Wolf took off his jacket, wrapped it around Zoe, and lifted her. Quickly, he maneuvered through the chaos and ran towards the second floor. There were a few grabs at the collar of his shirt, but Wolf managed to fend them off by twisting his body.Fortunately, he was familiar enough with the layout of Rainbow Wings, having visited often. Wolf had no trouble finding the staircase leading to the second floor. He knew that the second floor wouldn't be too crowded, as VVIP guests usually wouldn't care about anything happening outside their respective rooms. That's how he was once inside.Sure enough, the second floor appeared undisturbed. Meanwhile, the commotion downstairs continued, now accompanied by police sirens, shouts, and warning shots to quell the disturbance."Where do I go?" Wolf wondered, failing to open the nearest door. The door was locked; possibly someone was inside.Zoe pointed to the left with her head while her body remained tightly wrapped. But Zoe's indicated direction
With her swollen eyes, Zoe gazed at Wolf kneeling in front of her. The kneeling position alone was enough to make Zoe question whether reality was real or not. Wolf's words only further distanced her from the real world.Wolf offered something without mentioning what the return for it would be, implying that it should only happen in the world of dreams. It is too beautiful not to be true."There's a reward I ask for, of course."Zoe almost snorted as the world began to feel real when Wolf mentioned a reward."I've fallen in love… with your voice. I want your voice. It's really… really beautiful."Zoe wanted to curse. Her heart had almost stopped for a moment when she heard Wolf say 'love'. The pause had almost turned its meaning into something entirely different. The discussion about the voice that followed brought Zoe back to life, warming her body.He only discussed the voice. Zoe immediately reminded herself not to think too far again. Zoe had to remind herself again that she was f
Zoe lowered her head. She felt afraid, understanding that Wolf's expectations of her were extremely high. Yet she dared not hope too much, considering she could no longer speak after what happened yesterday.Of course, Zoe had tried to speak during her time at Rainbow Wings dozens of times, but she hadn't been able to produce a single word.But Wolf's offer this time was much more 'healthy' than before. She didn't have to hide her vengeance, and she had something to offer, not just his body. The clear difference would lead to a different direction in this agreement.[I accept.] Zoe handed over the pink cat, and Wolf cheered."YES!" Wolf jumped up and rushed to hug the surprised Zoe. Wolf truly embraced her.It was not a perfunctory hug, but a tight one that lifted Zoe from the bed, forcing her to stand as Wolf swung his body in sheer joy. And it was the first joyous hug Zoe has received in the last few years.Tiana had also hugged her, but it was different. Tiana's hugs were usually b
"ZOE!"Sara shouted upon seeing Zoe emerge from behind Wolf."I thought you'd never come back!" Sara exclaimed, hugging her tight and checking to make sure she was okay."Doubting my efforts?" Wolf grumbled irritably, as Sara didn't think he would succeed."Of course, I doubted your efforts. You've never wooed a woman before. I doubted you'd make it this far and convince Zoe to come back." Sara didn't care about Wolf's hurt feelings."I pursued her because I didn't want her talent to go to waste, so now... she's yours." Wolf immediately averted his gaze to his phone."I'll go now. It's up to you to decide where you want to go after this. I'll be at the office until the evening," Wolf said to Zoe, who nodded. She wouldn't wait for Wolf, either.His work had piled up because he couldn't concentrate for the past few days. He had to start paying for it today. But Wolf turned back when he reached the door."Zoe... she spoke again yesterday, but only for a short while. It was unintentional,
Sara smiled and then lowered her feet, which were supporting each other earlier. Zoe's defenses were quite thick."I'll explain something to you. It's about how unique the human mind is. It might be boring, but I hope you understand why I need to make you talk about the most unpleasant part of your life," Sara said.Zoe tilted her body slightly to face Sara, wanting to hear better."Do you know how humans deal with pain or injuries?"Zoe remained silent for a moment and then shook her head. She didn't understand how to answer."They usually avoid it. When accidentally touching fire, you pull your hand away, right? The same goes for emotional wounds, though the form is different. People tend to run away, occupying themselves with work, alcohol, or maybe food. Ever heard of stress eating? That's the lightest example of what I mean."Zoe nodded, understanding the example better."But that's not a solution for emotional wounds. Unlike fire, emotional wounds tighten their grip when avoided
"Sshh! Don't be too loud."Sara gasped, emitting a warning hiss. She stood up slowly from her chair, then waved her hand, signaling Wolf to go outside.Wolf frowned, not understanding why, and then Sara pointed to the long chair. Sara pointed out that Zoe was sleeping there.Wolf stepped back, and Sara followed. They talked in the hallway of the building."She's been sleeping for a long time. Almost 12 hours now," Sara said."Isn't that too long? Is she sick?" Wolf was naturally puzzled."She had a slight fever earlier, but that's not what's making her sleep for so long. She's just mentally exhausted. She's starting to talk to me!" Sara smiled widely, celebrating her success."Really? Do you know what happened to her?" Wolf was also relieved. It was progress."I won't tell you!" Sara immediately set boundaries to avoid accidentally revealing details."I'm not asking you to tell me." Wolf hissed because he already knew enough about what happened."Just make sure Zoe has met enough jerk
Tapi Wolf eventually opened his eyes because it would look very strange if he kept them closed when Zoe knew he had awakened. Wolf calmed himself and tried to look at Zoe with a normal face. He didn't want to give any clues that something extraordinary had happened."So, why are you looking at me if you don't want to kiss me?" Wolf asked, his voice trembling a bit—a part of his effort to calm himself and suppress enthusiasm."I just wanted to check if you were still asleep or not. Not to kiss!" Zoe hastily came up with an excuse and blurted out the first thing that came to her mind."Then what do you want to do after that?" Wolf struggled to find material to keep their conversation going."I don't have a plan; I'm just curious why you're sleeping here." Zoe panicked again, searching for an explanation. Still unaware of anything."Oh, I'm just continuing my work, so I'm here until late at night and get sleepy," said Wolf as he slowly sat up."Are you hungry?" Wolf asked. Actually, it w
Zoe's calm face immediately transformed into an unfriendly frown."Calm down first." Wolf hastily corrected himself."I don't mean to go back on my promise, but I'm just suggesting something different regarding your desire for revenge. I won't prevent anything, but I want you to hear my proposal."Zoe's face relaxed again, and she sat more calmly, preparing to listen."I know your grudge against Iris, and that man runs deep. You want to end their careers by creating a scandal to destroy their reputation, right?"Zoe nodded and lowered her head. The intention was clear, but when Wolf said it, Zoe felt guilty, remembering that she had lied to Wolf thoroughly. She was somewhat relieved that she could use the excuse of not being able to speak to postpone her apology."I have a more suitable way for you to get revenge—probably more challenging as it may take time depending on your progress, but more satisfying. You don't have to engage in illegal activities like stalking."Zoe looked up ag