Chapter 508

Zach fed Jadie a natural medicine and spent nearly half an hour reassuring her before leaving the ward. It was too late now. So, he decided to stay overnight at the hospital and return home the next day. Zach stepped out to the quiet, dimly lit balcony, shielding his hand from the wind as he lit a cigarette. He took a drag and exhaled a puff of smoke.

Halfway through his cigarette, Kai approached him with a report in hand. “If we keep delaying, the hypnosis we did on Jadie eight years ago will soon lose its effect. This time, her emotional outburst is just a reflection of what’s inside of her. If her inner strength isn’t strong enough, and you don’t keep an eye on her, she might repeat the same action with even a slight slip.

The nicotine in the cigarette eased some of Zach’s tension. While smoking could be addictive, it had little hold over him. He knew what addiction felt like. The craving was akin to a swarm of worms crawling over his body and gnawing at his bones when he went without it. Yet, the moment he had it, it was an instant peak of sensation. He also knew how difficult it was to quit. The pain was worse than death. He had endured it alone in the dark.

“I’ve protected her enough over the years. She’s already an adult and shouldn’t have everything decided by me,” Zach seemed to have made a significant decision by saying such words.

Kai used a lighter to set the report on fire and watched it burn. It seemed like even the brightest light source would be swallowed by darkness whenever both of them came near.

“I hope you won’t regret this decision again,” Kai said, recalling the first time he had made a similar statement when Zach had expressed no interest in Madelyn.

However, someone like Zach appeared naturally suited for survival in the darkness. He was dark and twisted. Perhaps he was so powerful that he resembled a black hole in the galaxy, devouring everything, even light. It was just like his relationship with Madelyn; it was bound to remain concealed forever.

‘If he was the first to fall in love…‘ Based on Kai’s understanding of Zach, this secret would forever remain buried deep within. Kai was also curious about what someone like him would become if he fell completely in love with someone.

That night, Jadie had a terrifying nightmare. She dreamed of her ten–year–old self, standing alone in the dark, empty street. It was drizzling. She held a small red umbrella, crying and shouting, “Zach, where are you? I’m so scared. Please come back soon, okay?”

Later, three drunk middle–aged men were vomiting by a utility pole in a dark alley. Jadie gathered her courage and approached them, saying, “Uncles, have you seen my brother? It seems like he is lost.

Can you please help me call the police and find him?

“Oh! What a cute little girl. Whose kid are you? Come here. Let me hug you.”

In the dark alley, the lewd laughter from the men, the sound of torn clothes, lustful looks, and the helpless cries echoed, “No! Ah!”

Again and again. When someone eventually discovered the scene, the floor was covered in bloodstains, and a red umbrella was lying on the street.