The maid said, "The lady worked hard on that meal. Throwing it out would be such a waste, right?"

Zach shot her a stern glance. "Just do what I say," he said curtly.

Trying to hide her nervousness, the maid nodded and headed downstairs to clean up. Meanwhile, the other maids got busy preparing another meal.

After sipping the fruit juice Zach gave her, Madelyn slowly awakened and gazed at the ceiling.

"How do you feel?" Zach asked.

Madelyn paused. "I'm moving out tomorrow."

His expression became stern. "You know I won't let that happen. Why can't you just deal with this? I promise you'll be left alone. It'll just be me."

"You're pushing me to the edge," Madelyn fired back. "I might do something we'll both regret. I could kill you, Zach."

Zach gently caressed her forehead. "Once you're better, you can chase any dream you want. You want to paint? I'll set up a studio just for you." Zach's voice had an unusual softness tonight, as if he was a different person.

"You still don't get