Wild Young Miss: Mister, Let's Kiss!

"Good thing it didn't hit any vital points, but the doctor said because the wound is deep, it will leave a scar." Vivian sighed as she glanced at Zoey's bandaged hand.

Zoey stared at her palm that was wrapped with bandages, nodding in understanding upon hearing Vivian's explanation. 

"What are you thinking about? Why would you secure the material things before yourself?" A visibly upset Vivian asked. 

What occurred earlier happened too fast. But, Vivian saw what happened clearly. Zoey prioritized the clothes and tossed them far but failed to save herself. It was already fortunate that she landed on her palm first.

She just wanted to test Zoey's patience, but didn't want her to die! Aside from her son hating her if that happened, Vivian wouldn't forgive herself if Zoey's fall got more serious and could be life threatening. 

Zoey smiled at the worried Vivian. "I don't know."

She shrugged her shoulders. Zoey was certain she would prioritize herself, but before she knew it, her body moved and prioritized the clothes. It was silly, but Zoey couldn't explain it herself.

"Sigh* Matthew will surely throw a tantrum when he hears this." Vivian sighed heavily, distressed upon imagining her son's reaction when he saw Zoey's bandaged hand.

Matthew might misunderstand. Although Vivian was at fault this time, she was still worried. She glanced at Zoey and saw the subtle smile resurfaced on her face.

"I won't tell him. It's my fault, anyway. Madam Xi should not worry." Zoey reassured politely. 

Zoey would never blame Vivian. She knew it wasn't the latter's intention and Vivian never wished to harm her. It was Zoey's fault for prioritizing material things instead of herself. 

Moreover, Zoey was fine. That was more important, right?

"Who said I'm worried?" Yet, instead of accepting Zoey's pure-hearted gesture, Vivian was not pleased. "You don't have to cover for me."

Vivian added stubbornly. Sure, Vivian was concerned at what her son would think, but she was not the person who would want to be in debt by anyone. 

For a moment, Zoey remained silent as her eyes fixed on Vivian's stubborn expression. Despite the hostility and displeasure plastered on Vivian's face, Zoey's heart swelled with happiness.

Before Zoey could realize it, she flung her hands in the air and hugged Vivian. Stunned, Vivian sat frozen on the edge of the hospital bed as her eyes widened in disbelief.

'I missed you, mom.' Zoey whispered internally.

The side of Zoey's lips stretched into a gentle smile. She had been holding her tears and emotions upon meeting Vivian in this lifetime.

It was a shame to meet her sooner and in an awkward situation. But, Zoey was glad that Vivian was well. The woman who accepted her, treated her kindly, and loved her for who Zoey was, Zoey loved Vivian just as much as she loved her husband.

They were her family. Zoey was still feeling guilty for putting Vivian in pain in her previous life. Zoey didn't deserve Vivian's kindness. Thus, her subconscious mind immediately thought of not ruining the clothes she bought before herself.

"Hey, what are you doing? Get off of me!" When Vivian snapped, she shrugged Zoey away from her and sprung away from her seat.

As soon as she was on her feet, Vivian peered at Zoey in dismay. Yet, for some reason, deep down, Vivian didn't really feel annoyed. Rather, she was surprised that she sensed the longing and purity of Zoey's intention.

"I won't take Matthew away from you, Madam Xi." Zoey smiled, ignoring the dismay that glinted in Vivian's eyes. 

Surprised at Zoey's remarks, Vivian furrowed her brows. "Huh?"

"I figured that was Madam Xi's worry. Fret not, I don't plan to take your son away. It might be presumptuous of me, but I really don't intend to harm him." Zoey uttered without breaking her eye contact with Vivian.

Her eyes glinted with determination and sincerity. Although Zoey knew she was putting Matthew at risk for asking for his help, she swore she would protect Matthew if he was in danger. 

Zoey wanted to seek happiness. She didn't want to do a heroic act and sacrifice herself. She's done battling a war that offered a losing victory. Thus, it was hypocritical to utter such noble words to Vivian, but she was serious that she wouldn't let no man take away Matthew's life.

Zoey initially wanted to sacrifice herself without considering being part of her beloved's lives. Although that never changed, if worse comes to worst. But for now, she wanted to try a different method with Matthew's helping hand.

Sacrificing herself would be Zoey's last resort.

"You…" Lost in words, Vivian's voice trailed off as she didn't know how to respond.

Vivian felt the undying sincerity of Zoey's words. She was indeed afraid that Zoey would take her son away from her. For some reason, that was Vivian's fear deep down.

Vivian didn't know why, but she felt that Zoey would take everything away from her. However, she didn't truly dislike or despised Zoey. 

If anything, the reason Vivian was being unreasonable was because she couldn't find Zoey hateful. Deep down, she quite liked the young lady without any solid reason. That's why Vivian was looking for loopholes to dislike her.

"The wound is not serious. I'm sorry that your shopping got interrupted, but I'm really fine." Zoey smiled, changing the subject with a bright countenance on her face. "I can accompany you for the day. I don't mind."

Zoey offered which snapped Vivian's last straw of resistance at this lady. "How…"

Vivian's hands curled into a fist, trembling as she felt guilty for not seeing this young lady's intention. She had seen and been associated with different kinds of people. And she would know if they were after benefiting by being with the Xi's; Zoey was not one of them.

"Huh?" Zoey furrowed her brows, seeing Vivian hung her head low while her shoulders trembled.

Vivian scoffed, covering her mouth with her palm while staring at Zoey. Baffled, Zoey's forehead creased.

"Zoey, I still don't like you!" With that being said, Vivian dramatically sprinted out of the room, leaving Zoey in utter confusion.

"Huh?!"