Chapter 318

After composing herself, Zinnia looked into Nathan’s worried eyes.

She lowered her head and said softly, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

Nathan listened as she apologized, his eyes gentle. “Zinnia, if you want to return to Jinston, you can. I’ll go with you. Let’s leave now. There’s still time,” he said.

He noticed Zinnia wasn’t quite herself today, and he knew what was bothering her. Yannis’s birthday was approaching; Zinnia had promised to go back to celebrate it, but in the end, she broke her promise.

“No, we’re not going back. You can’t take such a long journey in such a condition,” Zinnia said firmly, shaking her head. She knew Nathan couldn’t endure such a trip anymore.

The trip back to Jinston would take four hours, and with so much traffic during the Christmas holidays, they might arrive home very late. Nathan couldn’t handle that kind of journey. He needed to focus on his recovery now without stress or worries.

However, Nathan gently ruffled Zinnia’s hair and said soothingly, “Zinnia, I’m really fine.”

“Nope, we’re staying put. You’re in no shape for such a long trip,” Zinnia declared, determined not to go back.

She might miss Yannis’s birthday celebration this time, but there would be other chances. She couldn’t let Nathan risk his life by taking such a long journey.

“I’ll skip reading tonight, alright? It’s Christmas Eve. How about we cook something special together?” she asked.

Since Zinnia really didn’t want to leave, Nathan didn’t press the issue. He just handed her a glass of orange juice.

Holding the glass of orange juice in her hand and hearing it was Christmas Eve, Zinnia paused, a little dazed.

She’d been so caught up lately that she hadn’t noticed how quickly time had passed. “Christmas Eve,” she murmured, as the realization slowly hit her.

Zinnia looked out the window and saw fireworks lighting up the sky, filling the small town with festive cheer. She could faintly hear children playing and chasing each other outside, their laughter mingling with the pops of firecrackers.

Zinnia and Nathan’s house stood halfway up the mountain, hidden away from everything. Zinnia hadn’t left the house in days, so she was surprised to realize it was already Christmas Eve.

Now she understood why Nathan would rather upset her than let her keep studying today.

Christmas Eve used to be her favorite time of year. It had a lively atmosphere, and Nathan would prepare all the special treats and never restrict her from having meat.

But this year, Zinnia had no mind for Christmas Eve. She hadn’t even spared a thought for the holiday cheer.

Nathan gazed out the window as well. “Christmas Eve already. This year’s really coming to an end,” he murmured.

The last light of sunset slipped away unnoticed, and a starry night took over. Beautiful fireworks burst overhead, lighting up the sky with dreamlike colors.

As the year wrapped up, marking eighteen years since they first met, she’d still be right by Nathan’s side when the clock struck midnight on Christmas Day.

“Nathan, let’s go downstairs,” Zinnia said, taking a sip of the orange juice. Its gentle warmth briefly soothed her tangled thoughts. It was Christmas Eve, and staying cooped up in the home lab just didn’t feel right.

“Sure, let’s go. I’ll make you something delicious,” Nathan said, his eyes crinkling into a warm smile.

Chapter 318

Zinnia and Nathan had just reached the bottom of the stairs when a blur came bounding toward them.

“Sunny!” Zinnia’s eyes lit up with rare delight as she crouched down, pulling Sunny into her arms and affectionately rubbing his head.

Sunny hadn’t seen Zinnia in ages. He clung to her desperately, whimpering plaintively, and his tail wagged nonstop. He kept rubbing against her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Alright, Sunny. I know you’ve felt left out, but I’m back now,” Zinnia said softly, gently stroking Sunny’s head to comfort him.

Sunny whimpered as he nuzzled up to Zinnia. His tail pressed against her leg as if telling her how wronged he felt.

Sunny was a purebred dog with a smooth coat. Well-groomed and super perceptive, he’d been staying with Alfred for a bit since Zinnia left.

After returning, neither Zinnia nor Nathan was in good spirits. They were too drained to care for Sunny or even go pick him up. But seeing how persistently downcast Zinnia had been, Nathan finally brought Sunny home to cheer her up.

Zinnia’s heart ached at the sight of Sunny’s glistening eyes. “Well, Sunny. I know you’re feeling wronged. How about some chicken breast later, okay? Don’t be upset anymore,” she coaxed softly.

When Zinnia left the small town, she had originally intended to take Sunny with her. But Maelis was afraid of dogs and wouldn’t let her, so Zinnia had no choice but to entrust Sunny to Alfred and his family.

Sunny remained silent, simply curling his tail around Zinnia’s leg and letting out pitiful whimpers.

“Zinnia,” Nathan said from behind, handing her a sausage.

Zinnia took it, broke off a small piece, and fed it to Sunny.

Sunny nuzzled Zinnia’s fingertips before licking them with his damp tongue. Then he kept circling around her, never leaving her side.

Zinnia kept feeding Sunny while gently coaxing him, “There, there, don’t feel left out anymore. Next time I go out, I’ll make sure to take you with me, okay?”

Sunny didn’t make a sound. He just pressed close against Zinnia, and his tail wagged happily around her leg.

Zinnia adopted Sunny from Leon when she was five years old. The puppy was so irresistibly adorable that she couldn’t help but beg Leon to let her have him.

Zinnia and Nathan were practically raised by the folks in their small town. Everyone doted on them like they were their own kids. Little Zinnia, cute as a button, was totally spoiled rotten. Naturally, no one could ever reject her.

So, the home that had always been just Zinnia and Nathan’s became a new home for Sunny.

Sunny had always been clever. Whenever Zinnia and Nathan went into the mountains to gather herbs, he would trot alongside them with a basket in his mouth.

When Zinnia was little and couldn’t pull up the herbs by herself, Sunny would diligently dig them out with his paws.

Zinnia had taken excellent care of Sunny. He was strong, agile, and incredibly handsome. He looked as impressive as any pampered city pet dog.

With his head held high and majestic air, he was a striking sight that always turned heads when they went out together. This loyal companion had been by her side for twelve years now.

As if he understood Zinnia’s words, Sunny let out two soft whimpers in response. When he stood on his hind legs, he was almost as tall as Zinnia. Despite being a big dog, he was endlessly gentle and clingy around her…

“Alright, eat by yourself now. I’m going to help Nathan with dinner,” Zinnia said.

Chapter 318

Zinnia gave Sunny a warm hug and gentle rub, feeling that her mood had lightened. With a final ruffle of his head, she placed the sausage in his bowl.

Whimpering softly, Sunny grabbed the sausage in his mouth and followed closely behind Zinnia. He hadn’t seen her in so long that he couldn’t bear to let her out of his sight, sticking to her like glue.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay right here,” Zinnia assured Sunny. She bent down to stroke his head as he circled around her feet.

“Zinnia, why don’t you play with Sunny for a bit?” Nathan called out as he prepared cookies in the kitchen. With the door open, Zinnia could see everything he was doing inside.

Since Nathan would hide in the kitchen whenever he felt unwell to keep his symptoms from Zinnia, she’d forbidden him from closing the kitchen door, and Nathan did as she said.