Chapter 199
“You’re hurt,” he said softly, his voice tinged with concern.
Dark, heavy clouds split open with a blinding flash of lightning, thunder rumbling. Sarah flinched and pressed herself into
Zachary’s arms, trembling.
She had always been terrified of thunderstorms.
Zachary held her close, one arm wrapped around her waist, his other hand gently stroking her hair.
She didn’t notice the flicker of guilt and subtle anxiety in his eyes.
Sarah breathed in his comforting scent, feeling completely secure. He must be apologizing for not reaching her sooner during the
storm.
The next morning, the night’s rain had completely vanished. Golden sunlight radiated intense warmth, as if the previous night’s tempest had never occurred.
Sarah opened her amber eyes to find the bed empty. The pillow was still warm – he had left quite some time ago.
Dressed and ready, she walked into the kitchen. Breakfast was already prepared, a small note beside her plate.
“Good morning, I’ve gone to work.”
Below the words, he had drawn a tiny heart – a trademark of his playful side.
She snapped a photo and posted it on social media. Mia was the first to like it, commenting: “Sarah, I know who drew this!”
Scarlett responded: “Who is it? Is it who I’m thinking of?”
“Who are you thinking of?” Mia teased back.
Steven suddenly chimed in, “Are you two playing a word game?”
Scarlett and Mia simultaneously replied, “Go away! Stupid chef!”
Sarah laughed while finishing her breakfast and scrolling through their banter.
Zachary suddenly replied to Scarlett’s comment: “It was me.”
Mia exploded with excitement, “Zac! I’m totally supporting you! Keep trying!”
Scarlett also erupted, “I knew it was you! You must treat me to dinner, and have that chef cook!”
Steven frantically typed a long response, “…Boss, are you going to do something? They’re all bullying me!”
Sarah put away her phone and headed to work.
Chapter 199
+15 Bonus
At the university, she was writing her thesis. After Jane sent her the latest conference materials, she suddenly found inspiration.
Her previous paper had been published in the Psychological Journal, establishing her as a rising psychology expert.
This research was even more cutting–edge, and the required materials were extensive. She had to rely on Jane’s help.
After writing part of her paper, three students entered her consultation room.
One seemed timid and withdrawn, while the other two were lively and chatty.
“Miss Sanders,” they explained, “this is my roommate. Her family has been so critical that she’s become withdrawn. She even received a phone call threatening to kill her. We saw her in the dorm room playing with a small knife near her wrist, which was terrifying, so we brought her here.”
Sarah took the girl to her office and began carefully questioning her.
Most psychological issues stemming from family dynamics could be alleviated through suggestive techniques.
As she was helping the girl, she accidentally overheard Zachary’s name being mentioned by two female students.
“I’ll probably never attend an auction that Zachary participates in!”
“This auction is quite significant. Did you know there’s a huge, rare red diamond?”
“A red diamond? I’m so regretful. My mom even asked this morning if I wanted to go, and I refused…”
Sarah smiled softly and told the girl who was still looking down, “Don’t pay attention to others‘ opinions. When you don’t want to listen, remember to cover your
ears.”
