Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 95: Morning Call

[156 Days Left to Live]

Zephany’s eyes fluttered open at the sudden shrill ring of her phone. Her brows knitted, and she groped blindly across the bedside table, knocking over a pen and her small notepad before her fingers finally wrapped around the vibrating device. Still groggy, she squinted at the screen.

Her breath caught.

Reynold.

Her heart gave a thud. She blinked hard, making sure she wasn’t imagining it. But it was there, clear as day. Her brother’s name flashing across the screen. Her thumb hovered for a second, hesitant and nervous. Then she took a breath and answered the call.

"Hello?" Her voice came out soft, a little shaky.

There was a moment of silence before a familiar voice spoke. Calm, deep, steady.

"Zeph... How are you?"

The sound of her brother’s voice was enough to make her chest tighten. She sat up slowly, back resting against the headboard. Her grip on the phone loosened just a little.

"I... I’m okay," she replied quietly, trying to keep her tone light but the emotions bubbling beneath made her words falter.

"I was thinking about you," Reynold said on the other end. "Are you doing well? Eating properly? Sleeping enough?"

He didn’t ask about Kendrick. Not once. He didn’t scold her, didn’t question her decisions, didn’t raise his voice like she had imagined he would. Instead, his voice was filled with worry, laced with a gentleness only a big brother could carry.

Zephany bit her lip, feeling a wave of guilt crash over her. Her eyes watered slightly, but she blinked it away. She had braced herself for anger, for disappointment. But what greeted her instead was kindness.

"I’m... I’m really sorry," she whispered after a short pause. "Big Brother, I... I’m sorry for not telling you about my sudden marriage. I should have called. I should have told you first. I hope you can accept my decision."

She closed her eyes tightly, gripping the blanket around her legs as if it could give her strength. Her heart pounded while she waited for his reply. Nervousness crawled up her spine like vines twisting around her chest.

There was a pause on the other end.

Reynold exhaled quietly, his voice low when he finally spoke.

"You’re my sister, Zeph. That will never change. I won’t lie—hearing about your marriage from the news... it surprised me." He paused again. "But right now, what matters most is that you’re safe. I just hope this isn’t something you’ll regret. I hope Kendrick is someone you can truly rely on."

Zephany swallowed hard. Her chest felt full, but in a warm, comforting way. Her brother wasn’t angry—he was worried. He still cared.

A small smile appeared on her face, shy but genuine.

"Thanks, Brother... Kendrick is nice to me. He treats me well," she said, her voice softening without her noticing. "He even makes breakfast and brings me lunch sometimes."

She chuckled a little, remembering how Kendrick handed her a neatly packed bento box the other day, awkwardly but sincerely. "He’s thoughtful. Quietly teases sometimes... but really thoughtful."

On the other end of the line, Reynold was silent for a moment.

He leaned back in his chair, gaze distant.

So, she’s already falling for him, huh?

The way her voice lightened, the warmth in her tone—it was obvious.

He remembered his short conversation with Kendrick from the other day. The man had been polite, composed, and respectful. Reynold had tried to look for cracks, for signs of insincerity, but Kendrick had held his ground.

He didn’t want to admit it, but Kendrick didn’t seem like a bad man.

Still, no man was good enough for Zephany. His little sister deserved the best in the world. Kendrick had a long way to go before he could earn his full trust.

"Well... just make sure he keeps treating you that way," Reynold finally said. "If he doesn’t, you know where to find me."

Zephany chuckled softly, wiping the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand. "I know. I will."

"I have to go. Still a long day ahead," Reynold said.

"Okay. Take care, Brother. Really... thank you for calling," she said, voice filled with warmth.

"You too. Be safe, Zeph. Don’t overwork yourself."

The call ended with a soft click, and Zephany stared at her phone for a moment, smiling gently to herself. Her heart felt lighter.

Just then, a notification buzzed on her screen.

An unfamiliar number.

She hesitated before clicking it.

"Hi Idol! Good morning! I’m just right here waiting for your reply about yesterday. But take your time I just wanna wish you a great day today.

-Kaelion."

A small smile tugged at her lips. This guy was really persistent, wasn’t he?

She chuckled quietly to herself but didn’t type a reply. If she did, she was certain the messages would keep coming nonstop. For now, silence was safer.

She stretched her arms above her head, yawning before she stood up and padded toward the bathroom.

---

In the kitchen, Kendrick sat at the island with a mug of hot coffee in his hand. His gaze drifted toward the hallway for the tenth time that morning.

Still no sign of her.

He muttered under his breath, "Still not awake."

He took a sip of the dark brew, the bitterness grounding him as he turned his attention to the breakfast he had prepared. Two plates of toast, scrambled eggs, a small bowl of fruit, and freshly cut vegetables. He had even taken the time to fry up a few sausages, just in case she was in the mood for something heavier.

He reached for his phone with his free hand, unlocking it and pretending to scroll—though his eyes flickered once more toward the hallway.

Finally, soft footsteps echoed. He turned his head slightly and there she was.

Zephany walked in, still toweling her damp hair, dressed in a simple pale blue top and beige shorts. Her eyes met his and she paused briefly in the doorway.