Chapter 319 - Dutiful Fiancé

PRESENT TIME

Matthew Xi arched his right brow as he peered at Zoey. She had been gripping the side of the pillow and sweating a lot. This sight had caused him to panic and he immediately put his hand over her forehead. 

"Hot," He muttered, before immediately pressing the button for medical assistance. 

Zoey was running a fever which alarmed him. He knew this would happen because the bruise on Zoey's back was huge.

After all, the main reason why he insisted on getting her admitted was because with a petite body like hers and seemingly unhealthy lifestyle she would definitely have more health problems. Now, his deductions were accurate. Good thing he listened to his instincts. 

Shortly after, nurses rushed inside and came to check on Zoey. Upon taking her temperature and other important vitals, they began treating her to lower her temperature. 

As they did so, Matthew Xi stepped away and stood at the corner with his arms crossed. His eyes never left Zoey's, worried and mad that she seemed not to care about her own well-being. 

On normal days, Matthew Xi wouldn't care about other people and how they want to live their lives. But when it came to her, he was upset. 

She felt so light in his arms earlier that he wondered if she even eats. With her height, she's definitely not in her ideal weight. Just thinking about it, Matthew Xi could not help but sigh. 

shortly after, the doctor came forward. "Mr. Xi, Miss Zhou will be fine after a few days of rest..." The doctor that tended to Zoey informed Matthew Xi of her condition and what she needed to recuperate. 

Although Zoey's condition wasn't that bad, she still needed rest. After all, she seemed to be suffering from fatigue and they needed to thoroughly check her condition. So, for now, she had to stay in the hospital for a few more days. 

"Thank you, Doctor Liang." When the doctor was done briefing him, Matthew Xi bowed his head slightly as a gesture to express his gratitude for their services. 

Not long after, the medical professionals left the two alone, reassuring Matthew that Zoey would be fine for the night. Yet, despite that reassurance, he felt restless for some reason he was unaware about. Nevertheless, these feelings cemented his decision to stay for the night and watch over her.

Glancing over her, Matthew Xi sighed and tucked her in properly. "She'll drive me crazy." He muttered, shaking his head sideways before returning to the chair on the side of the bed. Not knowing these foreign yet seemingly very familiar emotions in his heart was giving him a headache. 

Therefore, Matthew XI decided not to think about it too much. He would find answers in the future; he would definitely obtain answers through his own means. There was no need to fret about it now as Zoey wasn't feeling well and they were practically strangers. So, instigating right now wouldn't benefit either of them.

*****

Meanwhile…

"No, Niko. That's a bad idea." Ivan shook his head sideways, sighing at the enthusiastic Nikolai from the other end of the line. 

Currently, Ivan was outside LN Medical Group. Apparently, Matthew Xi had requested no visitor to bother Zoey. Thus, although Zoey was inside the establishment, they wouldn't tell him which room she was in — frustrating!

Now, Ivan had to deal with Nikolai who could give someone utter stress from miles away! God… Ivan was so upset that an unknown man was taking care of his big sister while he had to stop Nikolai from flying over after hearing about the race.

"How is it a bad idea, eh?! My Princess is back and I should throw a welcoming party as her fiance!" Displeased at Ivan's audacity, Nikolai grumbled through his gritted teeth. 

It had been a long time since Zoey decided to turn a new leaf. Although Nikolai had been against this idea from the very beginning, he respected Zoey's decision in exchange for their promise. He knew Zoey very well and that she wouldn't be able to marry until she was in her thirties.

Hence, Nikolai was rather indifferent about Ezekiel Tang. He knew that loser wasn't a threat because Zoey would realize that sooner or later. Good thing she finally woke up from her delusion of settling down with an incompetent man! 

With a great woman like Zoey, she wouldn't settle for less. She might as well take Nikolai as her husband if she has to choose between Nikolai and Ezekiel Tang. So, upon hearing that Zoey was back to her old habits after months — almost a year — Nikolai knew it was the perfect time to woo Zoey!

"Niko, listen." Ivan paused, massaging his temple as he tried to deny his inner thoughts of insulting his lovesick boss. "You can't come here just yet because Sis left a message." After several seconds, Ivan looked around cautiously before clearing his throat.

Their topic had been sidetracked because Nikolai kept going on and on; he even declared himself now as her fiance. How shameless! 

"Huh?" Suddenly, Nikolai knitted his brows together, keeping his mouth shut as he sensed the importance of the message. Whether it was Zoey professing her love to him or asking him for a marriage proposal, Nikolai would take this with great importance.

"She said…" Again, Ivan paused as he covered the lower part of the phone and whispered his next words. "... Iñigo is alive." Once that information was dropped, a stifling silence enveloped the line as neither of them talked for a while.

It was no surprise for this kind of silence. After all, that name was a taboo in the Silva Family. No one would dare speak about his name unless they didn't need their tongue anymore. But this… if it came from Zoey who would often get triggered by that name, hance Nikolai didn't know how to feel about it.

"I know it's impossible, but, Sis insisted…" Ivan had a full grasp of what Nikolai was feeling right now. Hence, before the latter could question anything, Ivan had to remind him that Zoey wouldn't speak nonsense involving that man.

"Boss, you should…"

"I know." Before Ivan could even finish his sentence, Nikolai interrupted him midway. If this bothered her, Nikolai had to double check. Everyone would agree with Ivan — including Nikolai — that it was impossible. They saw him dead. Dead people don't come back to life.

However, if an issue like this arose, there was no harm to double check. So, for everyone's peace of mind, Nikolai had to do what he needed to do before wooing his woman.

"Tell her not to miss me too much." With that being said, Ivan heard the line cut short which made him sigh and shake his head sideways.

"As if she will." He murmured, glancing back at the hospital and pondered if he should stay for the night or come back tomorrow. In the end, Ivan chose to go back to the hotel he had been staying at and come back tomorrow. Heck, he would never appoint himself to watch over Kenneth Bai who was a stranger to him!

"I'll turn this place upside down if they don't tell me where she is." As he walked away from the hospital, Ivan ground his teeth and frowned.. "How dare that guy… jeez!" He added, recalling the arrogant Matthew Xi's cold countenance.