She Got A Better Man

Chapter

6

The phone rang, and Elvira picked up to Olivia's excited congratulations. "Elvira, you lucky duck: Though, between us, I never pegged Calvin as your Mr. Right. But hey, love conquers all, right?

"Brace yoursell, Olivia. You're not gonna believe this, Elvira knew she had to come clean with her bestie.

"What could possibly top the I married Calvin disaster? Olivia woffed, her disdain for Calvin no secret.

"Well, plot twist. I didn't marry Calvin, Elvira revealed calmly.

Hell yes! Wait, then who is the unlucky fellar Olivia's brain, already fried from a marathon shift, nearly short-circuited.

It's a long story. Let's grab dinner and I'll spill the beans, Elvira proposed, seizing the opportunity as she glanced around her nearly settled home.

They agreed on a spot and made their way there.

Olivia was a doctor. She often missed meals due to her busy schedule, which was why she hadn't seen Elvira's social media updates.

Over dinner, Elvira unpacked the story, with Olivia cursing Calvin to the seven hells, relieved she could finally vent her true feelings

"Who did you marry, and why aren't we getting him annulled tomorrow? Worse comes to worst, well embrace the single life together!" Olivia was both worried and scared Elvira might have made another hasty decision. Elvira assured her Zach was not a mistake, but Olivia remained skeptical until she could meet him.

Left with no choice, Elvira rang Zach amid his busy schedule. His initial annoyance at the disturbance softened when he learned why she called. He valued his privacy and wasn't keen on needless interruptions, especially not from someone he was still getting to know. "What's up?" Zach's voice was cool.

"Sorry to bother you, but my bestie's freaking out about our shotgun wedding. She wants to meet you. Totally cool if you're swamped, Elvira said lightly, aware she was pushing her luck. "Send me the address. I can't promise I'll be there soon, but I'll make an effort. Zach, ever the pragmatist, figured helping Elvira manage her social circle was part of the deal. "Thanks a bunch" Elvira texted him the details and then reassured Olivia. "He's swamped but will do his best to swing by. Let's

rat for now.

"Best he can do? Seriously? He is your husband, not some distant cousin. Screw this, we're getting you out of this tomorrow" Olivia was furning.

"Chill, Olivia. I kinda sprung, this on him last minute. He is actually pretty decent, Elvira defended Zach, hoping to temper Olivia's outrage

"How'decent' can a guy you impulsively marry be?" Olivia wasn't buying it, convinced Elvira was just putting on a brave face, all while preaching the gospel of singledom. Post-dinner, with Zach MIA, Olivia was all set to launch Operation: Annulment.

That's when Zach strolled in, exuding an air of regal charm that could silence a room.

Olivia, mouth agape, was about to nudge Elvira when she noticed her already beaming and rising to greet him.

Zach arrived at their table, apologizing softly. "Sorry for the delay, traffic was a nightmare. Have you both finished eating!"

"It's fine, we're done. Want anything? Elvira scooted over, making room as Zach slid into her spot.

Back on the road, Elvira's phone blew up with messages from Olivia

6:15 PM C

Olivia: Elvira, women need to tie the knot!]

Olivia: [Elvira, I'm all for your marriage. Mr. Gilbert is your ticket to happiness!]

Olivia: [Elvira, did you two seal the deal yet? Time is ticking. Snag him before it's too late!]

Olivia: [Elvira, ditch the modesty. When you spot a gem. go for it!]

Blushing at the audacity, Elvira tilted her phone away to text back. [Thought we were on the spinster track?]

Olivia: [Scratch that. Every woman needs a sprinkle of man in her life.]

Elvira: [But you said all men are trash. One meet and he is gold?]

Olivia: [Mr. Gilbert is the real deal. I stake my life on it.]

Internally rolling her eyes, Elvira thought, What a flip-flopper!

"Always this intense with your friend?" Zach peered over as Elvira hastily hid her phone.

Elvira was puzzled.

Noticing her look, Zach hinted. "Window reflection. It's all there."

Elvira's face went crimson as she quickly locked her phone, mortified. 'Crap, did he catch Olivia's rant

Feeling like she hit peak embarrassment, Elvira stammered, "You've got it wrong. She wasn't serious,"

"She didn't mean 'seal the deal' serious?" Zach couldn't resist.

Elvira, at a loss for words, stuttered, "Of course not. Just kidding.

Seeing Zach's silent judgment, Elvira insisted, "For real!"

Zach gave her a cool look and nonchalantly acknowledged with an "Oh."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Back at the apartment. Elvira, dying of embarrassment, immediately retreated to her room to scold Olivia.

Unnoticed by Elvira, Zach paused, struck by the transformation of their apartment into a cozy, stylish haven, a first in years for him.

ab

Elvira's flair had made their place not just a house, but a home, something Zach hadn't known for too long.