Chapter 56: Zach, Are You Married?
Sienna’s words made Zachary chuckle softly.
"Don’t worry too much," he replied, glancing at her. "As I said before, we’re not picky eaters, especially me. I can eat anything."
Sienna nodded quickly, feeling relieved. But her relief only lasted for a few seconds before Zachary continued his words.
"But," he pointed ahead to Skylar, who had already reached the door and somehow opened it effortlessly, "you only need to impress him."
Sienna followed his gesture, her eyes landing on the little boy. "Oh..." she murmured. "So the real boss is him? Great. I have to win over a child who treats helicopters like toys.’
But then, Sienna suddenly stopped walking. Zachary paused as well, turning to face her.
"What’s the matter? Did you forget something?" he asked, glancing at his helicopter, ready to return.
Sienna hesitated. Her fingers tightened slightly around the suitcase handle, her thoughts racing.
’Girl, this was a bad idea. A very bad idea,’ she thought. For a split second, she hesitated to voice her curiosity. But in the end, she couldn’t hold it.
"Zach, may I ask you something personal?"
"Sure," he replied without hesitation.
That only made her more nervous. Once again, for a brief second, she considered backing out. Because if this question offended him, things would be awkward. And she would have to spend the entire weekend cooking under a cold, distant boss.
That sounded like a nightmare.
But in the end, her curiosity won. She lifted her gaze to meet his and asked, "Zach, I’m sorry if this is inappropriate... Are you married?"
The question slipped out, far more direct than Sienna had intended.
And just like that, silence fell between them.
It wasn’t the comfortable kind of silence either. It feels heavy and awkward at the same time.
She immediately regretted the choice that had led her to this exact moment. Her fingers tightened slightly around the handle of her suitcase as she looked at him, waiting for the answer she really wanted to hear.
However, Zachary only stood there, his gaze fixed on her, his expression unreadable. It was as if he wanted to say something... but didn’t quite know where to begin.
’Damn it, Sienna...’ she scolded herself. ’Who asks something like that out of nowhere? Are you conducting an interview? Congratulations, girl. You just ruined your first day working for him...’
She forced a small, uneasy smile. Nervously, she said, "Zach, it’s fine if you can’t or won’t answer—"
"No, of course I can answer you," he interrupted calmly.
His voice was steady. It sounds like her question hadn’t affected him at all. But just as he was about to continue, the villa door suddenly swung open.
Both of them turned at the same time.
Skylar stood there, his small figure framed by the warm light from inside. His expression was serious, far too serious for a child his age.
"Dad, I’m starving," he said, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. "This way past my dinner time..."
The tension between Sienna and Zachary broke instantly.
Zachary let out a soft breath, his expression softening as he nodded at his son. Then he returned his gaze to Sienna. "Can you make us dinner now?" he asked.
"Y-Yes. Yes. Absolutely," Sienna replied quickly, her earlier awkwardness shifting into sudden professionalism.
Without another word, Zachary reached out and took her suitcase from her hand.
"Let’s go..." He said, and just like that, he walked ahead.
Sienna followed behind him, her steps quick as she entered the villa. The moment she stepped inside, she realized something. This place was... huge and modern.
The living room was spacious, with modern furniture and warm lighting that made the entire space feel both luxurious and welcoming. It connected directly to a large, sleek kitchen that looked like it belonged in a cooking show rather than a private villa.
But Sienna barely had time to admire any of it. Her brain had already switched into work mode.
Zachary stopped near the kitchen and turned to her.
"The ingredients are stocked in the fridge, and there’s more in the pantry behind. If you don’t find what you need, tell me. I’ll have someone deliver it tomorrow."
"Okay..." Sienna nodded.
And without waiting for anything more, she moved straight toward the kitchen.
Her curiosity about his marital status? Completely pushed aside.
Right now, she had a more urgent mission. Feed the little boss.
She opened the fridge and paused. Her eyes scanned the neatly arranged ingredients: fresh vegetables, various cuts of meat, dairy, and sauces... everything was there.
’Wow... this is better stocked than my entire kitchen for a month,’ she thought.
She quickly assessed her options.
There was no time for anything complicated. Ava’s recipes, as wonderful as they were, required preparation and attention she simply didn’t have at this moment.
Then her eyes landed on a few pieces of fresh sirloin.
’Perfect! A simple steak with veggies and corn would be quicker to prepare...’ She settled on a quick menu. ’Alright... focus, Sienna. Don’t mess this up.’
But just as she was about to start, she paused. Her brows furrowed slightly. "Huh... where is he?"
Sienna glanced around, but Zachary was nowhere to be seen.
Only Skylar remained. He sat comfortably in the living room, his eyes focused on the large flat-screen television.
Sienna hesitated for a moment before walking toward him.
"Excuse me, Sky..." she called gently.
The boy turned to look at her, his expression calm but curious. "Yes?"
She smiled politely, though there was a hint of nervousness in her tone. "May I know if you have any allergies?"
Skylar frowned. For a second, he simply stared at her, as if processing what she had just asked.
Sienna quickly explained more, "I mean, I’m going to make your dinner, so I just want to make sure there’s nothing you can’t eat..."
"Oh..." he said softly while shrugging. Then he looked like he was trying to remember something for a second before saying, "Daddy told me that I never have any allergies, and that I can eat anything I want. Does that answer your question?"
Sienna visibly relaxed.
"Yes, that would do," she said with a small smile. "I’ll make your steak. Please wait a little while, is that okay?"
"Yep. Thank you, Aunty Sienna," he replied politely before turning his attention back to the television.
Sienna smiled to hear that, ’This little boss, he finally called me Aunty—’