Chapter 2

"What's wrong, honey? Are you cold?" Zayn was quick to notice her subtle reaction. He leaned in and pressed his forehead against hers to check her temperature. "You seem to be down with a fever." A fever? Josephine had a slight headache, but she simply assumed that it was due to mental exhaustion and didn't pay much attention to it. Now that Zayn pointed it out, she realized that it was likely due to spending too much time at the seaside and being exposed to the chilly breeze. Before she could respond, Zayn was already on the phone with his assistant, Shawn Middleton. "Shawn, call the specialists from last time and have them come over immediately. Josephine seems to have caught a cold again." Upon ending the call, he immediately carried her to the bed and said gently, "Honey, just lie down for a bit. I'll have the housekeepers bring some food for you." He kissed her gently and was about to make his way downstairs when his phone rang again. Upon seeing the caller ID, his expression stiffened. "Just give me a second. I'll be right back," Zayn said as he shut the door gently behind him. After a while, the housekeepers brought the food in, but Zayn was nowhere to be seen. Josephine didn't bother to ask. "Mrs. Forbes, Mr. Forbes has asked me to tell you that there's an urgent matter at the company that he needs to attend to." "I see. Just leave the food on the table." "Yes, Mrs. Forbes," the housekeeper replied and headed back downstairs. Shortly after, Josephine received a message from Zayn. It read, "Honey, there's an urgent matter at the company, so I can't make it home to feed you. "Also, the specialists just called and said that they are in the middle of treating a critical patient and won't be able to come until tomorrow morning. But don't worry, I've already asked the housekeepers to get some medicine for you. Promise you'll take it, okay?" This was how Zayn always acted. While he wasn't by her side, he would always make sure to show he cared for her. As expected, the housekeeper soon returned with the medicine. "Mrs. Forbes, it's time for you to take your medicine." "Alright. Just leave it there." However, the housekeeper persisted, "But Mr. Forbes insists that I watch you take it." Josephine smiled. Zayn still cared so deeply for her. As she took the medicine, the housekeeper couldn't help but remark in envy, "Mrs. Forbes, you truly are so lucky to have a husband like Mr. Forbes. He's so considerate and caring." She was right. Everyone knew how lucky she was, except for her. After seeing Josephine take the medicine, the housekeeper left. Josephine was just about to drift off to sleep when her phone suddenly buzzed with a message notification. It was another message from Nadine. "Josephine, Zayn told me that you're sick. Are you feeling better? By the way, the specialists he called for you are here with me." Attached with the message was a video. It showed ten specialists surrounding Nadine, all with smiles on their faces. Meanwhile, Zayn was seen to be lovingly holding Nadine in his arms. The intimacy and affection he displayed were no less than what he had shown her. Josephine's heart clenched painfully at the sight and she couldn't help but clutch her chest tightly. Was she the critical patient Zayn was talking about? Why did he have to lie to her? Nothing infuriated her more than lies. It reminded her too much of her parents' marriage. In their case, it was her mother, Sarah Ferk, who had been unfaithful. She cheated on her father, Benjamin Dunn, yet continued to treat him with such care when she was at home. Therefore, Josephine had grown up believing that her parents had a strong and loving relationship. It wasn't until one day that Benjamin found out about her affair, and in a rage, he kicked her out of the house. From that moment on, she was forced to grow up without a mother by her side. Fortunately, Benjamin's business prospered over time, allowing her to live a life of luxury from a young age. That said, no amount of wealth could fill the emotional void of not having a mother. Since then, Josephine had come to despise lies and betrayal and never thought that such a thing would befall her. When she discovered that Zayn was walking the same path as Sarah, she could no longer tolerate it. For the past three years, her way of showing love was completely different from Zayn's. She would always watch him quietly and observe his every move, including the company's financial situation. Whenever she noticed the company facing financial difficulties, she would find ways to support him. She would use business partnerships, bank loans, and other forms of financing to help the company get back on track. Zayn had no idea of this and neither did anyone else. But despite all her efforts, all she received in return was his betrayal. Her phone buzzed once again. This time, it was a message from Zayn. "Honey, have you taken your medicine? I'm still at the company, but I'll be back soon. I love you!" Josephine scoffed. She simply ignored their message and went to bed. She wasn't clear how much time had passed, but when she woke up, she found herself lying in Zayn's arms. He hugged her so tight she could barely breathe. She gently pushed him away and glanced at the clock on the bed frame, realizing that it was already morning. She slipped out of bed, yet Zayn remained unresponsive and seemed to be in deep sleep. A bitter smile tugged at Josephine's lips. He had spent the entire night looking after Nadine, it was no surprise he slept so soundly. It wasn't until Josephine was washing up at the sink that Zayn finally awoke. He approached her, slipping one arm around her waist while holding his phone to his ear with the other. "Do you still want a job in Crestwood? I've been telling you since yesterday that my wife is sick, yet you're still not here. You've got one hour to get to Forbes residence." With that, he ended the call and rested his face on her neck, kissing it lightly. Josephine instinctively pushed him away. "You're making it hard for me to wash up." Upon hearing this, Zayn immediately let go of her. Josephine looked into the mirror and noticed the dark circle under his eyes. She asked, "Did you have a hard time at work yesterday?" "You have no idea. Shawn doesn't know how to handle things. The project plan is a complete mess." Zayn gazed at Josephine, his eyes brimming with guilt. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. You're sick, and I haven't been there to take care of you." Josephine casually replied, "It's just a cold. I won't die from it." Zayn immediately covered her mouth. "Don't say that. If you die, I don't think I could live either." His eyes were filled with nothing but sincerity. After a while, Josephine heard noises coming from outside. Zayn said, "I'll go take a look. How dare they disturb you so early in the morning. They must have a death wish." With that, he turned and left. Josephine pulled back the curtains and saw about ten people in white coats gathered at the villa entrance. Among them were a few media reporters who were taking photos and conducting interviews. Josephine's lips curved into a faint smile as she closed the curtains. Sure enough, moments later, Zayn and the doctors made it upstairs. At that moment, Josephine had just finished washing up. Zayn said gently, "Honey, quickly let them examine you." He carried Josephine into the bedroom and placed her gently on the bed. The few doctors entered, and Josephine cooperatively allowed them to check her over.