Chapter 3

I was taken aback by his words and looked at Zachary in astonishment.

"No way," I blurted out.

"If I say it's okay, then it's okay," he said expressionlessly, his tone brooking no argument.

My heart skipped a beat, unable to process this matter for a moment.

I didn't know what Zachary was thinking.

In my impression, he should be a very rational, cautious man who wouldn't give easily and certainly wouldn't look for trouble.

But today...

"Russell is not suitable for you," he said slowly, and after that, he fell silent.

The car fell into a dead silence again.

I bit my lip and finally asked, "Is it because I'm not as good as Dorothy?"

His eyes suddenly sharpened, and he turned to look at me, his gaze deep and unreadable.

I gritted my teeth and met his gaze.

He didn't speak, just silently stared at me.

I felt flustered, a wave of inexplicable grievance welling up in my heart, spreading to my eyes.

"But even without her, Russell wouldn't choose me," I said firmly.

His eyes darkened.

Zachary seemed disappointed in me, forcibly suppressing the urge to scold me.

He turned and got out of the car.

In the rain, his tall and straight figure exuded a cold aura.

I also turned and got out of the car.

I gritted my teeth and walked in the opposite direction.

The rain was getting heavier, and there were few pedestrians on the street.

I walked forward with difficulty, drenched and in a sorry state.

"Sienna, stop!" His voice suddenly rang out.

I didn't stop, continuing to walk quickly.

I heard him angrily mutter behind me, "Are you crazy?"

He then grabbed an umbrella from the car and hurriedly ran towards me.

He was wearing a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, sweat beading on his forehead, his steps chaotic.

I stopped and stood there, stubbornly looking at him.

"Sienna, do you know what you're doing?" His eyebrows were tightly knit, clearly exasperated.

"Is it worth it for a man like this?"

I didn't speak, stubbornly glaring at him.

He handed me the umbrella and then pulled me into his arms.

His grip was strong, making my chest ache.

I pushed against him, trying to break free, but he held me even tighter.

"Let go!" I became emotional. "Zachary, let go!"

Zachary ignored me, still holding me tightly.

I struggled, kicking my legs, trying to escape his embrace.

But his arms were firmly around my waist, making it impossible for me to resist.

My eyes reddened, tears streaming down my face.

"Let go of me! What right do you have to interfere in my affairs? Let go of me!" I cried, hitting him, my eyes filled with despair.

He let me struggle, remaining unmoved.

My fists landed on him like tickles, not hurting at all.

Zachary's strength was great, lifting me entirely.

I was startled and instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck to avoid falling.

"Let go..."

As soon as I spoke, he suddenly let go, throwing me aside.

Losing balance, I fell onto the cold asphalt road.

I lay there in a sorry state, the light in my eyes gradually dimming, lips tightly pressed, not speaking.

"I really don't understand why you have to degrade yourself like this!" His voice was deep, filled with anger.

I didn't look up at him, stubbornly propping up my upper body, biting my lower lip, enduring the pain all over.

"The Stuart family has so much money, isn't it enough for you to squander? Why do you have to make yourself so tired?"

He walked over, his long fingers gently caressing my cheek, his voice tinged with heartache.

"Why do you have to do this to yourself? Why do you have to give up everything for someone else?"

"Why?" I murmured, my head dizzy, eyelids heavy, tears falling like broken pearls.

He didn't speak again, just cupped my tear-streaked face, gently wiping my tears.

I looked at his close-up features, tears streaming down uncontrollably.

His fingers trembled slightly, a trace of heartache and pity in his eyes.

"I'm your friend, not someone else. You can rely on me."

"I know, you're the closest person to me," I said hoarsely.

He was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

The laughter sounded particularly desolate in the rainy night.

"Then why didn't you tell me? Why did you have to bear it alone?"

I gritted my teeth, not speaking.

Zachary sighed, bent down, and hugged me, gently kissing the top of my head, his voice extremely gentle, "I'm here."

My heart suddenly tightened, my eyes stinging.

"Okay," I nodded, choking up, "Thank you."

"Fool."

He patted my back, softly comforting me.

"Let's go, I'll take you home."

"Okay."

Zachary pulled me into the car, and the car drove away, disappearing into the vast rain.

I leaned back in the seat, closing my eyes in exhaustion.

"When will this rain stop?"

I murmured, my voice tinged with helplessness.

The rain pounded on the car window, making a thunderous sound.

In my mind, Russell's cold and handsome face appeared, my heart aching as if it were being squeezed.

My head was dizzy, feeling like I could fall asleep at any moment.

Until Zachary brought me to the doorstep, I didn't wake up, still mumbling something in my sleep, my voice intermittent and unclear.

He opened the car door for me, touched my forehead, and then his own.

I had a fever.

Frowning, he drove quickly towards the hospital.

In a daze, I heard someone calling my name.

I opened my bleary eyes, vaguely seeing Zachary's face, pacing anxiously by the bed.

"Zachary?" I rubbed my eyes, my voice hoarse, eyelids heavy.

Zachary nodded, helping me sit up.

"We're in the hospital now, you have a high fever."

He frowned, looking serious.

My vision was blurry, unable to see the small changes in his expression.

I just felt dizzy.

"How did you suddenly get so sick?"

"Maybe it's because of the rain," I shook my head, my head dizzy, speaking intermittently, my voice unclear.

"Lie down and rest, I'll go handle the admission procedures."

Zachary turned to leave, but suddenly, I grabbed his wrist.

"No need."

I struggled to sit up, forcing a smile at him.

"No need to be admitted, I'm fine."

"No, you must be admitted!" Zachary's attitude was firm.

My gaze fell on him, a trace of dimness flashing in my eyes.