I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 37

Colin couldn't help but marvel at how mature Lily was.

He wasn't sure if Zoe was even home, but right on cue, Zoe's call came through.

"Ms. Lynd, I'm bringing Lily back right now."

Colin hailed a cab and escorted Lily back to the villa. The moment Lily saw Zoe, she threw herself into her mother's arms, her little face etched with worry.

"Mommy, Mr. Colin said you were sick! Let me see, where does it hurt?"

In her memories, her mom used to clutch her stomach in agony several times a week.

She had always wanted to help rub her mom's tummy, but Zoe would always get upset and push her away.

She knew her mom didn't hate her; she was just in so much pain that it put her in a terrible mood.

Zoe's ears instantly flushed a deep red. Colin quickly jumped in to explain.

"Lily saw you didn't pick her up and thought you didn't love her anymore. I panicked and told her you were sick."

So that was it. Zoe had assumed her embarrassing hospital visit had somehow leaked to Colin.

She would have dug a hole and buried herself alive.

"Thank you, Mr. Zachs. It's dinner time—would you like to come in and eat?"

For the first time in history, Zoe didn't immediately bombard him with questions about Hayden's whereabouts.

In the past, Colin had practically treated Zoe like the plague.

Every time he was confronted with her desperate, suffocating sorrow, it made him physically uncomfortable.

At the end of the day, everyone has a conscience.

The people around them could clearly see how much Mrs. Thorne suffered.

Even as a grown man, Colin couldn't help but feel that the Boss was far too cruel to his own wife.

If they were both in it for a mutually beneficial, loveless business arrangement, that would be one thing.

But Mrs. Thorne was madly in love with the Boss.

The agony of loving someone who gave absolutely nothing in return was a living hell.

"No thanks, I have to get back to the office."

Colin stood there stunned for a few seconds. He had a million recycled excuses locked and loaded to cover for Hayden, and for once, he didn't even get to use them.

Zoe didn't push the issue. She smiled and took Lily's hand.

"Alright then. Drive safe."

The front door clicked shut as Zoe led Lily into the living room.

Zoe completely brushed over the part about Hayden.

Wasn't it completely normal for a dad to pick up his kid?

But she had no idea who this 'Holden' was. She had never heard the name before.

Hunter certainly hadn't mentioned anyone by that name in the Thorne family.

"He's Sienna's kid."

Zoe nearly spilled her soup.

She grabbed Lily’s hand, her pulse racing.

"You're saying Holden is Sienna's child?"

Who was the father? Charles?

Or—

Hayden.

Lily pouted and yanked her hand back.

"Mommy, you're hurting me."