Chapter 19: Chapter 19

I couldn't follow what's happening. The veterinarian took care of Angel quickly when we arrived. He asked me some questions that I don't even know how I was able to answer. I was lost. My attention was only focused on Angel, while those around her were checking on her.

I feel my tears that never stop falling. My hands were shaking, and my chest was hurting from the force of the beating. If Zachary hadn't been by my side, I might have fallen to the floor a long time ago.

"Everything will be okay."

I don't know how many times he has whispered that. As much as I wanted to believe, I couldn't. Not because I don't want Angel to be well, but because I am terrified. Seeing her fight for her life broke my heart. Although she was new in my life, she still held a significant amount of importance for me, and I became attached to her.

A few minutes later, Zachary and I were sitting on the sofa. Angel is now undergoing an operation because the doctor found out that the kitten's poop had hardened inside her tummy. I prayed silently, asking for her safety because the surgery was risky for her age.

My attention turned to my thigh when Zachary grabbed my hand that was resting there. He squeezed it gently. He wasn't looking at me; like me, his attention was on our hands.

"She will be okay," I heard him murmur, trying to comfort me.

I bit my lower lip as tears welled up again. Before they fell, Zachary carefully pulled me toward his chest. That's when I started crying. Yes, I am mad at him, but right now I feel nothing but fear.

A few minutes later, I was dizzy and nauseous. Zachary seemed to notice that, so he handed me water and fanned me with a thick flier. I could see the worry in his eyes the moment our eyes met, but I ignored him.

"You should rest. You are already stressed, Atasha. It's not good for you or for our baby," he said.

I didn't speak. Even though I felt very weak and my eyesight was getting worse, I tried to act properly. My chest heaved again when I saw the doctor approaching us.

I stood up quickly. "How is she, doc?" I asked.

I clung to Zachary when my eyesight spin at my sudden action. His hand immediately wrapped around my waist for support. I even heard him calling me and asking if I was okay, but I didn't bother to focus on him.

"The operation was successful, but we still need to check on her," said the doctor.

Somehow, I breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, she's still not a hundred percent safe, but the fact that she fought and didn't die on the operating table made me feel a little at ease. She's fighting, and I know she can do it.

I smiled a little despite the darkening of my eyesight. "Thank yo—" I didn't finish my thanks when I completely fell out of my place.

I don't remember what happened after that. I just woke up in a familiar room. I slowly looked around and was stunned to see Zachary on the edge of the bed. His head was tilted to the side as he sat on the floor. I don't know how he managed to sleep in that position. I was about to wake him up when my hand stopped in the air. I couldn't help but stare at his gentle face. I couldn't help but think back to a moment when I thought everything was perfect as I stared at him right now.

I get it; you love my sister, but is it really necessary to fool me?

I let out a sigh, causing him to wake up on his own. His attention quickly focused on me. I don't know, but there is something strange in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

There was a mixture of worry, slight anger, and pain in his eyes, and I couldn't understand why.

I just nodded and then carefully got up. "How's Angel?"

"She's now stable. The doctor just needs to check on her for one more day before discharging her," he answered.

Even though I was calmed by what he announced, I was slightly uncomfortable because I noticed the way he was staring at me. It's like he's reading something in me that he doesn't understand. I averted my gaze and decided to stand up. Zachary quickly went to my side. I even caught my breath when I felt his hand on my back.

"I'm fine. I can act on my own," I said, and I simply moved away from his hold.

I heard him take a deep breath, and didn't bother me anymore. I could feel his eyes following me as I walked toward the door. I was about to twist the doorknob when I heard his footsteps.

"Atasha," he called behind my back.

I didn't show any emotion when I looked back at him. He looked at me seriously. I saw his mouth open to speak, but it stopped in the air. It's like he doesn't know what to say to me.

I raised an eyebrow. "What, Zachary?" I said it lazily.

He cursed weakly and bit his lower lip; he even ran his fingers through his hair. "For a month," he began.

My eyebrows rose even more as I waited for him to continue. Later, my eyes widened, and I couldn't help myself when he suddenly stepped between us. I was caught off guard. He stared at me as he slowly jailed me at the door. There are mixed emotions in his eyes, and I don't understand why.

I was about to push him when he weakly dropped his head on my shoulder; his hands remained on both sides of my head. I could feel his heavy breath. He looked frustrated and tired.

"For a month . . . let's forget everything," he mumbled hoarsely.

I was stunned, and there was no emotion in what he said.

"For a month . . . let's pretend that we are okay," he added, and then slowly lifted his head.

His eyes were showing softness as he looked at me. "Just one month. Let's forget the past."