Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Ten seconds later, Madelyn blinked her eyes open. The bright lights flooded her vision, instantly rousing her from her drowsiness. Reacting instinctively, she hurriedly pulled her foot back and sat upright. "Zach Jar... uh, I mean, Brother... What are you doing in my room?" She mentally scolded herself, 'Damn it, what did I just say?' Clutching the blanket tightly, she resembled a startled rabbit, her eyes filled with wariness and fear.
Zach watched as Madelyn hastily wrapped herself up.
Madelyn continued, her voice trembling, "Um, when did you come in?"
Zach's rough palm still had traces of muscle rub on it as he said, "Bring your foot over here, and I'll give your ankle a little massage-”
His deep, intense gaze locked onto Madelyn, making her feel uneasy all over. She shook her head and replied, "You don't have to do that. Rosario already massaged it earlier. They'll be fine by tomorrow."
Zach furrowed his brows in response to Madelyn's resistance, urging her, "Madelyn, just do as I say. I don't want to repeat myself."
Madelyn's thoughts raced as she considered Zach's words. If she refused again, she knew he might resort to something unexpected, maybe even more audacious.
In her past life, this had been their dynamic. Whatever Zach commanded, Madelyn had to comply absolutely, no matter how arrogant, stubborn, or willful she was. She had always been under his control, enduring his manipulation with no other choice.
Biting her lip, Madelyn summoned her courage and cautiously extended her foot from under the blanket. Zach's gaze lingered on her fair and alluring foot, adorned with perfectly rounded toenails painted in a light pink shade. He couldn't help but note how delicate she appeared, nurtured with luxury from head to toe, even down to each strand of hair.
Zach grasped her swollen and elevated ankle, his palm still coated with muscle rub, gently massaging her ankle.
Madelyn couldn't help but exclaim, "H-H-Hiss, it hurts-"
Zach remained silent.
Madelyn quickly pleaded, "Brother, please be gentle."
Zach replied nonchalantly, "Who said it would be fine by tomorrow?"
"I fell asleep thinking it was alright. I even applied some muscle rub before going to bed. Thank you!"
"Hmm."
Madelyn rested her foot on Zach's leg, and he lowered his head, his expression serious as he diligently applied medication to her swollen ankle. This was something Zach had never done for her before. As she observed him, Madelyn couldn't help but think that when this man was serious, he exuded a captivating sense of restraint. Her features were such that both men and women, young and old, could appreciate them. She had seen Zach wearing gold-rimmed glasses while working, and she had also witnessed his wild and untamed side. She had experienced almost every version of Zach. The Zach who thrived at lively and elegant banquets, the Zach with impeccable manners and conversational skills. However, the Zach before her, caring for her in this way, was an entirely new sight to behold... "This muscle rub hasn't fully absorbed yet. Be more careful next time. If you hurt yourself while I'm not home because you weren't paying attention while walking, who will take care of you?" Zach remarked. Madelyn shifted her body and settled back onto the bed. Initially in pain, Zach's soothing massage had made her forget about it. She even felt a slight drowsiness taking over as she lay there. After a while, she noticed a warmth spreading from her ankle, a clear sign that the medicine was taking effect. She exclaimed, "I feel much better now! You should go back and rest." Indeed, her swollen ankle had visibly subsided.
When Zach checked on Madelyn again, she was already fast asleep, defenseless with her eyes closed. He gently placed her foot under the blanket, his hands still carrying the lingering scent of the muscle rub. Standing up, he left the remaining unused rub on her desk and took one last glance at her lying peacefully on the bed..
Zach thought to himself, 'You've lost your composure over such a small matter, Madelyn... What should I do with you in the future?' Before leaving, he turned off the bedroom light and quietly exited the room. As the early morning light streamed in through the window, Madelyn slowly stretched her body, her eyes still closed. The sound of her phone alarm pierced the silence, prompting her to swiftly silence it. Being someone who didn't like to linger in bed, she promptly rose, feeling energized and ready to embrace the day ahead.