Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 63

"Is something wrong?" Willa asked.

"Are you... feeling better?" His voice was very soft, laced with cautious concern. "I heard you were in the hospital. I wanted to visit you, but I was afraid... you'd be upset."

A complicated swell of emotion rose in Willa's chest. She knew exactly what Zack meant.

But she had made herself very clear, yet he still couldn't seem to let go.

"I'm fully recovered now. Thanks for checking in." Willa tried her best to maintain a polite distance.

Zack looked up at her, opening his mouth to speak, but ultimately swallowed his words.

Right then, a steady, authoritative male voice came from behind them.

"Zack, why are you still out here? Everyone is heading inside."

Willa turned around to see a middle-aged man in a dark blue suit approaching. His features bore a slight resemblance to Zack's, so he had to be the uncle he mentioned.

The man noticed Willa and asked Zack, "And who is this...?"

"Uncle Bernard, this is Willa." Zack introduced her, paused, and then braced himself as he added, "My... my girlfriend."

Willa's head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with shock.

Zack deliberately looked away, avoiding her gaze.

The man chuckled. "Your girlfriend? I think your mother mentioned something about that."

He looked Willa up and down, speaking cordially enough. "Hello, Ms. Vance. I'm Zack's uncle, Bernard York."

In a setting like this, she couldn't just expose Zack's lie. She had no choice but to force a polite smile. "Mr. York, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Bernard was about to ask another question when a staff member rushed over. "Mr. York, Mr. Carlson has arrived. Please come with me."

He acknowledged the staff member, patted Zack on the shoulder, and teased, "Wrap up your lovey-dovey moment and get inside. I want to introduce you to some people."

With that, he followed the staff member away.

Zack finally turned back to Willa, his eyes anxious, his tone almost pleading. "Willa, I'm sorry about just now..."

"I get it." Willa cut him off. "But I hope this won't happen again. You can't keep using me as a shield."

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