FreeNovelMargaret kept herself busy, preparing the oatmeal.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMadelyn sensed a reassuring presence, a warm hand holding hers, connected to the IV drip—it was Zach. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the face she least wanted to encounter at that moment. With a feeble voice, she inquired, "Where's Dal?" Zach reassured her, "He's all right now. Someone's looking after him. Are you hungry? How about some oatmeal?" Madelyn looked at Zach, her expression composed. Over the past three months, she had picked up bits of his history through his whispered words while he held her as she slept. ‘Did his past with the Jent family lead to this bitterness? He's already taken his revenge, so why continue to hurt others? Why this ruthlessness?" Nearby, she noticed a familiar art album on the nightstand.
Zach noticed that Madelyn's focus had shifted to the art album. Assisting her to sit up, he arranged a pillow behind her and then handed her the art album.
"I thought I'd lost this forever. How did it end up with you?" she asked.
He sensed the chill in her hand and tucked it under the blanket. "Someone took it, but | managed to retrieve it for you." As Madelyn delicately touched the art album's cover, some of her hair fell across her face. Zach gently moved it behind her ear.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Take a look inside, see if anything's amiss," he suggested.
Madelyn leafed through the well-known pages, memories flooding back. "Thanks for this," she said. She had visited all the places depicted in the art album during her four-year absence.
Zach took her hand, giving it a gentle kiss. "It's great to have you back. Are you hungry? Margaret made some oatmeal. Would you like some?" She nodded. "Yes." Madelyn allowed Zach to feed her, and he smiled. They had a peaceful moment together. After finishing almost half, she said, "That's enough.” He nodded and put the bowl down. "You can have more later if you want. Kai wants you to stay in the hospital a little longer. But once you're good to go, we can head home.” She met his gaze. "I need a break. Can you step out for a while?" As she spoke, she gently pulled her hand away.
Zach hesitated. "Of course. Take your time, and I'll check on you later." Madelyn settled into her bed, turning away from Zach and closing her eyes. She heard him leave the room, and when she was sure he was gone, she opened her eyes. Having slept so much, she was now wide awake. Her claim of needing rest was just an excuse; she felt uncertain about facing him and didn't know what to say. Lying there, she pondered, "Why am | even here? Why did | wake up?"
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
