For the sake of Zoey, Ivan had sacrificed dropping his girlfriend off. Cora was understanding enough that she didn't probe or stop them. No wonder Ivan loved her dearly as she never complicated things.
With that, Ivan sped away to the address of the military hospital Matthew gave him. Zoey never said anything; she remained silent. But Ivan noticed how she trembled throughout the entire journey.
The only thing that Zoey didn't do was cry.
When they reached the hospital, Ivan and Zoey headed to the emergency room. Matthew, Enzo, and General Bai along with his wife were all gathered outside.
"Boss," Ivan called out solemnly as he approached Matthew.
Matthew glanced at him and then at Zoey who was walking slowly behind him. Ivan glanced at the middle-aged woman, Kenneth Bai's mother, who was bawling while her husband consoled her.
Zoey watched the two parents but said nothing. She should've stopped him from going. She should have followed her instincts.
"General," From behind her, Zoey heard a man's voice and saw General Bai looked up.
"I'll excuse myself first." General Bai turned to Matthew who nodded in understanding.
Without wasting a second, General Bai walked past Zoey. By the looks of it, the General was barely keeping his composure together.
"What happened, boss?" asked Ivan as he walked closer to Matthew.
Yet, Matthew didn't speak immediately, his eyes fixated on Zoey. For some reason, Matthew didn't want to approach Zoey as he sensed that she needed space.
"Someone riddled his car with bullets on his way back." Matthew spoke, his eyes still fixed on Zoey.
"What…?" Ivan gasped. Zoey never told him a word. She didn't even speak.
What Ivan knew was that something bad happened. Fortunately, Matthew sent the address of this military hospital. Hence, he drove her here.
"Ken was shot a few times and crashed." Matthew breathed out, containing the fury building up inside him.
Although Matthew's voice was low, Zoey could hear it aloud. Yet, she didn't turn to him. Instead, she dragged her feet and sat beside Mother Bai.
She's crying in silence. Zoey's heart clenched seeing this mother cry for her child.
"Ken is a brave man, Ma'am." Zoey whispered, catching Mother Bai's attention.
Slowly, Mother Bai raised her head to the lady sitting beside her. Zoey offered a subtle smile as she slowly placed her hand on Kenneth's mother's hand.
"He is the type of person who wouldn't accept an unacceptable defeat. He will fight." Zoey nodded reassuringly.
Mother Bai's eyes pooled as she gritted her teeth, nodding along with Zoey. Yet, she couldn't stop her tears from stopping.
"My child… My son is the kindest and filial. Why would anyone do this to him?" Mother Bai bawled, gritting her teeth to stop herself from going hysterical.
"He didn't deserve parents like us. If not for our family, he wouldn't be in such a state. They should just shoot me instead of him." Mother Bai sobbed, blaming the military power the Bai Family had.
She couldn't think of any other reason this incident happened to her son. The Bai Family held a significant influence in politics. Knowing how conflicted and dangerous politics could be, the Bai Family couldn't think of anything else.
"No, Ma'am. Please don't blame yourself." Zoey shook her head, patting Mother Bai's back gently. Mother Bai held Zoey's hand tightly while Zoey used the other to pat the madam's back.
'It's my fault. It's my fault that he is inside that room.' Zoey muttered internally, but didn't have the guts to speak it aloud.
"Ken will surely say it's not your fault. He is still fighting, we have to be strong for him." Zoey consoled, hoping for the best outcome.
Kenneth was an important friend to Zoey. Be it in their previous life and the current one, Kenneth would always be that friend that Zoey would trust and rely on.
His confession earlier… his parting words… thinking about them intensified the pain of this accident.
If only Zoey followed her instincts; if only Zoey insisted on making him stay, if only…
Zoey looked up. Her eyes started pooling with tears of regret. She bit her lower lip, recalling her conversation this morning with him.
Kenneth was a man to confront his dilemma. He was a man who wouldn't let his selfishness break his relationship with anyone. He was the kind worthy of everyone's respect. He was the man with a kind soul and a heart of gold, which this world needed.
Yet, it caught him up with her problems with the underworld. If only Zoey's life wasn't as f*cked up as this… he wouldn't be caught in a crossfire.
'It's my fault. It's my fault.' Zoey repeated inside her head. She gritted her teeth as a tear successfully escaped from her eyes.
She squeezed Mother Bai's hand lightly as Zoey gazed down. She wanted to console his mother even more, but words clogged inside her throat.
"Auntie Bai," Matthew called out as he sat on the other side of Mother Bai.
"Brother Ken will be alright. He won't die. He won't die for something so stupid." Enzo suddenly exclaimed, scoffing as his eyes were watery than usual.
"Enzo," Matthew called out blankly, but he couldn't really stop Enzo as the latter was in pain and in utter worry.
"Hah! We shouldn't cry like we're mourning for him. Brother Ken will surely diss us for crying as if he had died." Enzo ignored Matthew as he forced a laugh.
Zoey glanced at him and pressed her lips together. She didn't want to think the worst. She's not prepared for another loss.
Just then, the light above the door shut down. As soon as it did, Zoey, Mother Bai, Matthew, and Enzo sprung up from their seats as the doctor in charge came out.
"How is my son?" Mother Bai immediately asked, watching as the doctor removed his mask.
The doctor scanned the hopeful eyes cast upon him and he let out a deep sigh. As soon as everyone saw his action, their heart slowly sank.
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Author's Note:
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