That evening, they talked a lot.
Evangeline cried as she reminisced about the past and even stated she'd support their divorce if they didn't love each other anymore.
Zoe was touched but held back her tears, having cried enough for him.
Evangeline left for home the next day, abandoned her original plan to work at Evan's company, claiming she didn't want to stay. Having graduated top of her class, she would have promising prospects back home.
After seeing her off, Zoe returned from the station. Evan called.
She hesitated before answering.
"Bring me lunch tomorrow."
Zoe frowned, wondering what he was up to, considering he had Jocelyn.
She remained silent.
Evan sounded impatient. "Did you hear me?"
"I'm busy."
She genuinely was. It was past nine, and she needed to fast before her blood test and subsequent IV drip.
"Busy? Then tell me, what are you doing?"
"I have important things to do."
"You must make my lunch and bring it over, understood?" he gritted through his teeth.
Zoe grew irritated. "Why do you ask me to do that? Don't you have someone to cook for you?"
"Who?" he countered. "Why, is cooking for me such a hassle?"
"Fine, I'll do it." She hung up, unwilling to continue the conversation.
Slipping on her shoes, she headed to the hospital for her blood test, planning to return for her IV later.
Edward scribbled on a form while Zoe sat opposite, absently scrolling through her phone.
"Please sign here, or stamp it red," he said, sliding the form across.
Zoe murmured in acknowledgment, set down her phone, and signed.
Edward didn't comment further, focusing on his work.
She wiped her ink-stained hand and took the form, leaving.
After the blood draw, she applied pressure with a cotton swab, descending the stairs.
Blood trickled again upon release. She inspected the bleeding spot, pressing harder, even though the cotton was already soaked.
"Ms. Hartley..."
Zoe recognized Edward's voice and turned around.
"Ms. Hartley." Edward jogged over, holding a phone.
Realizing she had forgotten hers, she instinctively reached for her pocket, finding it empty.
"Here’s your phone." Edward stopped in front of her, offering it.
Zoe accepted it with a bright smile, the sunlight casting a translucent glow over her pale face, a sight Edward hadn't seen before, accustomed to her usual gloom.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Noticing blood seeping from her pale arm, he retrieved a black handkerchief from his coat pocket.
Lifting her arm, Edward examined it. "Your bleeding hasn't stopped. Your platelets are low. You should apply pressure to it longer, or it'll bruise again."
He moved to wipe the blood.
She awkwardly withdrew her arm, lifting her cotton swab.
"I have this."
Edward glanced at the fully saturated swab and almost chuckled. "Are you sure?"
She followed his gaze... the cotton tip was entirely red.
He cleaned the seeping blood, then folded the handkerchief into a square, pressing it onto the injection site.
"Hold it firm."
Zoe did as told, thanked him again, and left the hospital.
From the third floor of the inpatient department, Evan watched it all unfold, his fist tightening. Zoe, how dare you……
