Chapter 311 - A Snippet Of The Past

Slowly, Ivan came to a full halt. When he did, Zoey jumped out and grunted. 

"My back..." Zoey stretched her back, massaging her lower back by her hands. She felt like someone had smashed her back with a solid metal by just fighting the strong wind blowing against their direction earlier. 

"Hey, get off." Meanwhile, Ivan tapped Kenneth Bai's back as he was literally lying on his lap while the rest of his feet were hanging out of the car. 

Ivan glanced at Zoey who was grunting before squatting down to rest. After that whole ordeal was over, Ivan was relieved that none of them got hurt badly. 

Aside from the little bruises that Zoey had received which was hidden beneath her clothes, Ivan looked down and sighed. Kenneth Bai seemed to be in a shock by the whole ordeal moments ago. 

"You're good now." Ivan muttered, patting Kenneth Bai's back to snap him back from his shock. 

"Ah..." Kenneth Bai blinked his eyes many times; he could still feel his heart beating frantically while he caught up with his breathing. 

Moment ago, he had thought that he was a goner. He was so certain that there was no way he could leave this unscathed, yet here he was, totally fine albeit mind boggled. 

"I..."

"Get off." Just as Kenneth Bai was regaining his wits back, Ivan cut him off coldly as he wasn't patient enough. He wanted to check on Zoey who was still squatting down while holding onto her back. 

"Y— yes." Kenneth Bai nodded his head, crawling out of the car. When he tried to stand, his knees gave away, causing him to slump down on the concrete ground. 

Although Kenneth Bai was forcing himself to recover as soon as possible, his body could still feel the pressure and fear from earlier events. Hence, although he wanted to stand up, his knees, hands, or rather, his entire body was just shaking uncontrollably. 

"Sis, are you okay?" When Kenneth Bai slumped to the concrete ground, Ivan didn't even glance at him as he hopped out. Without further ado, he walked towards Zoey and witnessed her slowly lay on the ground. 

"I am, but my back hurts like crap — my spine is safe though." Zoey stared at the starless sky, her arms spread open as lying comfortably on the ground lessened the pain in her back. 

"Can you get up?" Worried, Ivan inquired and squatted down to her side.

"Later..." Zoey muttered, her eyes fixated on the starless night sky. 

For some reason, this situation reminded her of her previous lifetime. Lying in the middle of the road, staring at the same starless, gloomy sky; bearing a heavy and murderous heart with tears flowing down her eyes. 

It looked different from then which relieved her heart. At the very least, right now, she had more chances of protecting Matthew Xi and everyone else. 

At the very least, the slight change she did tonight didn't cost anyone's life. If something bad happened to Kenneth Bai, Zoey would only blame herself. 

After all, this race wouldn't take place if not for her own selfish reasons. If she didn't stop Matthew Xi from taking that drug, he would be having a one night stand and Kenneth Bai would probably be partying his night away. 

But because she meddled with history, Kenneth Bai almost lost his life. Was this the consequences of the changes she was making? If Zoey knew, she would have been more careful than ever. 

She didn't expect that a small change and a reckless decision could turn her first night in this lifetime upside down. Well, good thing it was settled now. Therefore, Zoey was relieved. 

Moreover, she learned a lesson that a small change could have a different and bigger impact afterwards. This experience tonight made her realize a lot of things.

It made her reflect on the course of action she must take. No matter how little or big her actions, it could change other people's lives. Hence, she must be careful — extra careful. 

"I want to sleep in here..." Zoey murmured, a faint sigh escaped her lips. Today had been a long day for her. 

After all, it was just the first day of her time-travel and everything was just sinking into her head. Not to mention, she just died — blew her head off and the memory was still clear and fresh. 

If not for the fact that she needed to see Matthew Xi tonight, Zoey would probably take her precious time to let this all process. It was too surreal and unbelievable, but this life and death situation proved that this was the reality now. 

****

Snippets of the day of Zoey's suicide before time traveling.

[August 5, 2020]

The cold menacing hazel orbs stared at her, glinting as it reflected the woman standing before him. Her hands were bandaged, yet blood dripped from the tip of her fingers. 

Zoey held the gun in her left hand, the crack on the side of her pale lips was evident. Fresh bruises and minor scrapes could be seen around her face. Not to mention, the wounds beneath her clothes. 

"Bravo!" The man clapped his hands slowly, chuckling after he scanned Zoey's condition. "Truly a brave girl! I couldn't expect anything less from you... Alas, you're losing too much blood, Zia." He exclaimed in amusement; there was not a slightest remorse in his menacing hazel eyes. 

"Huh," Zoey scoffed, scratching her temple by the pistol's muzzle. 

"Tell me Zia, for what purpose are you raiding on my turf? To avenge? That's romantic." Iñigo giggled as he inquired, pondering at her reckless suicide mission tonight. 

She single handedly gunned down a few of his men, others lost consciousness but still holding on to dear life. Same with their situation, Zoey wasn't any better. She inflicted wounds including gunshots. 

However, what's commendable was she managed to drag her feet to meet him and could still stand — albeit, left a track of her own blood. 

"Aren't you the romantic one, Iñigo?" Zoey's chuckles equaled her physical and emotional pain, yet, that didn't matter anymore.