Chapter 8 I Am Happy!

• Frank and Finn hardly dared to breathe, watching Jonathan's lips slowly curl into a smile, feeling as if they'd seen a ghost.
• Did the storm just pass like that?
• Zoey lay in bed, trying to calm herself, when her phone rang again.
• She thought it was Zeke and instinctively wanted to lash out, but then she caught the number on the screen from the corner of her eye. Her eyes widened, and she sat up abruptly.
• With trembling fingers, she pressed the answer button.
• "Hello?" Her tone was cautious.
• "Zoey, it's me."
• "I know, Jon," Zoey replied with a smile.
• Hearing her words, Jonathan's smile deepened.
• "I've made up my mind. I'm willing to go abroad for treatment," Jonathan said.
• "What?" Zoey was stunned.
• He patiently repeated, "I'm willing to go abroad for treatment." After a pause, he asked, "Are you happy?"
• "Of course, I'm happy! I'm thrilled!" The thought of Jonathan being able to stand again made Zoey feel like she was about to burst with excitement.
• "When are you going abroad? I'll see you off!"
• She says she'll see me off...
• "Alright, you can see me off," Jonathan repeated each word deliberately.
• ...
• On the day Jonathan left for abroad, after having three cups of coffee, Kelvin couldn't help but glance upstairs at Zoey's room.
• The door was still tightly shut.
• "Marcus, go check on Zoey. Why isn't she ready yet?"
• Today is the day Jonathan is leaving for abroad. She wouldn't go back on her word and not even see him off, right?
• Marcus walked to Zoey's room, ready to knock, but the door swung open from the inside.
• Zoey, with red-rimmed eyes, held a thick needle in her hand, her face displaying a sinister smile.
• "Zoey?" Marcus' voice caught in his throat with fear.
• "Haha, I did it! I did it!" Zoey shouted excitedly, then slammed the door shut.
• She had already wasted too much time preparing Jonathan's gift. If she didn't hurry, it would be too late!
• Meanwhile, at the airport, the longer they waited, the colder Jonathan's expression became, as if enveloped in a frost of winter.
• The announcements had repeatedly urged passengers to board the plane.
• "Mr. Holmes, if you don't board now, it will be too late. Maybe we should..." Frank said, steeling himself.
• The light in Jonathan's eyes dimmed little by little, and he thought to himself, Of course, Zoey wouldn't come to see me off...
• His hopes had been too high.
• "Let's go." His voice carried a touch of melancholy.
• Frank pushed him toward the gate, with Finn trailing behind, carrying bags.
• Just then, a girl's clear voice rang out behind them. "Jonathan!"
• Jonathan turned around sharply!
• The girl was dressed in a white dress, her long black hair cascading softly over her shoulders. Her face was flushed from running, like a ripe apple in August, fresh and dewy.
• She ran toward him, panting and holding her side, but when she called Jonathan's name, she couldn't help but smile, her voice sweet and syrupy.
• Frank and Finn stared in disbelief.
• Is this the same punk from before? How did she become so stunning?
• With a knowing look, Frank gently guided Jonathan toward Zoey, who ran eagerly toward him.
• They stopped about three feet apart.
• "Sorry for being late; I bet you were waiting anxiously," Zoey apologized.
• "It's alright," Jonathan replied softly, hearing his heart pounding.
• Her presence was a pleasant surprise.
• He felt content.
• Zoey carefully presented a sachet. "I have prepared a gift for you! I know you struggle with sleep, so I crafted this fragrance myself. It's infused with potent herbs to help you sleep better. I had to make it quickly, so it's not perfect, but I hope you like it."
• The sachet was one Zoey had used before, slightly worn, with her name delicately inscribed on the pale pink fabric.
• It emitted a faint herbal scent mixed with a subtle hint of gardenia, a soothing fragrance that seemed to calm the soul.
• Taking his slightly trembling hand, he noticed upon closer inspection.
• This was Jonathan's first time receiving a gift from Zoey.
• Her eyes were reddened, likely from putting much effort into making the sachet.
• The urgency of the boarding announcements grew more insistent. If they didn't board now, they would miss the flight.
• "You should board now," Zoey reluctantly suggested, stepping forward to embrace Jonathan.
• She felt his body momentarily stiffen.
• As if he couldn't believe she initiated contact.
• "Jon, promise me you'll be good and get treatment abroad. I'll wait for you to come back and marry me."
• With that said, Zoey tried to stand, but Jonathan's large hand rested gently on her back.
• She melted into his embrace.
• Jonathan's lips brushed against her cheek, occasionally grazing it.
• "Zoey, remember what you said. Wait for me to come back and marry you. In this lifetime, no matter what happens, you can only be my wife."
• "Okay!" Zoey nodded fervently.
• The flight attendants continued to urge them. If they didn't board now, it would be too late.
• Realizing she wouldn't see Jonathan for a long time, Zoey felt a pang of sadness. "What should I do? I already couldn't bear to watch you leave."
• "How about you come abroad with me?" Jonathan asked solemnly.
• "After I finished my college entrance exams! I'll go wherever you want!" Zoey declared seriously.
• The next day, she still had to go to school. This year, she was a senior, determined to excel and get into a top university.
• Watching Jonathan successfully board the plane, Zoey returned home.