Chapter 18
Jessica was carried the entire way. Even after getting into the car and arriving at his apartment, Zachary didn’t let Jessica touch the ground until they reached the bathroom.
“I can manage on my own,” she said.
The bathroom was spacious, but the enclosed space made her feel tense and scared.
“Alright. I’ll grab you some clothes for now. Just make do with them first.” Zachary turned around and walked out, not lingering for too long.
Jessica exhaled in relief. She stood before the mirror, staring at her reflection. She was still unable to shake off what had just happened. Then, her eyes fell on the coat draped around her shoulders. She slipped it off and secretly pressed a kiss against it. “Thank you.”
Then, there was a knock on the bathroom door.
essica cracked it open, and a muscular hand reached in, holding a white shirt. She took it, and
ir of slippers was tossed onto the floor inside as well.
ank you,” Jessica said.
“If you need anything, call me,” Zachary replied.
“Okay.” She nodded.
She didn’t know how much time had passed. After blow-drying her hair, she swept her long locks over her chest. Since she wasn’t wearing a bra, her black shirt would leave her slightly exposed.
Simply put, she had nothing to wear underneath.
Summoning up the courage, Jessica stepped out, only to find that the room was empty. She passed through the study and the walk-in closet before reaching the scene she remembered from that night.
Her hands were clenched tightly as tension and fear swept over her again. At that moment, she heard faint rustling from outside the door, and she quickly dove under the blanket.
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Jessica answered softly.
Zachary opened the door, pulling a suitcase in behind him. It was hers.
He said, “I brought your things back. I’ve already arranged for you to take tomorrow off, so rest for a day before returning to work. Change into proper clothes and call me when you’re
done. I’ll apply some medicine for you.”
“Okay,” Jessica replied.
He had already showered at some point and was now dressed in fresh loungewear.
His tone was still cold and emotionless. He didn’t even look at her before he walked out and
closed the door gently.
Jessica stared at the door in a daze. She admired his composure and gentlemanly restraint. She had to admit that he would make a perfect partner if she truly loved him.
Then, Jessica went and opened her suitcase. Since she lived alone, her sleepwear was always minimal. So, instead of changing, she simply layered an undershirt beneath his oversized
shirt, then called him back in.
Zachary entered carrying a first-aid kit and set it by the bed. Only then did Jessica notice that her hands were covered in scrapes.
His movements were gentle as he held her hands with one hand while carefully applying ointment with the other. Her wrists were bruised, and her face was slightly swollen.
“How did you get there so fast?” Jessica was curious. She had barely called him when he showed up.
Zachary answered, “I followed you back from the hospital. We only left when you went upstairs. But when we were leaving, I saw Derrick enter the elevator. I was worried he would hurt you, so I turned back. That’s when I got your call.”
“You followed me?” Jessica asked.
“Yes.” Zachary nodded.
“It’s a good thing you did…” she murmured.
His ears turned red. “But it cost you another door.”
She let out a snicker. This was the second time he had ripped off the door, and yet another sum of money was gone.
“Now, for your face,” Zachary said, setting down her hand and swapping it for a cotton swab.
Jessica gulped nervously, unsure of where to look. Zachary still wore his ice-cold, unreadable expression as he carefully tilted her chin and dabbed at the swelling on her face.
His fresh breath washed over her, quickly making the atmosphere intimate.
Jessica could almost hear both of their heartbeats. Only then did she realize how close they
were.
Chapter 18
3/3
This was the first time she had looked at him so closely. She could even make out the pores on his face.
His face was flawless, with sharp brows and a well-defined nose. The bridge of his nose and his red lips made her want to kiss him.
Jessica was flustered by her own thoughts and lowered her head quickly, blushing in
embarrassment.
“Did I hurt you?” Zachary gently asked. But even then, he still sounded cold.
“No…” she muttered.
Noticing her flushed cheeks, Zachary also averted his gaze.
“Turn the other way,” he instructed.
ups
ve her face. To keep her thoughts from running wild, she shut her eyes,
curved up faintly as he looked at the woman who was glowing red all over.
when he finished applying the medicine, he packed up the first aid kit and asked, “You didn’t have dinner, did you? I had food sent over. Come down and eat before bed.”
Jessica replied, “Alright.”
“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” Zachary said before he left, giving her some time to compose herself.
