He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 1017

What was that?

Why did his leg feel so wrong? It didn't feel like human bone or muscle at all—it felt like solid metal.

A massive, terrifying question mark exploded in Jacqueline's mind. Instinctively, she reached out again, desperate to figure out what was wrong.

But before she could, Scarlett swiftly stepped between them, grabbing her mother's arm.

"Mom, didn't you hand-make those sweet rice balls and ravioli for him? Hurry up, go boil them!"

The reminder instantly snapped Jacqueline out of her daze. The alarming texture was momentarily forgotten.

"Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, rushing toward the kitchen like a hurricane. "I have to cook them myself! And the red eggs, too! Just sit and rest in the living room, son. I'll bring them right out!"

Zachary watched her hurried, energetic retreat, a faint smile touching his lips.

"She hasn't changed," he murmured. "Still doing everything at a hundred miles an hour."

Scarlett smiled, finally stepping up to link her arm through his. "Yeah, she's the exact same. The only difference is she used to never cry, and now she cries all the time."

Zachary chuckled softly. "Maybe it's just age making her sentimental."

Scarlett shook her head, her expression turning serious. "No. It's because she went through hell, and she missed you too much." She looked up at him. "Zachary... every single night for years, she fell asleep holding your picture."

Zachary went entirely still, the words striking him silent.

By now, the crowd of friends and guests had poured into the living room, buzzing around him with endless questions.

Jacqueline had only told them that her son was returning from abroad. She hadn't mentioned a word about his profession, his immense wealth, or what he had survived—nor did she want anyone else to know.

Seeing his commanding presence and the understated luxury of his clothes, the guests were incredibly curious.

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