Rex was taken aback. It was rare to see this more approachable side of his boss.
In such a hurry… a date?
But with whom? Dr. Moss? Or Darcy?
Rex sighed inwardly.
Whoever it is, it’s none of my business.
Zane took the elevator to the underground parking garage. The lights of his Maybach flashed.
As he was about to get in, he spotted Kaia.
Perfect timing. He wanted to ask her about Ione’s hospitalization. As Darcy’s best friend, she would know more than he did.
But before he could call her name, he saw Kaia run up and link arms with Zora, saying sweetly, “Dr. Moss! Let’s go get some dinner.”
Since when did Kaiaand Zora become so close?
Then again, Zora was always graceful and poised. With her looks, talent, and friendly personality, it was hard not to be drawn to her.
No wonder Kaia got along with her.
Forget asking Kaiathen. He knew which hospital it was anyway.
He didn’t probe deeper into why seeing Kaia with Zora made him change his mind – whether he was worried Zora would find out about his relationship with Darcy, or something else. He pushed those thoughts down.
…
In the VIP room of the hospital wing, the surgeon was explaining the pre-op procedures for the next day.
After covering the basics, the doctor looked at Darcy. “It’s important for the patient to remain in good spirits before and after the surgery. Avoid major emotional swings, as it’s not conducive to recovery.”
Darcy nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Doctor.”
She saw the doctor to the door. As she turned back, she spotted Zane standing not far away, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Seeing him again, she felt nothing like before.
There was no joy in her eyes, only indifference.
She walked over. “What are you doing here?”
Zane’s brow furrowed slightly, noticing the change in her demeanor.
“You didn’t reply to my calls or messages,” he said flatly.
Darcy pulled out her phone and saw the missed calls.
She looked up at him. “Sorry, I was busy and didn’t hear it.”
“I know. That’s why I came straight after work. How is your mother?”
“She’s doing okay.”
“When is the surgery?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
After this brief exchange, silence fell between them.
It seemed that besides her mother’s condition, they had nothing left to talk about.
Darcy clenched her fists inside her pockets. “By the way, about the letter I sent you…”
“Is that Kaia?” Ione’s voice came from the hospital room.
Darcy stopped, instinctively glancing back toward the room.
“Kaia, come in! I haven’t seen you in so long. I missed you so much!” Ione urged.
Zane was momentarily confused, then understood. He took Darcy’s hand and walked with her into the room.
Seeing him, Ione was surprised, then delighted.
“Oh, it’s Zane! I thought it was Kaia. Darcy, pour Zane some water and wash some fruit for him.”
Darcy reluctantly poured a glass of water for Zane but ignored the instruction about the fruit.
Zane didn’t seem to mind.
He stood and chatted with Ione for a few minutes about her condition.
Ione smiled warmly at him. “Have you sorted everything out with the Vance family for the engagement? How many people will be coming from your side? Our side is simple, just a few of my relatives and Kaia. I’m just worried your family might have a lot of people coming. If we know ahead of time, we can get ready and make sure everything goes smoothly.”
The engagement… Zane had almost forgotten.
The engagement ceremony with Darcy was at the end of next month. How could he have nearly forgotten that?
He glanced at Darcy with a trace of guilt, but her expression remained unchanged.
Good, she didn’t notice.
He placed a broad hand on her back in a gesture that felt more compensatory than affectionate.
He nodded. “Yes, I’ve spoken with my family. Both my parents will come. I also plan to invite some business partners. I’ll draft a guest list tomorrow at the office and give it to Darcy.”
Darcy was stunned.
She frowned, looking at Zane. His handsome features, sharp outline, his looks and aura – things she had once deeply adored. But after that night, she saw through him.
He felt nothing for her. He was just using her.
But she didn’t understand. Now that she was resigning and would no longer be his resource, why was he still bringing up the engagement?
Ah, probably to reassure my sick mother.
At least he’s maintaining appearances.
Darcy moved away from his touch and stepped forward to tuck the blankets tighter around her mother. “Mom, the doctor said you need rest. You should sleep now.”
Ione glanced at the wall clock and scoffed, “What nonsense are you talking? It’s far too early for sleep!”
“The doctor said it’s better to sleep early than stay up late. The surgery might be moved up.”
Ione sighed in resignation. She realized her daughter was more insistent than the doctors.
“Alright, alright, I’m going to sleep.”
Once outside the room, they reached the main lobby of the hospital. Zane’s phone rang.
It was his mother, Olena Vance.
He showed Darcy the phone. “I need to take this.”
Darcy pressed her lips together and nodded. “Okay. I have something to tell you after your call.”
Olena first asked if Darcy was with him. Zane glanced at Darcy beside him and grunted an affirmation.
Olena paused. “Move somewhere private. I need to ask you something.”
“Okay.” Zane moved the phone away and leaned close to Darcy, speaking softly, “It’s a business negotiation. I need to step over here to discuss numbers with the client. Wait for me a moment.”
Once he was in a corner, Zane put the phone back to his ear. “What is it, Mom?”
Olena’s voice was stern. “I heard you brought Zora into your company. What is the meaning of this?”
Zane was surprised by how quickly she’d found out.
His expression darkened. “It means nothing. A standard hire. SummitCore needs top talent in economics. Zora just finished her PhD abroad and fits our requirements.”
“Is that all?”
Zane’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He hesitated. “Yes. That’s all.”
Olena pressed further. “Does Darcy know about your history with Zora?”
Zane froze, feeling his chest tighten. “What history? We’re just childhood friends.”
“Zane, you know perfectly well what you feel for Zora. You can lie to others, but not to yourself!”
Olena’s tone grew more serious. “Have you heard? The Moss family originally planned an alliance marriage with the Blackwoods. For some reason, it was suddenly called off.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.