Chapter 70 Thank you
Chapter 70 Thank you
Adrian’s POV
Adrian was walking down the hospital corridor when someone suddenly called his name.
“Hello, Adrian," came a familiar voice.
He turned and there stood Margot, Zara’s stepmother. She was dressed impeccably as always, her perfume sharp enough to fill the hallway.
“Mrs. Alaric,” he greeted politely, his tone neutral.
“I was in another country for a business trip,” she said quickly, her lie as thin as air. “But thank you for taking care of my dear Zara.”
Adrian simply nodded. “It’s no problem,” he said curtly.
“Alright then, I’ll be going,” she replied, leaving almost as fast as she had appeared.
He watched her go, frowning slightly. Something about her presence always left a bitter taste in his mouth.
When he returned to Zara’s hospital room, he immediately noticed the shift in her expression. She looked quiet, distant. Her usual spark was gone.
Did they fight? he wondered. But he didn’t ask. She had been through enough already.
“Ready to go home?” he asked softly.
She nodded. “Yes.”
He helped her stand carefully, steadying her as they walked toward the car. Every step she took seemed to weigh on his heart, a reminder of what she had risked for him.
The car ride was silent. Zara fell asleep halfway, her head resting gently against the window. Adrian glanced at her a few times, her breathing steady, her lips parted slightly. He could still see the faint bandage near her shoulder.
“She’s tired,” he whispered to himself, “and still weak.”
When they arrived at the penthouse, he leaned over and spoke softly, “Zara… wake up, we’re home.”
She stirred, eyes fluttering open as he carried her things inside.
Isabella greeted them with a wide smile. “My dear, welcome back!”
Zara smiled faintly, her voice teasing. “Oh, I think I should remain sick if it means Isabella is cooking for me.”
“Don’t be stubborn,” Isabella laughed, setting plates on the table.
After eating , Adrian looked at Zara thoughtfully. “You’re sleeping in my room tonight.”
She blinked in surprise. “But… we’ve never slept together.”
He smirked. “Do you want us to?”
Her cheeks flushed instantly. “Jerk,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “My bed is perfectly fine.”
He shook his head. “No. You’ll sleep in mine. What if something happens to you during the night? Who will take care of you?”
Zara sighed, realizing she wouldn’t win this battle. “Fine,” she said finally, pretending to be annoyed.
Just then, her phone rang. The name Dad flashed on the screen.
Adrian stood up. “I’ll give you some privacy,” he said, stepping outside.
“Daddy?” Zara said softly into the phone.
“Did you reach home safely?” Alaric’s concerned voice came through the line.
“Yes, Daddy,” she answered. “I’m fine now.”
There was a pause before she continued, her tone turning serious. “Daddy, there’s something I want to tell you. I know you were afraid to ask how I ended up getting shot. And I know you probably think it was Adrian fault… but it wasn’t.”
Alaric stayed silent, listening closely.
“I took the bullet for him,” she said, voice trembling. “He’s always protected me, Daddy. I couldn’t just watch him get hurt because of me.”
On the other end, Alaric sighed deeply. His chest tightened not only with worry but also with admiration. The kind of loyalty Zara had shown was rare, especially between two people who once claimed to resent each other.
“Alright, my dear,” he said finally, voice softer now. “Rest well.”
When the call ended, Zara stared at the dark screen for a moment, lost in thought.
Adrisn’s Mother’s POV
Ever since she learned the truth that Zara had taken a bullet meant for her son she felt the sharp sting of guilt. It replayed over and over in her mind: all the cruel words she’d thrown at that girl, all the cold stares and harsh judgments.
She couldn’t stay still any longer.
That morning, she dressed quietly, took her keys, and drove to the hospital.
“Where is Zara?” she asked the nurse at the desk.
“Oh, she was discharged yesterday,” the nurse replied politely.
She blinked in disbelief. “Discharged? And no one thought to tell me?”
Her chest tightened. Am I that bad that they can’t even inform me ? she thought bitterly.
Without another word, she headed straight to the penthouse.
When she arrived, the door was slightly open. She stepped inside and found Zara sitting on the couch, phone still in hand from her conversation with Alaric.
Zara froze the moment she saw her mother-in-law. Her body stiffened, her breath caught in her throat. The memory of every harsh word, every slap, every insult flashed through her mind.
“Mrs. Voss,” she whispered nervously, lowering her eyes.
But to her surprise, the older woman didn’t come with anger this time. She walked slowly toward the couch and sat beside her.
“How are you, my dear?” She asked quietly.
Zara looked up, startled. There was no venom in her voice only genuine concern.
“I… I’m fine,” she replied cautiously.
Adrisn’s mother nodded, eyes glistening. “I know I’ve been horrible to you,” she said softly. “But thank you for saving my son’s life. You didn’t have to… but you did. And for that, I am sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you.”
Zara stared at her, speechless. She could barely believe what she was hearing.
A small smile curved on her lips, though her eyes betrayed the sadness she’d carried. “It’s okay,” she said finally, her voice trembling slightly.
Even though this woman had once called her names, accused her of being unworthy, even slapped her in anger Zara couldn’t bring herself to hold a grudge.
She reached out, hesitating, then gently placed her hand over Zara’s. “You’re stronger than I ever gave you credit for,” she whispered.