Chapter 118
[Song Recommendation: Charlie Puth - We Don’t Talk Anymore, feat Selena Gomez.]
"I—I just want to be friends. Honest," Madeline said. "I just want to apologize, move on, and be friends. Why can’t we do that?"
"Because I don’t want to be your friend," Zane replied curtly. "I am utterly unable to bear the idea of being close to you but unable to touch you. The thought will make me insane."
Madeline’s heart sank.
No matter how many times she tried to persuade Zane to abandon whatever feelings he had for her, he still didn’t want to.
Madeline knew at this point that they should’ve just walked their different paths, hoping they would never cross paths and hurt each other again.
But Zane really left an impression on her, and she was reluctant to let go.
"But why would you tell Jasmin to give your phone number to me if you don’t want to be my friend?" Madeline asked.
"Because I’m worried," Zane replied. "I’ve seen the hateful comments on your official account and mine. I’m worried that one of those crazy fangirls would attack you in real life, or maybe you get too depressed reading all of those slanders online."
"You don’t need to do that. I... I can manage myself," Madeline murmured.
"I know. I was making sure." Zane sighed. "I can’t bear to see the woman I love get hurt. So I finally gave you my phone number, just like you requested back then."
"But that doesn’t mean you can call me for random stuff like this. Only call me when you need help," Zane said. "Listening to your voice is like torture for me, Madeline. If you see me as your friend, then at least help me by not torturing me like this."