Chapter 33: A heart that still hurts

Liam was silent, Zuri's words piercing his heart like a sharp dagger. The past and now? What did Zuri mean by "the past"? Why was there such deep hatred? Liam clenched his teeth, holding back emotions mixed with a guilt he couldn't understand. He knew Zuri was stubborn, but this time, her words felt different, as if they carried traces of a past he could not grasp. 

"Zuri, don't be so stubborn," Liam said softly, almost whispering, as he carefully lifted her body. 

Zuri didn't resist. Her body was weak, but her eyes opened again, staring coldly at Liam. To him, that gaze was sharper than a blade. He gently laid her on the bed and called a private doctor to treat her wounds. 

*** 

Meanwhile, in another place, Simon was still being tortured in the interrogation room. His breaths were labored, his body covered in wounds. Zen stared at him emotionlessly and said in a cold tone, "Who is behind you? Don't make us wait any longer."