Love's Redemption

Redmption 345

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Zack looked at me with gentle eyes. It was the kind of look a father would give his daughter. "To me, you'll always be the kid who never grows up. But I must say, being strong-willed and stubborn may serve you well in your work, but it's not always good for you in life."

I comprehended his perspective, yet individuals were endowed with their own unique tenacity and character. As the adage stated, nature was indeed more powerful than nurture.

"Maddie, being a bit muddled can bring happiness, especially in life. You don't need to have everything figured out, okay?" he advised me like a concerned father.

Seeing his worried look and thinking about his illness, I nodded in agreement, even though I still held onto my principles.

"Maddie," Zack called out to me.

"Yes?"

He shook his head slightly. "It's nothing."

"No, there's definitely something on your mind." I could tell that he wanted to say something but was hesitating.

Zack smiled. "Nothing gets past you."

"Why would you hide it from me? If you have any secrets you can't tell Bree and Conrad, you can tell me. I promise to keep it secret," I said, raising my hand as if taking an oath. Zack was amused by my teasing. "What secrets would I have?"

Remembering Arthur's mistress and daughter in the garden earlier, I teased, "Like maybe you've got a woman and a child out there."

Zack choked at my words. "What nonsense are you spouting? I don't have anything like that."

"Really?" I cocked my head to one side, feigning a serious expression as I gazed at him.

"Really." Zack shook his head.

"But your buddy does. You know how they say that birds of a feather flock together? Well, that's what I'm thinking about here..."

Zack's eyes widened as if he hadn't expected me to know about Arthur's situation.

I didn't hide it from him. "I played with his little daughter in the garden downstairs. She's adorable."

Zack sighed. "We may be close, but that doesn't mean I agree with everything he does. I have my own thoughts and beliefs."

Hearing his serious tone, I smiled.

"Look at you, I was just joking. I

know you and Bree have a grea

relationship. You wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

Zack looked up, staring at the white wall. "Maddie, I want to tell you that my illness this time is serious. ¿m not sure if I'll be okay. If... I mean, if

én.swnovels

He paused. "If one day I'm gone, promise me you'll be brave and strong. Don't cry."

My breath hitched as a deep sorrow, akin to the pain of parting with life, washed over me. My eyes stung and my throat tightened. I grabbed his arm. "You're going to be fine, nothing's going to happen.

Zack's hand gently stroked my head, but he didn't say anything more.

Neither did I. I just lay by his bedside like that.

In the end, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I found Zack's coat draped over me. He had also fallen asleep.

I took the coat off and gently placed it on top of his blanket, leaving without disturbing him.

The phone in my pocket was ringing. It was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Are you the owner of Apartment 402, Unit 2, Building 6 Greenland Park?"

"I am. May I ask who's calling?"