My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 71

Zoe cried herself to sleep, waking up suddenly before 8 a.m. the next day.

In her dream, Joshua kept chasing her, asking why she had killed him.

All she could do was cry and say, "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's all my fault..."

She muttered in her sleep, her body trembling uncontrollably.

A soft presence enveloped her, and a voice echoed in her ears.

"You're not at fault, Zoe. You're not at fault. Don't be afraid, Zoe. I'm here..."

The voice became clearer, and she forced her eyes open, meeting James's face, now covered in stubble.

His eyes were bloodshot, his clothes wrinkled, still the same ones from yesterday.

As soon as she opened her eyes, he quickly placed a straw in her mouth. "This is your favorite milk. The doctor said you should start with liquids. I got you some fresh meat porridge from the school..."

The school was in the suburbs.

Normally, if she wanted to eat there, she would have to first take a car to the subway station, then ride for an hour, and finally take an electric bike for another ten minutes.

After graduation, she had eaten there only a handful of times.

As she recalled, she suddenly realized that every time she had the milk, it was when James was comforting her.

It all felt so absurd.

For all these years, she had never lived for herself.

Zoe carefully looked at his face, filled with indulgence, even his eyes soft with affection.

Was this all part of the act?

Was she really going to believe this?

Every part of her face that had been streaked with tears ached, making her want to tear her skin off.

Seeing her tears, James hurriedly wiped them away with a soft tissue, his eyes reddening as if he was about to cry too.

"Zoe, please stop crying. My heart is breaking."

Zoe gave a sarcastic smile.

How deeply affectionate.

The door suddenly swung open.

Ella, wearing a loose coat and black stockings with a short skirt, walked in carrying a fruit basket.

Zoe clearly saw that the moment their gazes met, James's throat visibly bobbed.

Her already broken heart was pierced once again.

Their conversation seemed amplified, echoing everywhere.