Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Wov Mansion

Zatariel guided Asha through a quieter section of the estate, away from the minimalist grandeur of the main halls.

"This way," he said softly.

Asha didn't expect a full veterinary clinic inside the mansion grounds.

On a cushioned medical bed lay Ethy.

Asha gasped.

The once elegant cat she only saw in photos now appeared frail, her breathing assisted by a small oxygen device.

One leg was missing, and even her jawline showed the absence of a tooth.

Tubes and monitors surrounded her small body, quietly working to keep her stable.

"Oh no..." Asha whispered.
"Zat... she's suffering."

Zatariel's expression tightened.

"She's only fifteen," he said defensively.

"Don't act dumb."
Asha immediately gave him a look.
"You know exactly how old fifteen is for a cat."

Zatariel fell silent.

Even the veterinarian nearby gave a subtle nod of agreement.

"Ethy has lived a very long life," the vet said gently.
"At this stage... her body is relying almost entirely on medication and supportive equipment."

Asha gently placed a hand on Zatariel's back.

"You gave her fifteen beautiful years."
Her voice softened.
"She stayed beside you through everything."
"She already did her part."

Zatariel's eyes began to water as he looked at his longtime companion.

"Sometimes love means knowing when to let them rest."
Asha continued gently,
"She won't disappear."
"She'll just stay somewhere quieter... inside your heart."

Zatariel wiped his eyes quickly, trying to compose himself.

"I... I'll think about it."
He took a slow breath before gently pulling Asha outside.

Several maids moved quietly around the garden, but most kept their distance upon noticing Asha.

Asha tilted her head slightly.
"Why do I feel like I just entered a restricted zone?"

"Don't mind them."
Zatariel casually draped an arm around her shoulders.
"They're just not used to visitors."

He gestured toward the pool reflecting the gray afternoon sky.

"We need a reset."

Without hesitation, he began unbuttoning his outer shirt and removing his trousers, revealing a white shirt and white shorts underneath.

Before Asha could comment-

Splash.

Cold water hit her arm as Zatariel surfaced in the pool with a grin.

"Still slow, Gorilla."

She laughed.

Some things never changed.
She removed her blazer and trousers, revealing a simple sando and linen shorts underneath.

Moments later-
Another splash.

The two immediately fell into their usual playful routine, splashing and mock wrestling in the water like they had done countless times at the Dom estate.

Their laughter echoed through the garden.

Yet from a distance, several maids watched silently.

Their expressions are stiff.