Chapter 17 Subtle Change of Heart

• After locking the door, Joaquin departed Berkewood. When his phone beeped, he saw the weather forecast revealing impending thunderstorms. Joaquin skimmed over it before returning the device to his pocket. Melanie's fear of thunder flickered in his mind. As for Zayla… Since she dares to defy me, does she still harbor a fear of thunder?
• As Joaquin drove towards Melanie's house, his thoughts involuntarily veered towards Zayla, leaving him restless as if a piece of his soul had been wrenched from him. He despised feeling like he was being controlled. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, he found himself unable to resist the urge to pound it while waiting at a crossroads for the green light.
• Melanie, still recovering from her illness, seemed a bit worn out. Surprise lit up her eyes as Joaquin pushed the door open. Her pale face brightened slightly at the sight of him. "Joaquin, have you eaten?"