New World with Four Husbands

Chapter 418: Zaque’s request

The day proceeded in a blur, each moment passing in quick, indistinct fragments of memories.

Once Coco arrived at the guild, she selected a random mission, her movements almost mechanical as she set out to complete it.

With divided focus, she located and captured three wanted monsters, their forms momentarily flashing before her eyes before they were secured back at the guild with the help of Neo.

Though she moved and acted quickly, her mind remained chaotic with thoughts and conflicted emotions.

The earlier conversation with Lala had the words echoing in her head throughout the day, leaving her with more questions and doubts than answers.

So, as the coachman navigated the horse carriage back to the house, Coco leaned her head gently against the window, her gaze fixated on the vast sky outside— soft, white clouds drifted lazily across the azure canvas, a gentle breeze causing them to shift and rearrange.

The setting sun cast hues of orange and gold across the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking display of color.

The passing scenery blurred together into a mess of colors and shapes as the carriage continued on its path, but despite the scenic beauty of the evening, Coco remained distant and lost in thought.

"I’m sorry." Lala said softly, her tone filled with regret. "I shouldn’t have asked such a delicate question earlier."

The fairy fidgeted with her hands because though her intention had been to understand Coco’s feelings better, she now realized that her question had caused more confusion than clarity.

Coco turned her gaze towards Lala who was sitting across her, her expression softening as she responded in a reassuring tone.

"No, it’s fine." She said, shaking her head slightly, then she offered a small, if somewhat forced, smile.

"I just... I don’t have an answer for that yet." She admitted, her words carrying a sense of frustration at her own lack of knowledge because the uncertainty about her true feelings weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her feeling lost.

The carriage gently came to a halt, jolting Coco out of their conversation.

She blinked, her head turning to the door and with a soft exhale, she quickly composed herself and pushed the door open.

The evening air washed across her face, the cooling breeze a soft surprise compared to the stifling atmosphere inside the carriage.

Coco stepped out, her gaze briefly darting around before she thanked the coachman and began making her way towards the house.

Lala perched herself on top of Coco’s head, her wings fluttering slightly as she settled into place.

Coco’s gaze remained fixed ahead, her focus seemingly on the path before her, but still, her own thoughts were jumbled as she wracked her head with answers, and the fairy could sense her friend’s inner turmoil.

Lala’s own expression remained downturned as she silently perched on Coco’s head, the guilt of her earlier question still weighing heavily on her heart.

She fidgeted nervously, her wings rustling softly as they brushed against Coco’s hair.

Coco pushed open the front door and her gaze instantly fell upon Zaque, who was exiting the kitchen with a glass in his hand.

He froze momentarily, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of her standing in the doorway.

An awkward silence hung in the air between them, each of them keenly aware of the other’s presence— and the fairy, still perched on top of Coco’s head, waved a hand in the husband’s way.

Zaque offered a polite nod in greeting, his smile warm despite the obvious tension that lingered in the air.

"Welcome back, wife." He said, his voice gentle.

Coco’s body language and expression told him that she still desired for space, Zaque couldn’t help, but issue a small greeting and flash a smile in her direction.

The gesture held a hint of hope that perhaps this interaction could bridge the growing gap between them.

Coco closed the front door with a soft click, her head nodding slightly in acknowledgement.

"Good evening, Zaque." She replied politely.

Though her words were as friendly as it could be, there was still a trace of guardedness in her voice, hinting at the barrier that still existed between them.

Coco’s body language remained aloof, her body angled away from him as if creating a distance.

Zaque’s smile faltered slightly as he registered the reluctance in Coco’s voice, but he pushed through, trying to maintain a pleasant facade.

"Heiren’s still cooking dinner." He said, his tone remaining polite, ignoring the underlying tension.

The mention of dinner felt forced, a desperate attempt, but Zaque’s smile, though strained, remained in place, as if holding onto the hope that things could return to normalcy.

Whether it was wishful thinking or sheer stubbornness, it was difficult to tell.

Coco moved and was about to make her escape up the staircase, but the sound of Zaque’s voice halted her in her tracks.

She stopped, her gaze darting towards him as he posed his request. "Can we talk for a moment?"

Coco swallowed, her gaze flickering with reluctance, but she could sense the desperation in Zaque’s voice so she hesitated, torn between her desire to escape to her room and the nagging sense that this talk might be necessary.

"Please..?" Zaque mumbled, looking down.

That did it— Coco could only let out a resigned sigh, giving in to Zaque’s request.

"Okay." She agreed, her voice dripping with uncertainty. "But let’s talk outside."

The idea of having this conversation within the confines of the house felt too stifling for Coco which is why she preferred the openness and freedom that the outdoors offered.

Zaque’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope at Coco’s agreement and he quickly deposited the glass on the center table and practically sprinted to the front door.

"Okay, let’s go!" He exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident in his tone.

With eagerness coursing through his veins, Zaque practically yanked the front door open, gesturing for Coco to step outside first.

Coco swallowed again, composing herself before she stepped out of the house.