Cordelia had been taking care of Xyla by the bed, but the latter did not seem to get better. The previous treatments seemed to have been wasted effort after William and Yelena came for trouble.
No matter how much it pained Cordelia to see her mother so sullen and dazed, she could only force herself to perk up.
Seth asked the doctor in charge of Xyla in the past and specially asked a psychiatric expert. They came to the unanimous conclusion to switch up the place Xyla was living in.
“Cordelia, perhaps changing the environment will be helpful to her condition,” Seth told her. “I’ve studied many cases that are similar to her condition. Most have differing levels of recovery after a change of environment.
“And she has had unhappy experiences in Jangasas. Don’t let her stay around this place. Changing up the place or lifestyle will be beneficial for her.”
Cordelia sighed and recalled what Zephyr had said the other day. Were they going to Centrolis with him?
“Cordelia…” Xyla opened her eyes and struggled to sit up from her weak state.
Cordelia hurried to help her and added a pillow behind her. “Mom, how are you feeling?”
“Suffocated,” Xyla said softly. “I… I don’t want to stay here anymore. I always remember how William forced me in the past…”
Cordelia held her hand. Her tears nearly fell with the pinch on her nose.
If Marcus had not held her captive, she probably could not have empathized with what Xyla felt. However, that experience enabled her to understand what her mother currently felt.
She was the same, not daring to go to the cafe after so long because she could remember how Marcus had almost assaulted her once she stepped in there.
Cordelia hesitated before asking, “Mom, what do you think if we live in another city?”
“In another city?” Xyla paused. “Where Carter attends university?”
“You want to go there?”
“I…” Xyla’s voice went lower. “I want to be with my kids.”
Cordelia froze and nodded in silence.
Carter and Zephyr entered at the same time.
Carter told Cordelia happily that Zephyr would pack with him tonight.
“That’s not necessary…”
Cordelia was quick to refuse, but Carter was upset. “What’s gotten into you, Cordelia!? Zephyr’s kind to help me pack. Why are you chasing him away?”
“It’s too late today.” Cordelia avoided Zephyr’s gaze. “Besides, with how little you have, I’ll help you. Don’t keep pestering him!”
“He can stay here if it’s too late!” Carter looked at Zephyr. “He’s going to tell me a lot about life in university, so I can get ready in advance, right?”
Zephyr nodded with a chuckle. His brother-in-law had finally been a help!
“Carter!” Cordelia glared at her brother. “We don’t have a big place. How’s he going to fit?”
“He can sleep on the couch!”
Zephyr was rendered speechless. Forget it. He took back what he thought just now.
“If not, we can do it like back in your place!” Carter’s eyes brightened as he suddenly thought of a good solution. “Zephyr can sleep in my room with me!”
Zephyr’s scowl could not get any darker. How did the boy get into the University of Centrolis with that kind of intelligence!?
Before Cordelia could say anything, Xyla giggled. “Carter, stop messing with them. Go back to your room and pack up!”
“Cordelia,” he was heard saying huskily in the dark. “You’re not asleep yet?”
“Mm…”
“Then let’s talk.”
Cordelia bit her lips as her heart skipped a beat. She discreetly got up to look over her bed. Zephyr had his back against her. As silvery light peeked from the window, his broad back and chiseled lines could vaguely be seen.
Her heart squeezed. This man used to hold up a world that was only hers for her. Now that she looked at his back, she suddenly felt like hugging him…
Cordelia lay back down abruptly and covered half of her face with the duvet, trying to calm her thrashing heart.
Zephyr asked softly, “Cordelia, do you still not want to go to Centrolis with me?”
Cordelia stayed quiet.
Zephyr took a deep breath. “I admit that it’s my fault that I hid my identity. And I’ll be honest that I didn’t think of having any future with you when I first got together with you.”
Cordelia clutched her blanket with shaking hands.
“But I didn’t expect to fall in love with you.
“Cordelia, I’ve checked it out clearly. You have no relationship tied to Marcus Grist.” He paused. “So, can you give me a chance and let us go back to when we first got together?”
“What did you say?” Cordelia was stunned.
“I want a chance to go back to the past.” Each word of Zephyr knocked on her heart. “I’ll tell you who I am at the first instant… and love you openly as Zephyr Hamerton.”
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