All too late for his love

Chapter 18

“It’s not a dream, Lolo.”

Zayn’s voice was filled with reassurance as he gently clasped Willow’s delicate hand. “I’m here, Lolo, I’m truly your beloved Zayn.

H

Zayn’s grip was so strong that Willow felt a slight pain, which jolted her back to reality. She realized that she wasn’t dreaming- She was utterly shocked! She was about to ask him why he was acting so strangely when he rasped, “Lolo, why didn’t you tell me you’re sick? Why didn’t you tell me you have cancer!”

Willow’s eyelid twitched as she realized that Zayn had found out about her late–stage stomach cancer.

“Zayn, I’ve brought this up before, but you refused to believe me.”

Willow’s statement sent a jolt through Zayn, and he suddenly recalled that she had previously mentioned her cancer when she had approached him for money to help with Aaron’s treatment.

he

told her that

said those words back then, his heart swelled with glee. Now, he felt a gnawing pain, as if his heart was being gouged out and his flesh

strength and pulled Willow into his embrace, murmuring repeatedly. “I

also held Zayn tightly, never wanting to let go. In the final moments of her life, his willingness to open his heart and embrace her was a surprise she had never dared to hope

“I’m here, Lolo…”

the steady rhythm of his strong heartbeat, Willow’s heart overflowed with an unprecedented sense of contentment. She recognized this as an opportunity to persuade him to welcome Aaron into his life

to you. Aaron is really your biological son! Can you please go and do a paternity rest with Aaron? Once you’ve done the test, you’ll know that I didn’t betray you, nor did 1

a thom in his side. However, at that moment, he was willing to comply with her. “Alright, I go get a patemity test with that bas–Zayn immediately stopped himself and continued,

your son, can you lend me money for his surgery? If Aaron can’t have the surgery, he won’t have much time left.

as you’ll be alright, I’ll give you

Zayn’s lips p

a gentleness that spoke of

she didn’t dare to ask for too much. She was just grateful that he could be with her at the end of her life, that he was willing to lend

develop a high fever and loss