Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 6

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 6: Don’t They Look Perfect Together?**

A subtle smile graced Zane’s lips as he regarded Zora. “Yes, I have faith in you. But remember, don’t be too lenient with them. If you ever find yourself in need, just call on me.”

With that, he rose from his seat, and together they made their way toward the door, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.

In an unexpected moment, Zora stumbled, her foot twisting awkwardly beneath her. She teetered dangerously, the world tilting around her, and just as she was about to fall, Zane’s strong arms enveloped her, catching her before she could hit the ground.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice a mix of concern and warmth, his brow creased with worry.

“I’m fine,” Zora replied quickly, shaking her head as if to dismiss the incident.

Zane’s expression darkened slightly. “Your ankle is swelling. That’s not ‘fine’ at all. I’ve got some ointment in my office.” His tone was firm, yet caring.

Without waiting for her to protest, he lifted her effortlessly and began striding toward his office, a sense of urgency in his movements.

The meeting had just concluded, and the top floor buzzed with lingering conversations.

“Whoa, is that Mr. Vance carrying Dr. Moss?” one voice exclaimed, disbelief coloring the tone.

“Wait, is that Zora? Is she Mr. Vance’s girlfriend?” another chimed in, eyes wide with shock.

“It looks like it’s true! He’s always so aloof. I’ve never seen him show this level of concern for anyone. The way he looked at Dr. Moss just now! They’re absolutely a perfect couple! The cold-hearted CEO and the stunning, brilliant beauty!”

Kaia halted mid-step, her mind racing.

Zane and Dr. Moss? Together?

As whispers swirled around her, others pulled Kaia into the gossip. “Kaia, don’t you think Mr. Vance and Dr. Moss look incredibly well-matched? They seem like a match made in heaven!”

Her gaze drifted toward the CEO’s office.

Through the glass, she spotted Zane, his brow furrowed in concentration as he rummaged through a first aid kit. A spark of relief lit up his face when he finally unearthed a bottle of liniment. He knelt down, gently lifting Zora’s foot, carefully removing her shoe. Pouring some liniment into his palm, he began to massage her ankle with a tenderness that surprised Kaia.

She watched, her heart fluttering with disbelief.

This was a side of Zane she had never witnessed before.

Were they truly a good match?

Kaia couldn’t help but smile and nod to herself. “Yes, indeed. They are very well-suited for each other.”

Far better than her best friend, Darcy, she mused.

Zane hailed from a wealthy lineage. Even though he had started as an illegitimate son, his mother’s marriage into the Vance family had secured his position.

Zane was handsome, charming, and undeniably capable.

And Darcy? Kaia hesitated for a moment, considering. Darcy seemed… ordinary in comparison. Her looks, her family background, her education—all seemed to dim next to Zora’s brilliance.

Even as a devoted friend, Kaia couldn’t deny that Zora and Zane appeared to be a perfect match.

A union crafted by fate.

After Zane’s careful massage, Zora felt a wave of relief wash over her. She attempted to stand and head back to her work downstairs, but Zane gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice a blend of authority and concern. “Your health is the priority here. Sit for a little while longer. Go down only when the pain subsides.”

Given his insistence, Zora chose not to argue. Instead, she settled back, grabbing a cushion from the sofa and hugging it to her chest.

She gestured toward the first aid kit on the floor. “Mr. Sharp is incredibly thoughtful. He’s stocked this kit to the brim. It even has supplies for sprains.”

Curiosity piqued, she leaned over to inspect the kit. It was impressively comprehensive, filled with everything from cold medicine to treatments for stomach issues.

Once again, she marveled at Rex’s attentiveness.

Zane pressed his lips together, choosing silence.

In reality, this kit had been curated by Darcy.

During the early days of their startup, Zane had buried himself in code, often neglecting meals, which led to frequent stomach troubles. Darcy had quietly assembled this kit for him, filling it with remedies for his ailments.

Over time, she had diligently replenished and updated it, adding cold medicine, band-aids, liniment, and more.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Zane felt a pang of realization.

Lately, Darcy hadn’t reached out at all.

Aside from that brief phone call three days ago, they hadn’t exchanged a single word or message since.

Once Zora departed, Zane picked up his phone, his mind racing.

After a moment of contemplation, he typed out a message: “Has your mother been admitted to the hospital?”

He glanced at the calendar on his desk, trying to recall the date. He knew it was around this time, but the exact day eluded him.

The reply he anticipated didn’t come instantly, as it usually would have.

Zane brushed aside any worry.

But then again, Zora had always exuded grace and poise. With her beauty, talent, and friendly nature, it was no surprise that people were drawn to her.

No wonder Kaia got along with her so well.

Forget asking Kaia, he thought. He already knew which hospital to go to.

He didn’t delve deeper into why seeing Kaia with Zora shifted his intentions—whether it was the worry that Zora might discover his relationship with Darcy or something else entirely. He pushed those thoughts down, focusing instead on the task at hand.

In the VIP room of the hospital wing, the surgeon was explaining the pre-operative procedures for the next day.

After covering the essentials, the doctor turned toward Darcy. “It’s crucial for the patient to remain in good spirits before and after the surgery. Major emotional swings can hinder recovery.”

Darcy nodded, absorbing his words. “I understand. Thank you, Doctor.”

She escorted the doctor to the door, and as she turned back, her eyes landed on Zane, who stood not far away, clutching a bouquet of flowers.

Seeing him again stirred no excitement within her, only a sense of indifference.

She approached him, crossing her arms defensively. “What are you doing here?”

Zane’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

“You didn’t respond to my calls or messages,” he said, his tone flat, yet laced with concern.

Darcy pulled out her phone, checking for missed calls.

Looking back at him, she replied, “Sorry, I was busy and didn’t hear it.”

“I understand. That’s why I came straight here after work. How is your mother?”

“She’s doing okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“When is the surgery?” he pressed gently.

“Tomorrow morning.”

After this brief exchange, silence enveloped them like a heavy fog.

It felt as if, beyond her mother’s condition, they had run out of things to say to each other.

Darcy clenched her fists inside her pockets, a wave of uncertainty washing over her. “By the way, about the letter I sent you…”