Chapter 53

Zoe kept Mia's situation a secret.

Gordon assumed that Mia had some business and would be away for a

couple of days, with a nurse taking care of things. Seeing Zoe sitting

there, lost in thought, he couldn't help but say, “You should go home.

There's a nurse here."

Zoe shook her head. She didn't want to go anywhere right now. She

just wanted to stay here.

As night fell, Gordon finally succumbed to sleep. Zoe sat alone on a

simple chair, silently lost in her thoughts. A faint red mark on her cheek

served as a reminder of the beating she endured from Carly.

Outside the hospital room, separated by a transparent glass pane,

Mason stood silently. He observed the injuries on Zoe's profile, her

absent-minded expression, and the emptiness in her eyes. Memories of

the day she came out of Rosemary's house, fatigued but radiant when

speaking, flashed through his mind.

"Actually, I've always been like this. It's just that you never noticed.”

"Mason, that 300 thousand doesn't include sleeping with you. I

remember you always kept your personal and professional life

separate.”

At that time, Zoe was lively and vibrant. Mason knew that if he let go,

she would quickly regain her vitality.

However, that meant that she wouldn't be Mrs. Lockwood anymore.

She might be Cecil's or Gregory's wife.

Between helping others and helping oneself, Mason chose to help

himself. He silently left, confident that Zoe would come to him.

She had always been very clever.

On the rooftop of the hospital, the wind was strong. The first light of day

was visible on the horizon. Zoe quietly watched that sliver of light,

knowing that the sun would rise soon. However, those rays of light

couldn't penetrate her heart.

Her brother had once said that life offers many choices, but Zoe now

felt she had no way out. She could only beg Mason.

Even if his lover schemed against Mia, she would have to lower her

head and ask him. Zoe was well aware of the price she would have to

pay. What Mason wanted from her was nothing more than the

appearance of a marital relationship.

In the dim light, a tall figure appeared behind her.

He had been accompanying her for a long time.

Zoe inadvertently turned her head and unexpectedly saw Cecil. He

looked like he had just rushed back, covered in sweat. As he gazed at

her, his eyes were gentle and warm.

Zoe's nose tingled.

Without the need for words, she guessed why he suddenly returned.

However, she couldn't afford to be weak, at least not in front of Cecil.

She didn't want him to do anything more for her. She couldn't repay his

selfless sacrifices.

She also didn't want to burden a good person.

So, Zoe forced a faint smile and said to Cecil, "Long time no see,

Cecil."

Cecil stood beside her.

They watched the sunrise together, gazing at the light on the horizon.

The early morning breeze lifted Zoe's black hair. She turned her head

slightly, pretending not to care, and said, "After thinking for a long time,

I've decided to return to Mason. Actually, being Mrs. Lockwood isn't that

bad. At least, I won't have to work so hard and worry so much. A

woman always needs a place to call home. It's tough being alone.”

She finished speaking, looking directly at him.

Cecil did the same.

Their eyes met, conveying indescribable bitterness, helplessness, and

his pity for her.

They didn't know that this scene was captured from a certain angle,

and the photos were sent to Mason's phone early in the morning.

At 6 AM, Mason, dressed in a snowy white bathrobe, leaned against

the big bed, examining those photos.

It was taken on the top floor of the hospital. The pair on the rooftop

shared an intimate gaze. Cecil was looking at Zoe affectionately.

Mason stared at the images for a long time, his face calm.

At 8 AM, Zoe took care of her father's breakfast, informed the nurse,

and then left. As she departed, she discreetly handed someone an

envelope containing 300 dollars.

Outside the hospital, she called Mason.

Mason was driving and answered her call but remained silent.

After a while, Zoe broke the silence, "Mason, I'd like to see you."

Mason's voice was cold. "So, you finally want to go home, Mrs.

Lockwood? The crabs are in season, and Daisy is a good cook. Will

you join me for dinner tonight?"