Mia dropped two sugar cubes into her coffee, noting Sarah's pale face. "Sarah, have you really broken up with my brother?"Sarah gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Reynolds and Miss Wilson must be childhood sweethearts. I wish them well.""That's not true!" Mia burst out. "Sarah, please don't misunderstand. There's nothing between my brother and Vivian. He doesn't have feelings for her.""I heard your grandfather is already discussing it with the Wilsons. Vivian told me herself." Sarah recalled her conversation with Vivian and the scene outside the bar.Mia shook her head. "Sarah, Grandfather never said anything about my brother and Vivian. He's always respected my brother's choices. I know he loves you."Sarah smiled cynically. "If your grandfather respects his choices, why would he do those things?"She didn't know what Zachary was hiding, nor did she want to know.When she and Mia were kidnapped, he was chatting happily with Vivian.When she went to the hospital in pain, she saw him
After Dean Larson left, only Sarah and Zachary remained in the counseling office.Sarah kept her eyes on her papers, letting an awkward silence fill the room."Shouldn't a counselor show more concern for her patient?" Zachary raised an eyebrow.Sarah put the papers in her drawer and replied evenly, "What psychological issues bring you here, Mr. Reynolds?"Zachary stared at her intently. "Heartbreak. I'm in agony every day. What should I do?""Mr. Reynolds, perhaps no one has told you, but heartbreak is a normal emotional response, not a psychological condition. If you feel your distress has become unbearable, I'd suggest emotional release or emotional sublimation techniques," Sarah explained professionally.Zachary watched her with interest. He loved seeing her this way, confident and passionate. It seemed more... like her true self."What are these emotional release and sublimation techniques?" he asked, feigning ignorance."As the names suggest, emotional release involves con
Zachary frowned deeply. "Who told you all this?""Who else but your childhood sweetheart?" Sarah scoffed."Sarah, none of that is true. You should know how I feel."Sarah's eyes glistened with tears. "No, I don't. Have you said these things to Vivian? Or do you only say them to me?""I made things clear with her in Saint Nock. She must have been upset when she went to tell you those things."Sarah nodded. "But our problems have nothing to do with her. I hope you understand that."Long before Vivian's revelations, she had already lost faith in Zachary.Zachary’s initial optimism had completely deflated. He'd known how Sarah would treat him and prepared himself for harsh words, yet he couldn't stay away."Sarah, I really did come for counseling," Zachary said seriously.He'd been having nightmares lately, seeing bloody scenes every time he closed his eyes, leaving him tossing and turning all night.Sarah noticed the dark circles under his eyes and knew he was telling the truth.
Zachary followed her out, handing her the bag of desserts. "Don't forget these."After giving her the treats, he sat in his car with a heavy heart and drove away.The next evening as work ended, Mia caught Sarah. "Sarah, are you free after work?""Where are we going?" Sarah asked curiously.Without answering, Mia pulled her toward a car waiting outside campus. Sarah felt relieved when she saw it wasn't Zachary picking up Mia today.The black Bentley headed toward the suburbs, moving further from the city center. Sarah sensed something was up, while Mia seemed unusually excited, barely containing her giggles in the car.When they stopped, they were at a small hill. Mia tugged Sarah along. "Sarah, you can see the sunset from here."She pointed toward the horizon, and Sarah looked.The setting sun cast a rosy glow on her face, her eyes sparkling with pink light, making her look especially gentle.Standing on the hilltop, though it wasn't very high, she could see East Coast City s
BANG!Multicolored flowers bloomed across the sky, burning bright before fading like falling stars - hauntingly beautiful.She had never seen fireworks like these before. They were breathtaking, so bright they outshone the stars in the night sky.She exhaled deeply, as if releasing her burdens. "They're beautiful."Zachary moved closer to Sarah. "I don't know what Vivian told you, but I need to make this clear - we're just friends. Nothing more, no other feelings involved."He paused before adding, “But you should stay away from her."Sarah frowned. "Why?""She's not who you think she is. She's different from Lucy or Charlotte."Sarah thought for a moment. "Are you saying she might hurt me?"She suddenly remembered Linda's words about the woman with the blue diamond ring and the mole behind her ear. It must have been Vivian. She was dangerous.Zachary lowered his eyes and said softly, "Sarah, I'm worried about you."Sarah took a deep breath, looking at Zachary in disbelief.
"They were beautiful." Sarah fell silent after that, staring blankly out the window until they reached Melvin's house.In the continuing Bentley ride, Mia looked worriedly at her brother. "Is Sarah angry with me?"Sarah had maintained an expressionless face and hadn't spoken to her.Zachary patted her head reassuringly. "She's not angry with you. She just doesn't want to see me."His eyes darkened as he pressed his lips together.Mia could see her brother's disappointment. The situation was beyond her control now. She'd thought Sarah would forgive him after seeing the fireworks, but she'd been too naive.Sarah must have been deeply hurt before to be so angry now. Mia nudged Zachary's arm, pouting. "Brother, you need to win her back!"She could sense her brother's recent depression and Sarah's unhappiness. They clearly loved each other, yet here they were.Back home, Sarah's mind was filled with thoughts of the fireworks and Zachary's words.She couldn't be sure if everything Z
Melvin opened his mouth several times but couldn't find the words. "Do whatever feels right."Sarah turned her attention to the TV news, but suddenly remembered the photograph. Since Mia couldn't provide answers, perhaps Melvin knew something.She quickly pulled the photo from her bag and showed it to him. "Melvin, look at this."Melvin took it curiously. His pupils constricted, and his fingers tensed around the photo's edge. Trying to stay calm, he asked, "Why are you showing me this old photo of you and Mia?""Mel, can't you see what's strange about it?" Sarah narrowed her eyes."It's just a normal photo, isn't it?" Melvin handed it back.Sarah shook her head firmly. "You're lying. This isn't the current me. I found it at our old house the other day. But I've only known Mia for a year, and I haven't been to that house since before I married James. This photo must be at least three years old. I look younger and more cheerful here. Did I know her before?"Melvin froze. "What are
Zachary gave a bitter laugh. "Why should I overcome it?"Sarah smiled faintly but said nothing.After a moment's thought, she pulled out the disturbing photograph from her bag. Every time she looked at it, she felt an eerie sensation.She'd never questioned her life before, but this photo clearly showed she'd forgotten something - something important.Moreover, both Melvin and Zachary must know about it.She placed the photo on the desk and slowly slid it toward Zachary, frowning slightly. "Have you seen this photo before?"Zachary's smile vanished as he looked at it. His eyes turned cold and strange. "Who gave this to you?"Sarah's frown deepened, a sharp glint in her eyes. His reaction alone told her he knew exactly where this photo came from."You know about this photo?" she asked carefully.Zachary's eyes turned icy as he grabbed her wrist. "Tell me who gave it to you."Sarah winced in pain. "What are you doing? Let go!"Hearing her cry of pain, Zachary seemed to regain
Sarah didn't respond to Zachary's earlier words—she simply moved with even more care as she cleaned and bandaged his wound. Her eyes stayed fixed on the task at hand, but her expression was unreadable.Zachary, watching her in silence, gave a soft laugh. "You do care about me, Sasa. No matter what you say, you're not as heartless as you pretend to be."Sarah shook her head, her voice calm but cool. "You're overthinking it. We're both from East Coast—I just don't want to see you die. Besides, you're getting engaged to Miss Wilson in just over half a month. I’m clear of our positions. So please, don't say things like that again."Zachary's face changed instantly. He knew she was right—his engagement to Vivian was a chasm between them, one that he couldn't just leap across. Not while the truth remained buried.That engagement wasn't just a label. It was a shield. A smokescreen. A compromise he'd made to protect Sarah. But knowing she believed it, that it stood between them, only deepe
Charlie felt a chill run down his spine from that single glance. Considering her status, he dared not push any further. "That's all I have to say. The rest is up to you to figure out."He fled the scene, leaving Sarah alone in the room.After washing up, she lay on the bed and checked her emails. Her cousin had sent her updates on the construction progress at Pine Mist Island.Once she finished handling her affairs, Sarah tucked herself under the covers and closed her eyes, trying to sleep, but rest eluded her.Her mind was filled with what Charlie had said about Zachary being injured. He was hurt, and she had no idea how serious the wound was.If it was severe, he would need hospital treatment, which would certainly leave a record and expose his location.If he didn't want his whereabouts known, he would have to treat the injury himself at home.But that wound...Sarah couldn't calm her thoughts. She tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.Under the bright moonlight, a figu
After the doctor left, Charlie yanked out his IV and clambered off the bed, urging Zachary, "Let's get out of here. This place just drains you dry."Zachary, indifferent since his injuries were feigned, asked, "Your injuries alright?"Charlie, ever so casual about his resilience, boasted, "Ah, I've been roughed up worse before. Just give me a couple of days to rest at home, and I'll be as good as new."With unresolved matters and a longing to see Sarah, Zachary reluctantly set aside his desires. "Then you head back. Call me if you need anything."Charlie, sensing something off, gently tugged at Zachary's suit and noticed his white shirt stained with fresh blood. "Zach, you're hurt!"Zachary's lips were pale, his voice dry. "Yeah.""I'll get the doctor to bandage you up," Charlie said, moving to leave."No need," Zachary stopped him quickly, not wanting to expose his whereabouts by registering at the hospital."What about your wound?""I have a first aid kit at home. It's just
Zachary dragged the unconscious Charlie to the clinic, exacerbating Charlie's injuries as his back scraped against the small stones on the road.When Charlie woke up in the clinic, his howls filled the room. "It's killing me! Where's the doctor? Give me some anesthesia. I'd rather be out cold!"The nurse, irritated by his constant demands, was about to lose her patience when Zachary entered the room. Seeing him, Charlie momentarily forgot his pain and burst into tears. "Bro, did you save me? From now on, you're like a brother to me."Zachary responded indifferently, "Just focus on healing."As the nurse changed Charlie's bandages, she couldn't help but blush at Zachary's rugged, yet undeniably handsome appearance, even slightly disheveled from the fight."Damn it, get out! Are you doing this on purpose, you wretch? Trying to kill me?" Charlie slapped her, swelling her face, as he misunderstood her distracted clumsiness for malice.Zachary frowned, saying nothing. Although he disl
With an agile flip through the air, Zachary caught sight of Charlie sneaking a peek from behind a haystack, his sleazy demeanor perfectly deserving of a beating. The thought of what this scoundrel had done to Sarah intensified Zachary's fury, already heightened by the fierce combat.On the other side, the casino manager watched in rage as his men were effortlessly knocked down by Zachary. Cursing loudly, he shouted, "Damn it, what's the story with this kid?"Seeing some of his underlings still looking for an opportunity to strike, his anger boiled over. "Are you all brainless? Attack him all at once; I refuse to believe he can fight off everyone!"Those still standing and those who had managed to get back up exchanged glances and charged at Zachary with renewed ferocity.Zachary's sharp eyes flashed with disdain. Without moving, his fist met an attacker's face at an extraordinarily tricky angle.The attacker's pained expression froze mid-air, and when he hit the ground, dust flew
Charlie's voice cut off abruptly as he stared in horror behind Zachary, his body beginning to tremble. Before he could speak, the casino manager had already set up a blockade on the road and rushed over with his men, ambushing them from both sides."Charlie, you think you're pretty clever, conniving with outsiders to cheat me out of my money?" the casino manager sneered, twirling an iron rod menacingly.Charlie's legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, stuttering, "Bro, what are you talking about? How could I dare cheat you? I don't have the guts.""Stop lying to me," the manager bellowed, pointing the iron rod toward a visibly unmoved Zachary. "This pretty boy, you've been colluding with him to cheat on my turf. Sick of living, are you?""No, it's all a misunderstanding! We were gambling fair and square, no cheating!" Charlie was terrified, fearing a brutal beating was imminent.The manager scoffed, "You think I'm blind?"Sweat poured down Charlie's forehead as he desperately l
”Come on… Come on…” Charlie leaned over the long table, his eyes crazed as he watched the dealer's movements. The dealer placed his hand over the dice cup, his voice stirring the gamblers, "Any more bets? The odds are thirty to one now." As soon as he finished speaking, a burly man with a scruffy beard shoved most of his chips forward. "Damn it, I'm all in. Worst comes to worst, I'll con some more out of my old lady's funeral fund." Others, eyes reddened, quickly followed suit.Charlie clenched his yellowed teeth, tempted to go all in too. He glanced at Zachary, who had remained calm throughout, and rubbed his hands together with a sycophantic smile. "Bro, should we make a big play too?"Zachary gave him a brief glance. "What's the rush." Charlie had no choice but to curb his eagerness."Here it goes!" The dealer shouted, and the outcome was revealed, triggering moans of despair around them."Did we win? Did we actually win?" Charlie rubbed his eyes in disbelief, his smile wideni
Charlie pulled her close. "When have I not thought about you? Anyway, I've got things to do tomorrow. I'll come see you again later." He got dressed as the woman watched him reluctantly. Just as he opened the door to leave, another woman suddenly appeared in front of him."Molly, I've come—Oh? What are you doing here? Isn't this Mr. Wesley? What are you doing at Molly's house in the middle of the night instead of sleeping at home?"She saw Charlie adjusting his clothes and knew exactly what had been going on."Cut the crap, I'm leaving now. If anyone finds out about today, you're done for," Charlie snapped.The woman wasn't intimidated. She dramatically fell to her knees, crying out loud, "Oh dear! Everyone come and see how this man is threatening me, saying he'll kill me! He's not sleeping at his home in the middle of the night but is here at Molly's—who knows what they were up to? Now that I've caught him, he's not retreating but threatening me instead! Everyone come over and jud
Back at the Wesley place, Charlie shut the front door with a meaningful smirk as his parents had already gone to bed. He cleared the dining table and retreated to his room. Alone, his thoughts turned to what he imagined would happen between Zachary and Sarah, and he couldn't help but snicker to himself. This time, he felt he had finally done Zachary a favor by orchestrating the situation. After this, he was sure Zachary would owe him one, especially in his gambling endeavors.Once something happened between Sarah and Zachary, Charlie thought he would have significant leverage over Sarah—she wouldn't dare cross him, not even in front of the factory manager. Yet, the thought of their imminent encounter left him feeling an unexplained emptiness, especially since the woman he usually pushed around had defiantly returned to her mother's house after yesterday's beating. How dare she act differently when every other woman in the town bore their circumstances silently?Why was it acceptable