"Huh? Why?" Josh asked in surprise.
"I know you have video calls with Randy and Venus every day, don't you?" Zayn asked. "All three of you would share about every little detail. So, I guess you've also told them that I've been sick, right?"
"I-I…" Josh hesitated.
"Well, I don't want them to worry. So could you please keep it a secret?" Zayn rubbed his head. "That way, Daddy can seek treatment with a carefree heart. Then, we'll go to Erihal to meet them once I get better!"
"Okay." Josh was convinced as he nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Daddy, I won't tell them a single word about this. But you have to promise me that you will recover…"
"I'll be waiting for you!" Josh's voice choked once again.
"I know." Zayn hugged him. "Be a good boy, alright? Let's work hard together and I'll see you in a couple of months!"
"You got it!"
That afternoon, both Thompson and Josh left. Josh turned to look at Zayn and waved as he took each step away from him.
Zayn smiled as he watched them leave. Once the convoy was nowhere to be seen, he clutched his heart in pain and fell.
"Mr. Giblo!" Benard and Brandy rushed to catch him. "You must seek treatment right away! We have no time to lose!"
"I'll make the arrangements this instant…" Naya left without another word.
However, Zayn stopped them. "Wait, there's something else I haven't done."
"Mr. Giblo, tell me what it is and I'll get it done, " Brandy replied anxiously.
"Take me back to my room."
Both Benard and Brandy took him back to his room. Zayn leaned against the sofa and commanded in a low voice, "Hand me my phone."
Benard handed him his phone as Zayn dialed Carla's number with trembling hands.
Carla blocked his number in the past but unblocked it when they were both on a mission to rescue the kids.
Zayn dialed the number, yet no one picked up.
Zayn listened carefully as the line rang endlessly. He couldn't help but feel sad.
Perhaps she didn't want to pick up my call? Or was she unavailable?
Zayn's heart ached at the thought of it.
Is she with Lucas at this moment? Is that why she can't pick up my call?
Suddenly, the beeping sound stopped and the call went through. Yet, the receiver did not say a word.
Zayn said a short "Hello?" and heard a familiar but cold voice shortly. "Can I help you?"
It was Carla's voice.
Although her voice was as cold as ice, Zayn was overjoyed to hear her voice again.
He hurriedly sat up straight and smoothened his clothes and hair. Even though it was merely a call, he could feel as if Carla could see him.
"I'm going to hang up if you're not going to say anything, " Carla said coldly.
"Hold on, " Zayn called out. Unfortunately, he didn't know what to say next.
"What do you want?" Carla questioned again.
"Are the kids doing fine?"
Zayn mustered up the courage to initiate a conversation. However, it wasn't anything important or interesting.
"You have their number. Why don't you call them up instead?" Carla suggested.
"Oh, yeah." Zayn felt as if the conversation was going nowhere. "How about you?"
"I'm good, " Carla answered in an arrogant attitude. "Is there anything else?"
"I saw the news…" Zayn said. "Are you really going to marry Lucas?"
"Do you think I'd joke with such matters?" Carla asked.
"Do you love him?" Zayn blurted unexpectedly but regretted it at the very same moment.
"It doesn't matter whether if I love him or not. I believe our feelings will grow over time, " Carla replied. "Is this why you called? Don't you think it's a little childish?"
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