Chapter 434

Zachary was a bright and insightful man. The moment I asked those questions, he understood. His gaze deepened slightly, and he asked softly, “Did someone tell you something earlier?” I shook my head and denied, “I simply felt like asking.” When I said that, Zachary replied firmly, “Every time you lie, you would shake your head, and you would avoid looking into my eyes. Bel, be more confident and determined, no matter what gossip you heard. I would not simply leave you without any reason, nor will I let go of you because of any difficulties.” Why did he suddenly tell me that? I asked stubbornly, “Then, when did you first meet me?” If it was before, I would hide anything I heard in my heart. Whatever I heard from Zachary’s mother, I would think it was nonsense and torture myself. However, with Zachary, I wanted to ask him about everything to clear my doubts. Zachary knew I still needed an answer. He answered thoughtfully, “I’ve heard of your name before, but I didn’t take it to heart. I wasn’t sure of your appearance. The first time I laid my eyes on you was during our first meeting. I found out much later that you were the president of the Shaw Corporation and Dixon’s ex-wife. Although I could’ve discovered your identity earlier, I wasn’t interested in investigating you. You told me your name was Ysabel Shaw, so I believed you were Ysabel. As for the truth, I didn’t really care.” He said our first meeting was at the homestay. I believed him. As long as he said it, I would believe it. Moreover, Zachary acted normal during that time. He even thought I was short of money and asked if I need some. If he already knew my identity back then, he would not have asked such foolish questions. Our meeting was not schemed, or by any other reason. Zachary allowed me to get close to him just because I was Ysabel. Not because of that kidney that caused so many misunderstandings… I asked softly, “At that time, why did you let me get close to you?” Why did he suddenly announce that he would become my Second Brother and that he would protect me for life? There were so many other women in the world, but why me? Zachary answered nonchalantly, “You kissed me.” “Hmm?” I asked. “When you drowned in the river, you lost control over your breathing. When I got near you… That was the first time you kissed me. Bel, I’ve been alone all my life. I had always acted swiftly and decisively, but I’m so stubborn down to my bones. In Joshua’s words, I was conservative and old-fashioned!” “You kissed me that day. That was my first kiss. I was caught off guard in that situation and could not stop you. Since it happened, I naturally had no way against you. Perhaps you left a mark in my heart since that day, and so…” Zachary suddenly squinted at me. His voice was firm as he said, “And so whenever you made any mistake or did actions that were over the line, I could tolerate you. I looked at you as a child who still needed to grow up slowly.” I was slightly startled as I looked at the silhouette of that resolute man in front of me. I recalled those days where he tolerated me a lot. No matter what happened, he would take a bystander’s standpoint and not punish or blame me. Every time I ran into trouble, he would be the first one to appear by my side. He would protect and guard me! He was like a mature adult, quietly guarding a child like me. Zachary really pampered me like a child. Zachary’s mother told me he wanted to kill me at some point. Even if he wanted to kill me at one point, so what? Even if I die in his arms one day, I would be more than willing to give him my life. “Zachary, thank you.” Thank you for appearing at the right time in my life. That night, I stayed together with Zachary for the mourning session. Towards the end, I was exhausted, so I had to go back to the room to rest. After I returned to the room, I had a rust-like metallic taste in my throat, but I did not care. I had no energy left. I laid on the bed and quickly dozed off. Not long after, someone called my name by my ears. I opened my eyes reluctantly and saw Zachary. He noticed I was in bad shape and asked gently, “Still sleepy?”