Addiction to Temptation: His Mischievous Sweetheart Captivates Him-Chapter 176: Why Are You So Well-Behaved Today, Baby?
Hanging up the phone, Natalie Vaughn suddenly stood up and gazed out at the endless night through the window. It should just be daybreak there.
Is it snowing over there?
Astra City hadn’t seen snow in years, and she used to visit a snowy city for a few days every year.
"Nina?"
"What do you think Zane Thorne looks like when he’s heartbroken?"
She’s seen the depth in Zane Thorne’s eyes, and that was the emotion of a man who had endured and struggled for five years; it’s hard to imagine what he was like five years ago.
Felix Langdon mentioned that Zane Thorne used to drink until late at night, and Carter Chapman said Zane once drank until he had a bleeding stomach.
For someone like Zane Thorne, it’s hard for others to hurt him; he can only be hurt by himself.
Natalie Vaughn liked to see the faint smile in Zane Thorne’s deep eyes, liked to see the mischievous grin tugging at his lips, and liked to see the carefree spirit in his brows and eyes when he smoked.
Phoebe Quinn truly chased after Zane Thorne like a pop star in high school, knowing about every match and every award he won.
Every time she saw the high-spirited Zane Thorne, he was in control, rebellious, arrogant, and the unruly king of the racing world.
Probably still holding onto a filter, perhaps not close enough in relation, she rarely saw other sides of Zane Thorne.
Yet she understood Natalie Vaughn’s emotions.
Carefree, living for herself, and reckless, Natalie Vaughn frowned because of Zane Thorne at this moment.
"Nina."
"Hmm?"
"There are always things waiting for us to solve, right?"
"Yes." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮
...
Phoebe Quinn only stayed in Veridia for two days before returning to Astra City. During these two days, Zane Thorne did not call Natalie Vaughn on his own, so she did not disturb him.
However, she kept checking her phone from time to time.
Phoebe Quinn noticed everything and quietly messaged Aaron Channing to inquire about the situation. It wasn’t very good; he would have to stay in Altara for at least a week.
Even Aaron Channing had to stay in Altara for a week, and Zane Thorne’s return was uncertain.
Before leaving, Phoebe Quinn said something to Natalie Vaughn.
"Nina, since you believe in fate now, why don’t you try believing that your presence can make God Thorne happy?"
At least from what she saw, Zane Thorne was happy when he was with Natalie Vaughn. She also saw that photo that trended online. After asking for the reason, Phoebe Quinn felt that Zane Thorne’s feelings for Natalie Vaughn are deep. With Zane Thorne’s personality, instead of pulling Natalie Vaughn away, he waited until she finished watching Jason Lynch’s performance before carrying her out.
Doesn’t that say anything?
Phoebe Quinn’s words made Natalie Vaughn think for a long time. She suddenly recalled Zane Thorne’s back garden, such a vast and dazzling field of sunflowers.
Zane Thorne said it was for a little girl who was very important to him.
But the flower language of sunflowers is faith, radiance, and admiration, with another layer of meaning being hope.
Natalie Vaughn suddenly wanted to know who that little girl was; she must have given Zane Thorne strength, so Zane Thorne used sunflowers to express his gratitude.
Such a vast field of sunflowers.
...
Natalie Vaughn received a call from Zane Thorne a week later. The man’s voice was dry and hoarse, and she could feel his exhaustion even through the phone, which might be why he didn’t make a video call.
The man just said he was busy abroad these past few days without telling Natalie Vaughn what he was busy with, and she didn’t ask.
She pretended to be angry.
"Even if you’re on a business trip abroad, you can’t forget your wife."
Zane Thorne was stunned for a long time when he heard this.
Business trip... Natalie Vaughn really found a great excuse for him.
The man responded in a low voice.
"Yes, wife, I was wrong."
Natalie Vaughn was used to Zane Thorne retorting whenever she threw a little tantrum, and now hearing this tone made her heart ache.
She restrained her desire to contact Zane Thorne these days and resisted asking Aaron Channing about the situation. But Aaron Channing had been in Altara for a whole week, and she didn’t know how long mental health diagnosis would take.
But there should be doctors over there in Altara too.
"Hmph, I’ll deal with you when you’re done with work."
Listening to Natalie Vaughn’s proud tone, Zane Thorne pictured her lively expression when she spoke, her bright eyes like a sly little fox.
The man’s mood suddenly improved a little, and he finally chuckled softly.
"Alright, I’ll let my wife decide then."
After saying this, they both fell silent for a long time.
Natalie Vaughn looked at the gloomy weather, and her mood became somber too.
"When will you be back?"
"You miss me?"
"Yes."
On the other end, Zane Thorne seemed to not expect Natalie Vaughn to admit it so readily.
"Why are you so obedient today, hmm? Baby."
Natalie Vaughn frowned and said fiercely.
"Wasn’t I obedient before?"
The man didn’t say anything, only laughing meaningfully a couple of times.
Natalie Vaughn also knew she was a lively person, always bickering and throwing little tantrums with Zane Thorne.
She said this just to cheer Zane Thorne up, and it seemed to be working a little.
"Baby, in a while."
Zane Thorne’s "in a while" meant no return date.
The situation in Altara seemed quite bad.
Natalie Vaughn forced a smile, trying not to worry or show too much emotion.
"Alright, alright, even if you don’t come back, I can still have fun. I heard Jason Lynch will have a performance on New Year’s Day."
Zane Thorne paused for a moment but just said.
"Have Theodore Langdon accompany you."
Natalie Vaughn was surprised.
"President Thorne isn’t jealous anymore?"
Zane Thorne sneered.
"He’s not qualified."
Natalie Vaughn: ?????? Who was it a few days ago that carried her out from the performance site then?
"Oh~ President Thorne is generous."
The man on the other end was choked by her tone, finally unable to hold back.
"Watch, but don’t say any nonsense."
Natalie Vaughn blinked, feigning innocence.
"What nonsense?"
Zane Thorne: ...
"Be good, listen, hmm?"
Natalie Vaughn blushed at his "good girl" call; Zane Thorne really alternated between calling her baby and good girl.
Suddenly, a commotion was heard on Zane Thorne’s end; Natalie Vaughn, good at English, heard some medical terms, realizing Zane Thorne was still in the hospital.
Natalie Vaughn estimated the time; it was early morning there.
"Baby, I’ve got some things to handle over here."
"Then go ahead, I’m going to start filming too."
After hanging up, Zane Thorne’s expression turned dark instantly.
Gideon Sheffield’s last episode left him with half a life, now his mental state seemed to return to five years ago.
Aaron Channing and Leo Chandler also rushed over upon hearing the commotion.
This pair of senior brothers seemed helpless with Gideon Sheffield’s condition, and after five years of treatment, Gideon Sheffield knew more about his condition.
He seemed unwilling to stay awake, as waking up felt more like torture to him.
Gideon Sheffield became agitated at the sight of Zane Thorne, grabbing a vase from the bedside table and throwing it at Zane Thorne.
His strength wasn’t great, and the speed was slow; Zane Thorne could’ve easily dodged, but he only slightly tilted his head.
The vase grazed his temple, and blood instantly started trickling down from his forehead.
