Chapter 14
Zachary was quiet for a long moment. When Sarah thought he wouldn’t answer, he finally said softly, “A friend.”
Something in his tone made her change the subject quickly. “If you don’t mind, could you tell me more about your sister’s
condition?”
“she has severe reactions to blood. Episodes of memory loss. Panic attacks around unfamiliar men – severe enough to cause physical symptoms. In certain situations, she completely breaks down.”
His professional demeanor returned as he spoke, creating distance..
Sarah considered this carefully. Classic signs of severe trauma. Whatever happened must have left deep psychological scars.
Before she could respond, Mrs. Maggie returned with clothes. “The shower’s ready, dear. These should fit – they’re Mia’s.”
Sarah thanked her, but after showering and changing, she realized she’d caught more than just rain. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with fever.
Zachary noticed immediately, touching her forehead with a frown. “You’re burning up.”
Through her feverish haze, Sarah found his voice oddly comforting. “I’m okay,” she protested weakly. “Just call Scarlett – she’ll
get me home.”
The fever had stripped away her usual composure, leaving her looking young and vulnerable. Without a word, Zachary lifted her
up while dialing Scarlett.
Half–conscious, Sarah curled into his warmth. She barely registered his voice, “Mrs. Maggie, I’m taking her to the hospital.”
When Sarah woke, Zachary was gone, replaced by a worried Scarlett.
“Finally awake! Want some soup? The hospital café actually has decent chicken noodle.”
Realizing she hadn’t eaten all day, Sarah accepted gratefully. “Who brought me in?”
Scarlett’s eyes lit up with interest. “Where have you been hiding this guy? Tall, dark, and actually decent- quite the upgrade from
James.”
So it had been Zachary. Before Sarah could process this, Scarlett continued, “Seriously, I need details. How do you know him? And
what was he doing with you in the rain?”
To stem the flood of questions, Sarah gave her the brief version, describing Zachary simply as an acquaintance.
Hearing about James’s behavior, Scarlett forgot all about the mystery man. “That entitled jerk! Throwing you out for Charlotte and her family – and now you’re sick because of it! I’m calling him.”
“Don’t,” Sarah said quietly. “Legally, the house is still his.
1/2
“But he promised it to you!”
“I can handle it,” Sarah assured her.
She needed to find a place though. Opening her phone to search for rentals, she noticed new messages,
“Zachary here.”
“Had to step out when your friend arrived. Got your number from her.”
Sarah replied, “Thanks for everything yesterday.”
Then, against her better judgment, added, “Any tips on finding apartments near Adams University? Looking to rent in that area.”
She cringed at how forward it sounded. T
When no reply came, Sarah felt relieved. Her fever had broken, and she was ready to leave. As they finished the discharge
paperwork, she called James, “Where are you?” @
“What now?” His tone was ice.
“Meet me at the courthouse. Let’s get this divorce
done.”
