Zachary let out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.
Seraphina sat on the ground, lost in thought. She gently touched her injured knee, her mind drifting back to the last time Zachary had helped her with a wound. Back then, they were so happy together, but now everything had changed.
Seeing that she hadn't moved, Zachary spoke through the surveillance system, "Seraphina, the first aid kit's in the second drawer under the cabinet. Take care of your knee."
Seraphina was startled at first, thinking she was hearing things. But when she realized it was Zachary's voice, she blushed with a mix of surprise and embarrassment, knowing he had seen her moment of vulnerability.
A wave of anger and embarrassment surged within her, and she snapped, "Zachary, you jerk! Why are you spying on me?"
Zachary was silent for a moment before he replied, "Stop wasting time and take care of your wound."
His voice was cold but carried a hint of concern.
With a sigh of resignation, Seraphina followed his instructions and took out the first aid kit to treat her wound. Her hands clenched tightly, her eyes showing a mix of determination and reluctance.
Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, "Are you really leaving the camp for good? What about your engagement to Della?"
Zachary sat in his car, staring straight ahead, his tone firm, "Don't worry about Della and me. But tell me, if I marry someone else, will you be sad?"
He turned his head, his deep gaze fixed on the video screen.
Seraphina felt a pang of heartache but quickly steadied her emotions, responding firmly, "If you marry Della, I'll wish you both well. I've already decided to study abroad."
Hearing this, Zachary's lips curled into a mocking smile, "Who was crying so hard just now? And now you're acting all nonchalant."
His tone carried an indescribable frustration.
Seraphina's expression changed slightly but she quickly regained her composure, "I can forget you just like I forgot Nico." Her words were filled with determination.
Back in her room, Seraphina checked around to make sure there were no cameras before sitting on her bed. Reflecting on her conversation with Zachary, a wave of complex emotions surged within her. She knew her words had been harsh, but for Della's happiness, she had no other choice.
The contrast between Nico's feigned affection and Zachary's genuine feelings was stark in her mind, and she realized she was deeply entangled in her emotions.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Seraphina looked warily towards the door as Sofia called out, "Seraphina, open up! I need to talk to you!"
Seraphina got up and opened the door, looking coldly at Sofia, "What do you want? Say it here." Her tone was guarded.
Sofia smirked and waved her phone, "I have a video of you and Zachary kissing on the hilltop. If you don't want anyone to see it, break up with Zachary and never get back together!"
Her tone was threatening and triumphant.
Seraphina's heart skipped a beat but she maintained a calm facade, "Zachary and I are over. He's engaged, and I can't love him anymore."
"I'm leaving the camp soon. Before I go, I advise you not to pursue him. It won't do you any good." With that, she moved to close the door.
Sofia stood there, scrutinizing Seraphina with suspicion. Seeing her calm demeanor, Sofia finally relaxed and scoffed, "Whether I pursue Zachary or not is my business, not yours." She turned and walked away, satisfied.
Though Seraphina appeared indifferent, her heart was in turmoil.
She sat on the couch, thinking for a long time before finally calling Knox.
"Knox, what should I do? Sofia has a video of me and Zachary on the hill. What should I do?" Seraphina asked urgently.
Knox was silent for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, Seraphina. I'll hack into her phone and delete the video. Also, I've asked Isaac to get the memory card from Allan's camera and delete the footage."
Seraphina felt a bit relieved.
Back in her room, Sofia picked up her phone to rewatch the video, only to find her gallery empty.
She was furious and went to Allan, "Do you still have that video?"
Allan was puzzled, "What video?"
"The one of Seraphina," Sofia said anxiously.
Allan checked his camera and found nothing but the recent footage. He remembered Isaac asking for the memory card earlier.
"Shit, Isaac deleted the video," Allan said.
Sofia gritted her teeth in anger, "Well played, Seraphina."
Meanwhile, Seraphina lay in bed, unable to sleep, tossing and turning.
The next morning, she woke up feeling groggy, still not fully recovered from her illness.
In the cafeteria, Knox noticed her pale face and asked with concern, "Seraphina, you okay? You don't look so hot. Need to see the nurse?"
Seraphina shook her head, "I'm fine, just didn't sleep well."
Knox smiled, "We're going to town this afternoon. Why don't you come with us to relax?"
Seraphina hesitated, "This afternoon?"
"Yeah, we're leaving at three," Knox said.
Seraphina nodded, "Okay."
After breakfast, they returned to their rooms to pack for the afternoon trip. Seraphina sat on the couch, lost in thought.
Zachary's message came through: "Protect Seraphina."
Knox saw it and smiled, "Seraphina, Mr. Baker is quite concerned about you. Don't worry, we'll protect you."
Seraphina smiled back, "Thank you."
At three in the afternoon, they set off. Seraphina sat in the back seat, staring out the window, her mind on Zachary. After some hesitation, she asked Knox softly, "Knox, where is Zachary?"
Knox looked troubled and scratched his head, "Mr. Baker told me not to say. I can only smile and refuse to tell."
Seraphina persisted, "Why didn't you go with him on the mission? Can he handle it alone?"
Knox grinned, "Mr. Baker is very experienced. He can handle ten people on his own. Don't underestimate him."
Though Seraphina knew Zachary was capable, she couldn't help but worry.
"Protect Seraphina. Make sure nothing happens to her," Knox received another message from Zachary.
Knox quickly replied, mentioning Seraphina's concern for him.
Zachary didn't respond for a long time.
The road to the town was rough, and the car ride felt like a roller coaster to Seraphina.
When they arrived, Seraphina got out first. The town was small, with only a few shops along a short stretch of road.
But the air was fresh, and the fruit in the nearby hills was ripe.
Knox said to Seraphina, "The conditions here are limited. Don't mind it."
Seraphina smiled and shook her head, "It's nice to get out and relax."
She walked to a fruit stand and asked about the prices. Seeing the elderly vendor, she felt compassionate and bought all the fruit, paying extra.
The vendor was deeply grateful, and the nearby vendors warmly greeted her.
Seraphina ended up spending all her cash, and Knox and the others carried large baskets of fruit, becoming a sight on the street.
Seeing the sky darken, Knox suggested they head back early.
He mentioned a new task in the county and arranged for Seraphina to ride back with a teammate.
Knox pointed discreetly to a black SUV ahead.
Worried about being left behind, Seraphina's concern was evident. Knox reassured her, "We won't leave anyone behind. Don't worry."
Seraphina guessed they were going to help Zachary and agreed to the plan.