Chapter 221

Vannis listened as Zinnia listed all her discomforts, then tapped her forehead helplessly. “Now you realize you’re unwell?”

“You’re still hilting me,” Zinnia murmured weakly, barely able to do more than roll her eyes at him.

What a meanie, Zinnia thought. ‘I’m already feeling so awful, and he still taps me on the head. When he was sick before, I had taken such good care of him.’

She shot Yannis a look, but it was utterly harmless, more like a petulant pout than any real threat. After so long without speaking, her voice came out soft and whispery, making Yannis’ heart melt with tenderness.

“Drink the soup first. Then I’ll get the doc to check on you,” Yannis said, eyeing Zinnia’s pout. He grabbed the bowl of onion soup from the nightstand, stirred it to cool, then held a spoonful to her lips.

Zinnia’s lips just brushed the spoon as she mumbled, “So hot.”

Yannis lowered his head and blew on it again until it cooled. Finally, Zinnia took a sip.

Zinnia always turned lazy when she was sick, acting all delicate and pampered. Leaning against Yannis, she peered into the bowl in his hands and pouted, “No meat?”

Yannis scooped another spoonful and fed her. “After treating your body so carelessly, you still have the nerve to ask for meat?”

He’d spent nearly two months carefully nursing her, finally getting some meat on her bones. But this ordeal had really taken a heavy toll–her cheeks were still paper-white, no hint of color in sight.

“My body desperately needs meat right now,” Zinnia said with exaggerated seriousness. “I need to eat more to replenish all the energy I’ve lost.”

“Not getting any,” Yannis teased nonchalantly.

“Then I’m calling Sofia. I’m going home to convalesce with Henry,” Zinnia exclaimed in disbelief, never expecting he could be so heartless when she was in this state. Even though she was weak, she still struggled to sit up and reach for her phone.

‘Henry has suffered terribly too,’ Zinnia thought. ‘Sofia is surely preparing all kinds of nourishing meals for him. If I go back, I can join in the feast.’

“Drink your soup first. I’ll give you the meat later,” Yannis said, holding Zinnia close and feeding her another spoonful.

‘Most people lose their appetite when they’re sick, but she woke up asking for meat,’ he thought, feeling both exasperated and amused.

“Alright then,” Zinnia conceded. Relieved by the promise of meat, she settled down and obediently finished her soup.

In fact, she had been starving since last night. Only after finishing that bowl of soup did the gnawing hunger in her stomach finally ease up—just a little.

Zinnia had no idea what time it was. She was so hungry she thought she might die. Watching Yannis get up to fetch some food, she asked, “What time is it? Shouldn’t I be going to school now?”

Yannis glanced at the time and replied, “It’s already evening.”

“Evening?” Zinnia gasped in disbelief. She had thought it was still morning. All she remembered was sinking into a deep, heavy sleep, and now her whole body ached terribly. She never expected that it would already be nighttime.

This was the first time Zinnia had used the Flowing Technique. She had only learned it from Nathan and practiced on medical mannequins, but had never actually tried it on a real person.

Nathan had drilled it into her—never use the Flowing Technique unless it was a last resort. It would wipe her out and leave her weak and suffering for a long time.

Vitality was everything. Once it was tapped, one would get weak and sickly–just like Zinnia now, every part of her bony...

“Don’t worry, I’ve already called the school for you,” Yannis said as he carried the bowl out.

After drinking some soup, Zinnia regained a bit of strength. She propped herself up and reached out for her phone, worried about how Henry was doing.

The second Zinnia unlocked her phone with Face ID, the screen lit up with a flood of missed calls and messages. There were notifications from Maisie, group chats, Jackson, and the others, while the ones from Lydia really stood out.

Zinnia tapped the screen slowly–each movement seeming to drain the last of her strength. At last, she found Jackson’s number and dialed.

With each passing second with the call trying to connect, her heart raced–what if Jackson and the others blamed her?

Jackson picked up instantly, as if he’d been waiting by the phone. “Zinnia, you’re awake? Are you still uncomfortable anywhere? I’m coming over right—"

As Jackson’s worried words poured through the speaker, Zinnia’s heart gave a sudden ache–Jackson didn’t blame her.

“I’m good. No need to come. How’s Henry doing?” Zinnia asked, her eyes falling to the phone on the nightstand. She didn’t have the energy to even pick it up.

Just then, Sofia’s voice crackled with worry. “Is that Zinnia on the line? How’s she doing? Is she awake? Does she still feel sick anywhere? Benedict, get the car ready now!"

Right after, Sofia’s voice came through the phone, urgent and fraught. “Zinnia, are you still feeling unwell anywhere? I’m coming to see you right away. Just wait for me.”

“It’s getting late. No need to come over. I promise, I’m doing just fine,” Zinnia said, forcing herself to sound cheerful despite her weakness.

It was already nine in the evening, and Zinnia couldn’t believe she’d slept for so long–she’d practically slept through the whole day.

“Then I’ll swing by tomorrow morning, sweetheart,” said Sofia lovingly.

“Okay,” Zinnia whispered, a tiny smile tugging at her lips.

Clutching the phone, Sofia hurried into Henry’s room and gently shook him–who’d just fallen asleep–awake. “Henry, wake up. Zinnia’s on the phone!”

Henry paused. “Zinnia?”

He had woken up earlier that day. Raymond told the Lynn family the incident turned out to be a blessing in disguise–Henry’s chronic headaches were completely gone.

The Lynns had been eager to visit Zinnia, but Yannis said she was still asleep and needed rest. So, despite their worry, they managed to wait at home.

Hearing Henry’s voice, Zinnia asked softly, “Henry, do you feel better now? Anywhere still hurting?”

“I’m good. You’re like a miracle worker. Seriously, you totally saved me. Thanks, sweetheart,” Henry said, his voice a bit raspy. Despite everything he’d been through, there wasn’t a hint of anger–just warmth and gratitude in his tone.

“I’m sorry, Henry,” Zinnia said, tears welling up in his gentle tone. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have gotten caught up in all these troubles.”

She had worried the Lynn family might blame her. After all, even her so-called mother hated her that much. If the Lynns hadn’t stepped up to protect her, they never would’ve gotten dragged into this mess.

Henry was already so old–if something had happened to him, she’d be stuck with that guilt forever.

“Zinnia, don’t beat yourself up. None of this is on you. You’re incredible–because of you, I’m safe and sound. You’re our good luck charm. Once you’re better, come home and we’ll have a family dinner together, alright?” Henry offered, his voice warm and gentle.

“Okay.” Zinnia whispered.