“Huh? Why?” Jamie asked in surprise.
“I know you have video calls with Robbie and Ellie every day, don’t you?” Zachary asked. “All three of you would share about every little detail. So, I guess you’ve also told them that I’ve been sick, right?”
“I-I…” Jamie hesitated.
“Well, I don’t want them to worry. So could you please keep it a secret?” Zachary rubbed his head. “That way, Daddy can seek treatment with a carefree heart. Then, we’ll go to Erihal to meet them once I get better!”
“Okay.” Jamie was convinced as he nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, Daddy, I won’t tell them a single word about this. But you have to promise me that you will recover…”
“I’ll be waiting for you!” Jamie’s voice choked once again.
“I know.” Zachary hugged him. “Be a good boy, alright? Let’s work hard together and I’ll see you in a couple of months!”
“You got it!”
That afternoon, both Spencer and Jamie left. Jamie turned to look at Zachary and waved as he took each step away from him.
Zachary smiled as he watched them leave. Once the convoy was nowhere to be seen, he clutched his heart in pain and fell.
“Mr. Nacht!” Ben and Bruce rushed to catch him. “You must seek treatment right away! We have no time to lose!”
“I’ll make the arrangements this instant…” Raina left without another word.
However, Zachary stopped them. “Wait, there’s something else I haven’t done.”
“Mr. Nacht, tell me what it is and I’ll get it done,” Bruce replied anxiously.
“Take me back to my room.”
Both Ben and Bruce took him back to his room. Zachary leaned against the sofa and commanded in a low voice, “Hand me my phone.”
Ben handed him his phone as Zachary dialed Charlotte’s number with trembling hands.
Charlotte blocked his number in the past but unblocked it when they were both on a mission to rescue the kids.
Zachary dialed the number, yet no one picked up.
Zachary listened carefully as the line rang endlessly. He couldn’t help but feel sad.
Perhaps she didn’t want to pick up my call? Or was she unavailable?
Zachary’s heart ached at the thought of it.
Is she with Louis at this moment? Is that why she can’t pick up my call?
Suddenly, the beeping sound stopped and the call went through. Yet, the receiver did not say a word.
Zachary said a short “Hello?” and heard a familiar but cold voice shortly. “Can I help you?”
It was Charlotte’s voice.
Although her voice was as cold as ice, Zachary was overjoyed to hear her voice again.
He hurriedly sat up straight and smoothened his clothes and hair. Even though it was merely a call, he could feel as if Charlotte could see him.
“I’m going to hang up if you’re not going to say anything,” Charlotte said coldly.
“Hold on,” Zachary called out. Unfortunately, he didn’t know what to say next.
“What do you want?” Charlotte questioned again.
“Are the kids doing fine?”
Zachary mustered up the courage to initiate a conversation. However, it wasn’t anything important or interesting.
“You have their number. Why don’t you call them up instead?” Charlotte suggested.
“Oh, yeah.” Zachary felt as if the conversation was going nowhere. “How about you?”
“I’m good,” Charlotte answered in an arrogant attitude. “Is there anything else?”
“I saw the news…” Zachary said. “Are you really going to marry Louis?”
“Do you think I’d joke with such matters?” Charlotte asked.
“Do you love him?” Zachary blurted unexpectedly but regretted it at the very same moment.
“It doesn’t matter whether if I love him or not. I believe our feelings will grow over time,” Charlotte replied. “Is this why you called? Don’t you think it’s a little childish?”
