Torn Between Love and Hate

Chapter 170

Chapter 170 Intense and Irresistible

Alyssa nodded, “Oh, all right.”

Alyssa returned to the bedroom after the doctor had finished examining Joseph. Fortunately, there

were no major

issues.

The wound isn’t deep, and the external injury isn’t considered severe, so it’s even less likely that

there’s any internal

damage.

If you’re really worried, you can always go to the hospital for a check-up later.

After the doctor finished speaking, they left.

Deborah sat by the couch, watching Joseph as he lay there, eyes closed, fast asleep.

His eyelashes quivered, but he could feel Deborah sitting beside him, so he kept his eyes closed,

pretending to be

asleep.

After spending so many years with him, Deborah could tell that he was just pretending.

He indeed drank a bit too much, but he wasn’t so intoxicated as to be completely incoherent.

Tonight, his behavior was one-third influenced by the effects of alcohol.

There is still at least 70 percent of it, which is just venting under the guise of having had too much to

drink.

Deborah kept her gaze lowered on him, so Joseph had no choice but to pretend to be asleep. He

closed his eyes and endured until the sky outside began to brighten.

Joseph didn’t dare to open his eyes, afraid that Deborah would discover he wasn’t actually that drunk.

Over the past three years, he has always been calm and restrained.

He never forces Deborah.

On the contrary, over the past three years, Deborah had lost her memory, and sometimes she would

even take the initiative to get close to him.

But he would subconsciously refuse, as he lacked confidence in his heart.

But tonight, I couldn’t help it..

The moment Deborah stepped out of the treatment room, having regained her memory, she chose to

leave him.

When he saw Zayne meeting Deborah, he found out that Deborah invited Zayne to stay and have

dinner together.

Joseph suddenly felt that he and Deborah were drifting apart, and the distance between them was only

growing

further.

When it was time to socialize in Richmond, he couldn’t calm his mind.

After the social engagement had ended, it was past midnight. Despite that, he couldn’t help himself and

rushed over in the middle of the night.

She opened the door, and the moment he saw her, he suddenly had a strong urge to kiss her.

I couldn’t help myself and just did it, but afterwards, I suddenly couldn’t face it, so I simply pretended to

be drunk.

Joseph felt that he had never been so conflicted before, never like this.

He lay on the couch with his eyes closed, feeling Deborah’s close presence.

His entire body was tense, like a string stretched to its limit.

Deborah just watched him, observing his act.

She saw through it, but she never spoke up about it.

Outside, the sky began to brighten; it was six o’clock in the morning.

Deborah’s phone rang, and she finally got up and left, heading to the floor-to-ceiling window to answer

the call.

Joseph opened his eyes and looked at her retreating figure.

He heard her speaking on the phone, “Dr. Gaige.”

Joseph’s hand unconsciously tightened.

Upon hearing Zayne’s voice, Deborah responded, “Deborah, I’m so sorry for waking you up so early.

There’s something I forgot to tell you, and after thinking it over, I decided it’s best to let you know

sooner rather than later.”

Last night at Deborah’s place, Zayne helped her cook and stayed for dinner.

The excitement and joy of their long-awaited reunion made him momentarily forget to tell Deborah

about some

matters.

Deborah responded, “You didn’t wake me up; I was already awake. Dr. Gaige, go ahead and speak.”

Zayne spoke in a low voice, “It’s about a matter concerning Mr. Joseph Black. I found out that in the

past three years, Mr. Black has generously arranged for your mother’s funeral and bought back the

house you and your mother used to live in. And also, my hand…”

He told Deborah everything about how he managed to get Joseph’s help, how his hand was healed,

and how his career had developed smoothly and successfully.

Zayne admitted that he, too, had his hesitations and his own selfish side.

He didn’t deny it; he also wanted to have Deborah.

After not seeing her for three years, he met Deborah again and found that his feelings for her were still

the same as

they were three years ago.

Intense, passionate, and irresistibly captivating.

But after leaving last night and thinking about it all night, he realized very clearly that he was not the

person who could take good care of Deborah or protect her well.

And Joseph could be that person.

Joseph had the means to treat Deborah well, and over the past three years, Zayne had witnessed his ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

generosity and

kindness.

It’s evident from the fact that Joseph silently puts his all into helping Zayne, that he is a person of great

character.

Joseph couldn’t just stand by and watch Zayne struggle on his own.

But he still made the choice to cure Zayne’s illness and secure a bright future for him.

Even though he knew very well that by doing this, he was undoubtedly setting up an even stronger

romantic rival for

himself.

He wouldn’t mind and wouldn’t consider other factors, he would help Zayne simply because he

genuinely respected

Deborah and cared about her.

After a while, Deborah finally spoke up. “Dr. Gaige, did Joseph really help you with your hand and your

career?”

Deborah could sense that Joseph harbored hostility towards Zayne.

Last night, in the underground parking lot of the shopping mall, Deborah could easily tell that when

Joseph saw Zayne, although he had a smile on his face, he was hiding his displeasure and

apprehension.

Deborah was even a bit worried that Joseph might misunderstand something and confront Zayne, or try

to drive

Zayne away.

But she never expected….

Over there, Zayne continued, “Deborah, you and Alyssa have had a tough time over the past many

years. I know you’ve regained your memory now, and you’re somewhat concerned about Mr. Black’s

past.

In reality, no one in this world is perfect. Mr. Black’s past experiences have made it impossible for him

to be a completely kind person. In any case…”

Upon hearing footsteps, Deborah glanced to the side and saw Alyssa walking up to join her.

Over there, Zayne’s voice continued to reach out, making its way into Alyssa’s ears as well,

“I believe Mr. Black will treat you well, Deborah. Just think about it more,”

Zayne may not be worthy of Deborah, nor can he protect her, but he still hopes that she can find the

best and most

suitable partner.

Having endured so much hardship in the past, he hoped to see her live a good life in the remaining

days.

Deborah was deeply moved, her eyes slightly moist as she said, “Thank you, Dr. Gaige.”

Over there, Zayne had finished saying everything he needed to say, and now he felt a bit

embarrassed.

“Hey, no need to thank me. It’s not really my place to butt in anyway. Just think it through yourself and

decide.”

Deborah glanced down at Alyssa, noticing that the child didn’t seem too happy.

Deborah responded, “All right, I’ll give it some serious thought.”

After hanging up the phone, Deborah put her arm around Alyssa and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Alyssa glanced at the person on the couch and asked, “Is everything all right, Mr. Black is still here?”

Deborah explained somewhat awkwardly, “It was a bit late yesterday, and Mr. Black was drunk. I didn’t

know who to ask for help to take him away. When he sobers up later, I will let him go first, okay?”

Upon thinking about Zayne’s words just now, it was clear that he willingly stepped aside, wanting

Deborah and Joseph to be together.

The child wasn’t very happy inside, but they also didn’t want Deborah to be upset.

“Mommy, it’s okay, I don’t mind. Let Mr. Black sleep a bit more. Let’s order takeout instead, and we can

go out later.”

Deborah let out a quiet sigh of relief and handed her phone to Alyssa, “Ah, great. You choose, Mommy

isn’t picky about food, anything is fine.”

Alyssa took the phone and said, “All right. You go ahead and freshen up, Mommy. I’m all done here.”

Deborah just noticed that Alyssa had already changed out of her pajamas.

Get Boz

Oceanview City enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. As Christmas approaches, the weather

remains pleasant at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alyssa wore a simple casual jacket, paired with a white T-shirt underneath, and her hair was tied up

high at the back

of her head.

The person looks refreshed and comfortable.

Deborah couldn’t help but reach out and touch her face, “You’ve really grown up.”

Alyssa smiled sweetly as she watched Deborah enter the bedroom.

She ordered takeout for three people before heading over to the couch.

Sitting down, she spoke politely and calmly, “Mr. Black, there’s no need to pretend, you’re not asleep.

Let’s have a

chat.”