Chapter 848

Madelyn and Mya were having dinner in the hospital room. Madelyn had a bowl of oatmeal, while Mya dug into chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and soup. “This food’s amazing, Madelyn,” Mya said.

“If you want seconds, let me know,” Madelyn replied.

Margaret entered the room. “Should we set aside some food for Mr. Jardin?”

Madelyn, not lifting her gaze, replied, “No. He’ll manage.”

Margaret nodded and returned to the kitchenette.

Mya, patting her belly contentedly, asked, “Can I come visit you again tomorrow?”

Madelyn smiled. “Of course. But for now, you should head home. It’s getting late, and you wouldn’t want your father to worry.”

Mya looked at the clock and realized it was almost nine o’clock. She went to Madelyn and gave her a tight hug, then kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Madelyn.” With that, she left the room, walking with her usual cheerful bounce.

With a deep breath, Madelyn wheeled herself into the neighboring room, where the injured Dalton lay.

Seeing him in such a state stirred deep emotions in her. She whispered, ‘Dal, I’ve often felt you reaching out to me as “mom”. How I wish I could be that for you. But the truth is, I can’t have children of my own. I’ll always be here to care for you, but I can’t be the mother you long for. I’m so sorry, Dal.’

Madelyn had just returned from the next room and was getting ready for bed when Zach entered.

Despite the late hour, he appeared wide awake. But when he approached to assist her from the wheelchair to the bed, she detected a hint of alcohol on his breath.

“I was just out for a bit, having some drinks with Kai. He’s left already,” Zach explained.

Madelyn said, “You don’t have to tell me.”

The way Zach spoke evoked an image in Madelyn’s mind of a husband updating his wife after a night out.

Zach sat on the bed and eased her slippers off. “Let me get some water for you to freshen up,” he said.

As he hung his suit jacket, Madelyn’s gaze trailed after Zach to the bathroom, where the sound of water filled the space. He returned with his sleeves rolled up, carrying a basin of water. With a wet towel, he gently cleaned her face. The care in his movements suggested to Madelyn that this was something he had performed many times before.

“Just let me know if you’d like a bath,” Zach said.

While Madelyn was unconscious, Zach took incredible care of her. He cleaned her every day, and out of concern that she might be upset about any hair loss, he learned how to add hair extensions. Thanks to his efforts, Madelyn’s current hair was almost indistinguishable from her natural hair. Not stopping there, Zach even took the time to wash her face and feet.

Seeing this side of Zach made Madelyn reflect. She remembered a time when he would never have considered doing such caring tasks. Fetching water and washing someone else’s feet, especially doing it with such tenderness, was a far cry from the Zach she once knew.

Zach dried Madelyn’s feet before taking a shower. Once he dried his hair, he put on his pajamas and turned off the lights. As he climbed into bed, he snuggled up against Madelyn’s back, bringing with him a fresh scent of shower gel. Zach wrapped his arms around her waist. They both breathed gently, enjoying the quiet moment together. However, despite the peaceful setting, they found it hard to fall asleep.

“What happened with Serena?” Madelyn asked.

Zach adjusted their position, sharing a pillow, allowing Madelyn to rest her head against his chest. “I had Kevin collect evidence against her father, Chadwick Smith, and turn it over to the cops. We’re staying out of the rest. If you’re worried about anything else, just let me know.”

“Are you going to…. kill her?” she asked.

Zach tightened his embrace slightly, replying, “I don’t do that sort of thing anymore.”

Words failed Madelyn as she tried to respond. She chose silence instead, taking comfort in the belief that Zach had truly changed. His breathing evened out; he had fallen asleep. But as she lay there, the serenity was short-lived. Images of a plane crash intruded her thoughts, unsettling her. She carefully moved his hand aside and sat up.

In the quiet, she retrieved a fruit knife hidden beneath their pillow. The blade caught the dim light as she aimed it towards his unsuspecting eyes. Her hands trembled, a mix of fear and rage in her gaze, while an internal voice hissed, ‘Do it! Finish him!’