Chapter 317 - You Stay

Zoey smiled as she stared at his curious front. "Nevermind." She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. 

"I'm just spouting nonsense — that's all." She added, fixing her position as she laid on her tummy. Her head was positioned to stare at his elegant figure that was sitting on the chair. 

"You stay." She remembered and Matthew Xi nodded that caused her to smile meekly. "Good." Slowly, Zoey closed her eyes as his presence alone was enough. 

He might not cuddle her or kiss her, but she couldn't be greedy to ask for more. Matthew Xi with her right now made her heart feel so secure and content. That was good enough for her, for now. 

After all, Zoey expected to spend her first night after her time traveling alone. She didn't even think she would have a good night's rest. If anything, she expected that her first night wouldn't be spent resting but more on reviewing the current timeline and planning on the changes she would have to take. 

With the discovery of Kenneth Bai who was emotionally unstable which they didn't know in the previous life, Zoey had to consider all angles she planned to change. 

She was lucky that nothing bad happened today. But, the problem was, what if she wouldn't be lucky next? Not to mention, that sketchy Angelo that Ivan trusted, Zoey could not shrug the feeling of restlessness. 

Given that she didn't meet Angelo in her previous life, Zoey couldn't just be complacent. Ivan was the first one to die before Matthew Xi, and Zoey didn't know about it until she flew back to Europe and visited the wrecked Nikolai Silvestri. 

Even Patrizio Moretti didn't inform her about his death. For whatever reason Patrizio had that time, Zoey understood as they all needed to move forward. Acting out of anger wouldn't benefit them anyway. Moreover, Iñigo came prepared and they all were helpless before that man. 

But now, if Zoey could get him before his preparation was done, they would stand a chance — she would stand a chance. Therefore, Zoey didn't only plan to find her success in the business world but also, cement her position in the Silva Family. 

As Zoey was lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize that Matthew Xi was staring at her stern expression. Although she had her eyes closed, Matthew Xi could feel the threatening aura emanating from her. 

"Sleep." His voice was low yet so commanding. 

Slowly, Zoey opened her eyes that bore a questioning note. "Hmm?"

"You're thinking too much." Matthew Xi remained sitting in the same position, but the emotionless curve on his lips gradually turned into a frown. 

For a moment, Zoey remained silent as she stared at him for a long time. How could he understand her even in this lifetime? How could he read her despite that she was basically a stranger to him? 

Whatever the answer, Zoey couldn't be bothered by it. She was just happy that regardless of the time, whether it was eight years later from this time or today, he didn't change a lot. 

Aside from his rash and decisive thinking, he was still the Matthew Xi she loved and would continue loving. He was still the same man who could make her heart stop beating or could make her heart race. 

"Why do you want me to stop thinking about you?" Out of nowhere, Zoey inquired which made him pause and peer at her. "I'm kidding." She chuckled, her eyes glinted with a bit of gentleness and playfulness. 

On the other hand, his russet orbs gleamed with darkness. "We're still dating. Think about me when we break up." His last remarks were brutal, but Zoey had been through hell that the words 'break up', didn't even sting a little. 

"Can I ask a question?" Zoey inquired, her cheek slowly sunk on the soft pillow. 

"Hmm?" Matthew Xi arched his right brow, waiting for her to ask whatever question she wanted. 

For some reason, he didn't find her annoying. Actually, he liked her humor and how calm she was despite his overbearing personality. With her attitude earlier, Matthew Xi expected that she would be defiant and hardheaded. 

To his surprise, she was actually obedient. It was as if she didn't mind his words that were criticized by his own mother for being too... commanding and inconsiderate. 

"Do you like me?" Without further ado, Zoey didn't beat around the bush. 

Upon hearing her question, Matthew Xi remained silent for as long as he could remember. He didn't expect that question out of nowhere. 

Now that the questions were given, he had to ask himself. Obviously, he was interested in her and liked her personality. However, for some reason his words were stuck in his throat. 

"Don't answer. You'll fall for me anyway." Due to his silence, Zoey sighed and remarked. "Just don't stay awake throughout the night and sleep. Once I fall asleep, you can go." Zoey offered a meek smile as she gave him permission to go. 

Although she wanted to be selfish and hog her all night, she didn't want him to spend a sleepless night. She knew him and that he wouldn't get a proper sleep if he remained in there with her. 

Zoey then closed her eyes once again while Matthew Xi fixated his gaze on her. His thoughts went haywire as he watched her. 

One hour later, Zoey didn't open her eyes once again and seemed to fall asleep. He nodded his head before he slowly got up from his seat. 

She was right, he couldn't stay awake all night as he needed to tend to his affairs tomorrow. He was glad Zoey gave him permission although he was already planning to go home after she had fallen asleep.

However, just as he got up, he heard her faint voice. "Darling..." Zoey whispered in her sleep, her voice laced with utter longing and agony. 

For some reason, his heart clenched and he turned to face her. His gaze landed on her face, noticing the tear that fell from the side of her eye. 

Matthew Xi swallowed his own saliva that felt to be the hardest gulp he did his entire life. Slowly, he leaned down and heard her whisper, "Sorry..." That apology struck a pain in his heart that he couldn't comprehend himself. 

Out of instinct, Matthew Xi wiped her tears gently and cautiously not to wake her up. He didn't know the person she called 'Darling', in her sleep, but it didn't give him the displeasure he felt earlier with Kenneth Bai and Enzo Li. 

If anything, he felt remorseful and guilty for some reason he couldn't understand. His heart screamed that it wasn't her fault. That she shouldn't be the one to be sorry.

"I'm sorry." Before he knew it, those words slipped away from his lips. Matthew Xi didn't know why, but deep in his heart, he felt that he should be saying those words. 

He felt that he broke a promise and felt guilty about it. It was a mystery that was yet to be answered, but instead of questioning himself for not saying such remorseful words, Matthew Xi didn't have the audacity to do so.. Because in his heart, it was just right to ask for forgiveness.