Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 814 What a Coincidence, We Meet Again

After dinner, Zoe curled up on the couch and watched TV.

When Sheila passed by her room and saw the suitcase on the floor with clothes scattered inside, she questioned, "Are your clothes clean or dirty? Do you want me to wash them for you?"

Zoe popped a piece of fruit in her mouth and replied, "Just leave them there. I'll wash them myself later."

"Wash them yourself? By the time you remember to wash them, you probably won't even have enough to wear anymore." Sheila took out all the clothes from Zoe's suitcase and carried them to the laundry balcony while muttering.

Minutes later when Zoe was engrossed in watching TV, Sheila's voice suddenly turned serious. "Zoe, come here for a moment."

Zoe paused the TV and walked over, asking, "What's wrong?"

Sheila stood in front of the washing machine with a pile of dirty clothes in front of her.

Perplexed, Zoe asked, "What's the matter?"

With a solemn expression, Sheila turned to Zoe. "Can you be completely honest with me? Have you been seeing someone lately?"

"No. I..." Zoe's gaze suddenly fell on the clothes in Sheila's hand. She felt as if she had been hit on the head.

A few images quickly flashed through her mind.

Oh no.

She only remembered putting that thing in her pocket when she was chatting with Leanna, but she didn't have any memory of throwing it away.

Lost in her thoughts, she froze on the spot until Sheila smacked her back while gritting her teeth. "What have you done? You don't even have a boyfriend. Why are you carrying this around?!"

The next second, that rectangular box reappeared in her hand.

Zoe almost couldn't catch her breath. Facing Sheila's furious eyes, she quickly explained, "Mom, listen to me. T-This was given to me at the airport. They had an event promoting safe sex. It's not what you think it is."

Sheila suppressed her anger and scolded, "Do you think I'm a three-year-old child? Who would give you this thing that has two left inside? It's so obvious that it's been used…"

She couldn't finish her sentence.

Zoe's face turned beet red as she clutched the box tightly, wishing she could bang her head against a wall. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Sheila lowered her voice and said, "I didn't even dare to tell your father about this. Tell me honestly. Did

you have sex with someone abroad? What kind of person is he? How long have you known each other? Is he reliable?"

Zoe stammered, "Mom, how am I supposed to answer all of your questions?"

"Just answer them one by one. You…" Sheila stopped halfway through her sentence as if she remembered something. Then, her eyes widened. "You went abroad alone, didn't you?"

"Yes... That's right."

Sheila realized something was wrong, and the anger that had just subsided surged up again. Grabbing hold of Zoe, she scolded, "W-What have you done?! You're a girl! How could you involve yourself in that kind of stuff?!"

Zoe couldn't just stand there and let her mother hit her, so she dodged and ran back to her room. "I'm going to bed, Mom and Dad! See you tomorrow!"

Seeing that, Matthew stopped Sheila. "Why are you resorting to violence? Can't you talk to her properly?"

"You don't even know what she—" Sheila's anger flared up again as she pushed Matthew away. She took a seat on the couch and felt a headache creeping up.

After Zoe returned to her room, she stared at the box in her hand. She hated it so much that she gritted her teeth. She wanted to throw it into the trash, but she was afraid her parents would see it tomorrow.

This item was like a hot potato right now. Neither throwing it away nor keeping it was a good option.

Hence, she opened the drawer of her desk and stuffed it inside.

Daniel, that b*stard, better not appear in front of her again!

...

The next morning, while her parents were still asleep, Zoe sneaked out of the house and went to the hospital.

After listening to her request, Logan Powell took the sample from her hand and said, "Don't worry. I will handle this matter for you."

"When can I get the results of the test?" asked Zoe.

"Well, usually, it takes five working days. If you're in a hurry, I can ask a friend to help so you can come over tomorrow night."

Zoe handed him the things she bought and thanked him. "Thank you, Mr. Powell."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zoe left the hospital.

The sun had just peeked out of the clouds. The sunlight was warm, but it wasn't as hot as in summer.

Zoe stretched lazily and went to the mall to do some shopping for her parents, especially her mother.

On her way back, she ran into Rowan.

Rowan greeted her, "What a coincidence. We meet again."

Zoe smiled awkwardly. "Are you going out?"

"Yes. I have classes in the afternoon, so I have to go now."

That was the end of their conversation.

Zoe nodded lightly and stepped aside. "Then you should go. I won't take up your time."

Daniel looked at her and said shyly, "I heard a lot about you from Madam Smith, and I've seen your photos. I... quite like you. Can we exchange numbers on WhatsApp?"

Zoe politely declined, "No, thanks. I'm leaving in a few days, and we haven't—"

"Come on, I'll give you her number, Rowan."

At this moment, Sheila walked over from the side. She took out her phone from her bag and patted Zoe on the back. "Give me your phone."

Zoe frowned. "Mom, I—"

Sheila glared at her. "Hurry up!"

Zoe didn't want to argue with her, so she reluctantly handed over her phone.

After adding the two young people on WhatsApp, Sheila smiled and said to Rowan, "You should get back to work now, Rowan. We shouldn't occupy you for too long."

"Goodbye, Madam Smith." As he spoke, he waved to Zoe and hurried away with his head down.

Sheila shifted her gaze and returned the phone to Zoe. "Look how polite Rowan is. He'll be a great son- in-law to our family."

Zoe sarcastically replied, "If you like him so much, why don't you just adopt him as your godson?"

Sheila turned her head with frustration painted on her face. "Don't talk to me. I haven't settled yesterday's matter with you yet. You're not allowed to leave the house as you wish for the next few days. Try to get along with Rowan, or you can visit his campus and take a look at the young ladies in school. Maybe then you'll feel a sense of crisis! I can't believe you still make me worry when you're already a grown-up!"

Zoe rolled her eyes and was about to say something, but Sheila continued, "Your father was diagnosed with high blood pressure recently, and his heart is not in good condition. He didn't want me to tell you, but judging from your current behavior, I'm afraid you'll upset him without knowing. Think about it carefully. We won't force you to get married, but if there's someone suitable, you should try to get to know them. Otherwise, your father and I won't be able to rest in peace!"