"Get out of here," one of the men snarled, his bravado faltering as he realized they were no longer alone. "This doesn’t concern you."
Zack’s eyes blazed with anger as he stepped forward, his voice firm. "As long as I’m here, you won’t lay a hand on her."
Without another word, Zack lunged at them, his fists flying. The restroom erupted into chaos as he unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. The men tried to fight back, but Zack’s movements were quick and precise, each strike landing with brutal efficiency.
Bella watched in stunned silence, her body trembling as she retreated to the far corner of the room, trying to distance herself from the violence. Her breath hitched, fear and shock coursing through her as she witnessed the intense struggle.
It wasn’t long before the two men realized they were outmatched. One of them cursed under his breath, and they both scrambled for the door, fleeing from the relentless assault.
Zack stood there, his chest heaving as he watched them disappear, wiping away a small smear of blood from the corner of his mouth. "Scoundrels," he muttered with contempt.
When he turned back to Bella, his expression softened instantly. He rushed to her side, his hands gently clasping her shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern.
Bella shook her head, unable to speak as tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. The terror of what had nearly happened left her shaken to the core.
Zack quickly removed his suit jacket and draped it over her trembling shoulders, his heart aching at the sight of her distress. He had followed her with the intention of having a conversation, never imagining he would find her in such a state.
"Let’s get out of here," he murmured gently, guiding her toward the door with a protective arm around her. But as they stepped into the hallway, they came to an abrupt stop.
Theodore was walking toward them, his expression dark and intense, his eyes locking onto Bella with a mix of worry and anger.
Theodore’s rage simmered beneath the surface as he watched Zack’s arm draped around Bella’s shoulders. The sight of his jacket on her—fanned the flames of jealousy and possessiveness that seared through him. His hands clenched into fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked, and his entire body felt like it was on fire.
Bella felt a chill on her nape as she caught the storm of fury in Theodore’s eyes. Her heart raced as she realized that he had misunderstood the situation entirely. Before she could even begin to explain, Theodore’s anger exploded. He yanked her away from Zack with a force that made both of them stagger.
In an instant, Theodore’s arms were around Bella, his grip so tight it felt almost suffocating. Bella’s breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion. His face was a storm of emotions—rage, jealousy, and a possessive intensity that left her feeling trapped.
Bella trembled in his embrace, terrified and uncomfortable at the same time. She wanted to explain, but her voice died down her throat under his fierce glare.
Zack, taken aback by Theodore’s sudden and aggressive move, tried to protest. "What’s wrong with you?" he snapped, dumbfounded. "She is..."
"Get lost," Theodore growled, interrupting. The danger in his tone was unmistakable, and Zack’s eyes widened in shock.
Zack bristled at the blatant dismissal. "Mr. Reid, I have great respect for you, but this doesn’t give you the right to humiliate me like this," he said, his irritation bubbling over. "Bella is my employee. It’s my responsibility to ensure her safety."
Theodore’s gaze narrowed, his jealousy flaring at the mention of Zack’s claim. "Really?" he scoffed scornfully. "She is not your responsibility when I’m here." His eyes flicked down at Zack’s jacket on her, his anger flaring. "And what’s with the jacket?" he snapped. "Why are you still wearing it?"
Theodore yanked the jacket off Bella’s shoulders and threw it down on the floor. He then removed his own suit jacket and draped it over her, his actions both protective and domineering.
"If you need a jacket, I’m the one who provides it. Don’t go to another man for it."
Bella shivered as Theodore’s jacket enveloped her. The jealousy and anger in his eyes were palpable, and Bella couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled in her chest. She felt a complex swirl of emotions—fear, confusion, and a dawning realization that this confrontation was far from over.
"Excuse me!" Zack’s voice cut through the tension, his face twisted in disbelief and frustration as he confronted Theodore. He wondered why Theodore was acting all possessive and insecure. "You don’t need to worry about her. She is safe with me, and I’ll make sure she gets home."
Theodore’s eyes darkened with anger. "Why would my wife go with you?" he snarled, his tone menacing.
The word "wife" seemed to knock the wind out of Zack. His eyes shot to Bella, a mix of shock and realization crossing his face.
He had been wondering all these days who Bella had married. It turned out that Theodore Reid was her husband.
Everything made sense now. It was Theodore who had arranged Bella’s mother’s surgery, who had ensured Bella’s role as Willow’s assistant. The realization struck Zack like a physical blow, and he felt his hopes crumble into dust.
There was no way he could compete with Theodore to win Bella. Tears stung at the corners of his eyes as he looked at Bella, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Are you... are you married to him, Bella?"
Bella nodded and replied, "Yes, he is my husband. Please stay out of this."
Theodore’s grip on Bella tightened as he glared at Zack with fierce possessiveness. "Did you hear that?" he hissed. "She is mine, and she obviously doesn’t need you to look after her."
Without waiting for a response, Theodore swept Bella up in his arms with a determined, almost brutal efficiency. Bella’s surprised gasp was swallowed by Theodore’s fierce embrace as he carried her away, leaving Zack behind.
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