Zach's lips curved into a subtle smirk.

Madelyn looked around at the photos she had just set up, feeling quite pleased. "Weren't you heading to the office?" she asked.

"Why can't I spend some time at home with you?" Zach asked, reaching out and gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Does it still hurt?"

Despite trying to remain calm, Madelyn was taken aback by Zach's forward comments. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, and she gently pushed his hand away. "Thanks for asking," she said with a hint of coolness. "I'm doing much better now."

Zach raised an eyebrow at her response, "Still not used to me, huh?"

Zach's outburst took Madelyn by surprise. Keeping her cool, she said, "If you care about me, a 'thank you' is appropriate, right? Don't dump your outside frustrations on me."

When she tried to step back, Zach's hold on her wrist stopped her, pressing her against the wall. His eyes showed clear irritation, "When will you start thinking? You know a simple 'thanks' isn