement, Matthew was confident everything would be in his favor, eventually.

"I see," Zoey nodded in understanding as she tightened her fist until they trembled. "Before you fell into that long sleep, you said something… do you remember?"

Matthew stared at Zoey as he recalled the last words he said out of desperation under that circumstance. Since he didn't completely regain his memories back then, he spouted something that his instinct told him.

'Don't touch Inigo,' Matthew repeated those words inside his head while staring at Zoey. 'What should I say without raising more questions?'

He wondered as he remained silent. The entire office was engulfed with nothing but silence. Neither of the two spoke for a good three minutes and just stared at each other. Another minute had passed before Matthew's lips parted.

"Don't touch Inigo, is that what you mean?" Matthew asked in a composed tone which made Zoey swallow a mouthful of saliva.

"Do you, by chance, know him?" Zoey queried as she prepared herself from hearing whatever answer from him.

Zoey was not stupid to conclude a ridiculous idea. Matthew had involved himself in this kind of life. Thus, there was a chance that Matthew and Inigo knew each other.

If she placed Matthew as the person who supported Inigo to gain power in their previous life before they parted ways due to unknown reasons, it would make sense. Matthew was wealthy and a daredevil; anyone whom he would support would gain enormous power and influence.

If Inigo achieved such forces in seven years, someone who was in the same caliber as Matthew's position would surely affiliate with Inigo. If Inigo killed Matthew, Zoey wouldn't be surprised because the underworld was filled with betrayals.

Matthew didn't immediately answer Zoey's question as he studied her expression. He couldn't read her and his answer could change everything. Thus, Matthew took his time to ponder over how to answer her question.

"What if I know him and what if I don't?" In the end, Matthew didn't answer but asked back. "Will it change anything?"

"I want him dead." 

"Why?" As soon as Zoey answered, Matthew was quick to throw another question that silenced Zoey for a moment. "Why do you want him dead? I mean, you told me the reason but it didn't happen yet."

Matthew added in a reasonable tone. Although he knew Inigo wouldn't do such a foolish thing, he didn't want Zoey to do such a reckless thing as well. After all, she was targeting the wrong person.

"But it will." Zoey argued as she clenched her teeth, tightening her jaw. "It might be hard to believe, but I will never forget."

Zoey uttered without averting her glistening eyes away. She wouldn't forgive Inigo. And since the said man also had his memories from their previous life, that's the more reason Zoey should execute her plans on taking him down.

Matthew studied her determined front and could not help but sigh. Slowly, he assisted himself up and strode towards the head seat.

Seeing this, Zoey's eyes widened as she watched him place his palms on the armrest as he leaned down. Matthew inched closer to her with narrowed eyes.

"What are you doing?" Zoey inquired without backing away nor showing she was intimidated by him.

"Studying you." He answered without batting an eye. 

"What have you learned so far?" Zoey arched her right brow as she let his eyes fixed with hers.

"That you don't trust me," Without a second hesitation, Matthew answered as a subtle frown resurfaced on his lips. "Didn't I tell you you're not alone anymore? Why do you still hold a grudge against someone all alone?"

Upon hearing his last remarks, Zoey was rendered speechless as she bit her lower lip. Just then, she felt his hand caress her trembling fist that made her gaze down.

"Don't touch Inigo -- let me do it for you." Matthew whispered as he looked at her who was hanging her head low. "Forget about everything and start anew. If what you're saying about time-traveling is true, shouldn't you live your life to the fullest?"

Zoey bit her lower lips harder upon hearing his soft whisper. She could feel his gentle breath brush her ear that brought a reassuring warmth in her heart.

"If he wants to kill you, can't you entrust your safety to me?" Matthew's eyes softened before he closed them and rested his forehead over her head. 

"You said you will become my wife… can't you trust your husband this time?" Through his gritted teeth, Matthew asked as he knew he was asking for too much.

Matthew died without saying a word. He died out of his own recklessness. Zoey shouldered everything after that. And yet, he was shamelessly asking her to trust him to protect her. 

'I know it was selfish of me… but let me carry all the burdens that you've been carrying in these two lifetimes.'