I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 355

A long time ago. We crossed paths a couple of times!

I stared at Horace in astonishment, watching his dazed expression, feeling a mix of disbelief and wild joy.

“Are you…” I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. My warm fingers felt as if they were radiating cold, a chill spreading from my fingertips to my entire body. But my heart was blazing hot, as if it would scorch me.

Thinking back, Horace in this life was different from the one in my past in many ways.

I had previously thought he seemed more world-weary than I remembered, as if he had been through a lot. I assumed it was because I had experienced so much that I was projecting my own complexities onto him.

But he had returned from abroad years earlier than in our past life, with more direction and ambition. There was his initial hostility towards Steven, his deep understanding of him, and even his current pursuit of a career debut—all completely different from his past self.

How could I have thought he was just a little more jaded? He was… just like me.

Horace noticed my rapidly changing expression and raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”

I just stared at him as tears suddenly began to fall uncontrollably. The guilt I had carried for so many years felt like it was about to crush me, surging up with overwhelming force.

I rushed forward and threw my arms around him. “Horace.”

He remembered Queena, which was proof enough that he had also been reborn. He had memories of our past life, memories of me choosing Steven over him, and even memories of dying for me. Yet, in this life, he still didn’t hate me. He still protected me.

“Why are you so good to me? Why don’t you hate me? Even I… I hate myself so much…”

I truly detested, truly loathed the Zephyra of my past life.

Horace seemed a bit baffled. He placed a large hand on my back, his voice completely serious, without a hint of mockery.

“Why would you hate yourself? You’re a wonderful person, deserving of everyone’s love.”

After he was discharged, he tried to see me, but I was too afraid of angering Steven to meet him. I watched him stand outside our villa, waiting, sometimes under the scorching sun that felt like it could melt you, but he didn’t leave.

He just wanted to see me, but I was cruel and heartless. I never even opened the gate or offered him a drink. I crushed his heart. And yet, even after all that, when Queena’s car came speeding towards me, he still pushed me out of the way and died for me…

How could I deserve to be his friend? I was worse than an animal.

Horace’s brow furrowed. He gently pushed me away and saw my eyes, red from crying. His long fingers gently brushed my cheek, wiping away my tears.

“What’s all this? Did I say something wrong?”

I sobbed, too emotional to speak, and just kept shaking my head.

Horace’s handsome face showed a trace of helplessness. “Don’t cry anymore. You know I can’t stand to see you cry.”