Love's Change of Heart

She finished the little amount in her glass in one gulp. Soon, she went to get the bottle and poured it

generously.

Daniel glanced sideways. His thin lips twitched as if he wanted to speak but remained silent. He

propped his hand on the table and observed her quietly.

Time passed minute by minute as they sat silently, savoring their drinks.

The tangerine-hued pendant lamp gently swayed in the breeze, casting shifting shadows.

The motel exuded a serene ambiance and was bathed in soft, tranquil lighting as if it were in a deep

slumber.

Zoe had a habit of enjoying a drink when she had nothing to do, and her tolerance was decent.

She knew her limits.

So, when she started feeling a bit dizzy, she consciously set down her glass and leaned on the table.

"I... I should go to bed." She rose to her feet.

Little did she know that as soon as she stood up, she swayed to the side.

Is this wine really that strong? It seemed to hit her harder than expected.

Daniel grabbed her arm. "Can you still walk?"

Zoe's face was slightly flushed. "Of course... I can still walk in a straight line!" she replied with a hint of

defiance from the alcohol or maybe something else.

Daniel was left speechless. Who would believe her if she claimed she wasn't drunk?

Daniel stood up as well. "I'll take you back to your room."

Zoe gently pushed him away, turned around, and leaned on the table. "No need. I-I can walk on my

own," she stuttered.

Daniel did not say anything more. He followed behind her and reached to steady her as she wobbled.

Relying on her sheer willpower, Zoe struggled her way to the second floor.

However, when she reached the final flight of stairs, she leaned against the wall and felt lost.

Is it to the left or the right? What is my room number again?

"206." Daniel's voice came through.

Zoe repeatedly mulled over the number 206 in her mouth and stumbled forward to find it.

Just as she slumped against a door panel, she squinted her eyes and murmured, "206..." She reached

out to grab the doorknob.

Suddenly, her hand was held.

Daniel looked at her. "This is Room 203," he said.

Zoe widened her eyes and carefully identified it. He is right...

Daniel took her hand and walked a few steps. He opened the door to another room.

As soon as Zoe caught sight of the bed, she immediately collapsed onto it, finding solace in its comfort.

She should have drifted off to sleep, but the presence of another man in the room made her unusually

alert.

She heard a few footsteps approaching from a nearby spot. Then, silence.

Zoe suddenly sat up and looked at the man sitting on the couch. "Why haven't you left yet?" she

questioned soulfully.

"Didn't I tell you? This is the last room available," Daniel responded.

Zoe was left speechless.

Well.

Under these circumstances, she should not be picky or melodramatic in a place like this. She could not

bear to sleep in the cold, lifeless lobby.

She would not make herself miserable.

Zoe sighed and lay back on the bed. She covered herself with the blanket and drifted off into a deep

sleep.

The alcohol completely numbed her mind.

Daniel lay on the couch and rested his arm behind his neck. He listened to the sound of rain outside

and was lost in his thoughts.

After a while, there was a movement by the side of the bed.

Daniel looked over and saw that Zoe had somehow sat up again.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

Zoe's voice choked. "I want some water."

Daniel got up. "Sit for a moment. I'll get it for you downstairs," he said.

Zoe did not say anything and just sat there. She was lost in thought.

Five minutes later, when Daniel returned from downstairs, he saw Zoe sitting on the carpet, huddled up

and quietly sobbing.

His heart tightened involuntarily. He walked over and crouched in front of her. "What's wrong?"

Zoe did not answer, but her crying grew louder, expressing her pain.

Daniel set the water aside and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Zoe, are you feeling unwell?"

Zoe sobbed and choked. She lightly beat his chest in distress to release the pent-up emotions within

her. Though her hits were not heavy, they spoke volumes about the anguish she was experiencing.

"I've lost my child... gone..." she said and cried gravely.

This was the first time Daniel had seen her cry in front of him. The bitter ache in his chest intensified

exponentially, fueled by her profound loss.

He gently embraced her, and his Adam's apple bobbed. "I'm sorry," he apologized hoarsely.

Zoe cried sadly. "What's the use of your apology..."

"I shouldn't have been away from you when you needed me the most." Daniel hugged her tightly. "It's

all my fault," he whispered.

Zoe continued to cry. The more she cried, the sadder and more aggrieved she felt.

Daniel held her all the while. He patted her back and comforted her in a low voice.

After a long while, Zoe's emotions gradually stabilized, and she sat there with her head lowered.

Daniel handed her a tissue to wipe away her tears and then gave her the water beside them. "You said

you were thirsty."

Zoe silently took the water, tilted her head back, and took a few sips.

Daniel took the cup from her when she finished drinking and fell silent.

"Do you hate me?" he finally asked.

Zoe shook her head. What for?

"So why do you dislike me?"

She sat with her knees hugged, her voice barely audible, almost drowned out by the rain outside. "I

don't dislike you. I just don't want to see you... I've liked you, a lot, since the first time I saw you, but

you don't like me," Zoe replied.