She Got A Better Man

Chapter

2

"Hey, I'm Zach. I manage stuff at a company and have a car but no house. So, are we doing this marriage thing or what?" Zach's eyes were cool, almost detached, as he laid it all out for Elvira. Tracy had filled him in on Elvira's deal and made him an offer he couldn't refuse: tie the knot with Elvira, and Tracy would finally get the surgery.

Elvira was battled.

"Trust me, Elvira. If you marry my grandson, he'll be dead loyal to you. No ifs, ands, or buts" Tracy said, all smiles.

Facing a guy leagues hotter than Calvin and considering her own mess of a situation, Elvira went for it. "Okay, let's do it"

"Given Calvin's backstabbing, what is left to expect from love! Marrying any Jor is marrying, so why not this hottie?" she thought to herself. somewhat bitterly.

Minutes later, they were stepping out with their marriage certificate. Elvira alongside Calvin, felt a whirlwind of emotions,

Tracy couldn't stop smiling if she tried, thrilled at the sight of the marriage certificate.

"I've got things to do, so Im off. Remember what you promised, Grandma. Pull any stunts, and I'm filing for divorce. Zach threw over his shoulder

as he left.

Tracy shot a glare at Zach's retreating figure, then turned to Elvira with a mix of guilt and hope. "He doesn't get you yet, Elvira. But give it time, and hell be head over heels." Elvira just smiled. Zach had clued her in on the deal. Figuring her marriage could save Tracy made the whole thing easier to swallow,

Elvira, genuinely fond of Tracy, suggested.

"Hey, Mrs. Gilbert, how about we celebrate my big day? My treat for dinner," "Absolutely! Tonight, we dine like queens, no holding back, Tracy declared, all set for a girls' night out During di

dinner, Elvira shared a photo of her marriage certificate and the feast on WhatsApp with the caption, [Just married!]

Elvira and Tracy chatted away, ignoring the bitter edge of the evening. Elvira drowned her sorrows in wine, Tracy letting her, understanding the weight on her shoulders Eventually, Elvira

was a drunken mess at the table, prompting a concerned Tracy to call Zach. "Get over here and take Elvira home, I'm scheduling the surgery for this week"

Zach, though hesitant, couldn't say no to that

Arriving at the scene, Zach found Elvira alone and wasted, Tracy conspicuously absent.

He usually disliked close

se contact w

with strangers but had no choice. "Wake up," he coaxed gently.

"Mmm, leave

me alone. Just wanna sleep, Elvira slurred, too lost in her misery to care.

Lifting her, Zach caught her as she nearly fell, battling the urge to push her away. But r

remembering Tracy's words, he cautiously embraced her.

Looking down, Zach felt an unexpected warmth. He had never planned on marriage, yet here he was, oddly married to a stranger who seemed to stir something in him. Her beauty, visible even in her drunken state, somehow made the whole scenario less daunting. Cradling her, Zach thought, "Maybe this marriage won't be so bad after all:

But what if she's after the Gilbert fortune? A nagging doulst lingered.

After watching Zach carry Elvira away. Tracy finally stepped out, satisfied.

h and Ms. Willis are a match made in heaven"

Polly Barnett, who had watched Zach grow up, chimed in, "Mrs. Gilbert, you gotta admit, Mr. Zach "Absolutely. Fin always right. She is

"Right, i

the new M

is the new Mrs. Gilbert Tracy replied, puffing up with pride.

new Mrs. Chilbert!" Polly echoed, already dreaming about the next generation.

Tracy rolled her eyes. "Can you believe that kid? Trying to look poor in front of Elvira, as if I'd ever steer him wrong. I wanted to pamper my new granblughter-in-law, but no, Zach had to act like Elvira was gold digging. It's maddening!"

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6:14 PM ch

Chapter 2

Zach settled Elvira into a small apartment he owned, the least of his properties, hastily furnished by his assistant.

Elvira's quiet drunken sleep impressed Zach; he couldn't stand those who went nuts with booze.

After tucking her in, he rushed off to other commitments.

Elvira woke around 10 p.m.. confused by her surroundings. The events of the day slowly came back to her, and she noticed several missed calls on her phone.

Ignoring the calls, she dialed Tracy first.

"Elvira, you up! How is the head? Tracy asked, wishing she could be there.

"Mrs. Gilbert, I'm okay, but where am I?" Elvira asked.

"That's your new place. You were out cold, so Zach took you. He is probably at work again, the workaholic. I'll give him a piece of my mind, make him come take care of you, Tracy fumed.

"Mrs. Gilbert, no worries! I'm good. Just need a see, Elvira cut in, hanging up and cursing her stupidity for getting plastered.

God, I didn't make a fool of myself, did I?' Eleira fretted, swearing off getting wasted ever again.