Chapter 85 Can't You See I'm Chasing after You?
Zach wrapped the ice cubes in a towel, gently pressed it against his face to make sure it wouldn't scratch his skin, and then returned to the living room.
In the living room, Brooklyn was nowhere to be seen. The bathroom door was open, so he walked over and saw Brooklyn with her head down, shoulders trembling violently, suppressing sobs as if she was a bullied girl too afraid to voice her pain and humiliation.
The sight of Brooklyn pierced Zach's heart. She wasn't invincible, nor did she not need care. She just hid all her vulnerabilities behind a tough exterior.
"If you want to cry, go ahead and cry. It'll make you feel better. Here, you can do anything you want, anything," Zach gently patted her shoulder, signaling her not to worry, that this was a safe space for her, free of any mental burdens.
Initially holding back her tears, Brooklyn couldn't resist anymore after Zach's words. She started sobbing.
Zach helped her out of the bathroom, made her sit on the couch, and handed her some tissues. "If you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask. But don't suppress yourself."
Brooklyn covered her face, shoulders shaking more violently, tears flowing like a dam that had finally burst after years of containment. She was like a child in front of Zach, freely expressing her emotions without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Zach quietly stayed by her side, his big hand gently patting her back. "It's okay. It's all in the past. Don't be afraid."
Brooklyn's shattered dignity was slowly being healed by Zach's calm and gentle voice. She choked out, "So tired, I feel so tired."
Each word she uttered felt like a needle piercing Zach's heart.
He pondered, 'what kind of life was Brooklyn living? What kind of past had she experienced? What deep wounds had led her to endure so much pain in silence?'
"If you feel tired, then rest well. Let your heart rest. If you need anything, I'm here to help you anytime." Zach comforted her gently.
After crying for a while, she lifted her head, tears smudging her face, a strand of hair sticking to her wet cheek. She wiped away the last traces of tears with a tissue. Her face was swollen, her eyes puffy like bubbles, the redness surrounding her bright eyes, making her look like a wounded rabbit.
Sniffling, she threw the used tissues in the trash can, which was now filled with a bunch of them. "Sorry, did I scare you just now?"
It had been so long since she cried like this. She almost forgot the feeling of letting go. Unexpectedly, the usually strong Brooklyn cried freely in front of Zach, someone she wasn't familiar with.
"No, I'm happy that you can cry here. It proves that you don't reject me in your heart and are willing to show me your vulnerability."
Revealing one's vulnerability was the true essence of trust and reliance.
Rubbing her sore nose, Brooklyn said, "I should go now."
Zach chuckled, "Go? Where are you going? With those swollen eyes and a face that looks like it's been slapped, are you planning to go out like this? Sit down. I'll help you with the cold compress."
He gently massaged her face with the towel, asking cautiously, "Does it hurt? If it does, I'll be more gentle."
Sitting too close to each other made Brooklyn uncomfortable. She shifted slightly to the side. "I'll do it myself."
Zach didn't insist. "Alright, you do it yourself. Do you want something to drink? Coffee or water?"
Applying the cold compress, Brooklyn replied, "Either is fine."
Zach stood up. "Then have some water. You haven't slept all night, coffee might affect your sleep."
Watching Zach's back, Brooklyn felt a pang in her heart. She could tell that Zach's care for her had surpassed the usual superior-subordinate relationship, but the tenderness he offered was something she couldn't afford.
There was no possibility between them.
Handing her a glass of water, Zach said, "I added some glucose. You need to replenish your energy. You can take a nap here later. This is my private space. No one will disturb you."
"No need. I'll go home to rest."
Zach smiled. He raised his hand as if wanting to pat her head, but considering their positions, he stopped. "Don't pretend to be strong in front of me. Where are you going back to? You'll still be alone at home, and the bedding is new. I rarely rest here."
"That's not what I meant."
"If that's not what you meant, then feel free to stay. When you wake up and feel hungry, let me know what you want to eat, and I'll get it for you."
Brooklyn paused in her movements. Looking up at Zach, sunlight shining through the window, outlining him with a golden glow, she asked, "Mr. Carter, why are you..."
"Why am I being so kind to me?" Zach interrupted her.
He saw through her, leaving her speechless for a moment.
Shrugging, Zach said, "Emotionally, I'm a loser. I've gone this far in pursuing someone, and she still doesn't know."
His self-deprecating words stunned Brooklyn. She opened her mouth, "Mr. Carter, thank you, but let's forget it. It's impossible between us. You don't understand me, and you don't even really know me."
Bending down, Zach made Brooklyn think he was going to do something, so she quickly moved back. To her surprise, he just smiled smugly, then touched the outer wall of the glass with his clean fingers. "You can drink the water now."
Brooklyn fell silent.
"Don't rush to give me an answer. I'm patient. Dr. Mitchell, a heart surgery takes over ten hours to complete. It concerns my lifelong happiness. Don't rush to give me a death notice, okay?"
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