Chapter 8 " Sorry , Zoey . I'm so sorry ... " Gary's breakdown terrified Lucy . For the first time , she truly felt fear . Gary abandoned his company and work . He even stopped eating , drinking , or sleeping , and searched desperately for any trace of me . Eventually , he learned from my dad's nurse that I had once mentioned Pereem in conversation . He bought a ticket and flew there without hesitation . He wandered for seven days and nights in the foreign city . Exhaustion finally claimed him , and he collapsed on the streets . He thought of how I had endured 999 lifetimes just to save him . Even if it cost him his own life , he was determined to find me At last , the moment he saw Charles , his strength gave out , and he fainted . That morning , after finishing my work , I noticed Charles looking restless , as though he had something to say . I caught his hesitation and asked , " What is it , Charles ? " He sighed , pointed toward the room , and said , " You should see for yourself . " Curious , I walked over before freezing at the sound of an unexpected voice . It was Gary . My back stiffened . Charles laid a gentle hand on my shoulder and whispered for me not to be afraid . No matter what happened , he would protect me . I looked at him gratefully but shook my head . I wasn't scared . I was overwhelmed because I had waited far too long for this day . The documents I had sent Lucy not only recounted the love Gary and I once shared , but also deliberately revealed the location of my dad's grave . It was a false location , of course . As expected , she couldn't resist and revealed her true colors. On the very same day she received the papers , Sarah sent Gary a photo of me with my dad , knowing that if he still had any shred of humanity , he would visit the grave . Before leaving , I even notified the board of directors , using my position as Mrs. Clark to demand that bodyguards accompany him . It wasn't because I wanted him safe , but because I didn't want him to die so easily . I had far greater gifts in store for him . With that thought , I stepped into the room . It had only been a short while , yet Gary no longer resembled the elegant , refined man he once was . Dark circles shadowed his eyes , his hair was unkempt , and his clothes were filthy . He looked less like a CEO and more like a beggar . The moment he saw me , tears filled his eyes . Struggling , he tried to crawl out of bed . " Zoey . Zoey ! I finally found you ... " I stood a few steps away , unmoved . My voice was cold . " Gary , I no longer have a dad you can kill again . " His gaze landed on the faint scars across my face . It was still visible despite having faded , and his expression shifted . His eyes reddened , his pain barely contained , and then he dropped to his knees with a heavy thud . " I'm sorry ... Zoey . I remember now . " That caught me off guard . I frowned . " What do you mean ? " Gary shut his eyes , bit his lip until blood spilled , and a line of tears slid down his face . " I remember that you once endured 999 lifetimes just to save me . " A man like me doesn't deserve your love . I won't ask for your forgiveness . All I want is for you to accept my apology . If you come back , I'll give you a gift . " 1/2 +25 BONUS Furious , Charles grabbed Gary by the collar and demanded to know why he hadn't cherished me when he had the chance However , Gary's eyes never left mine , filled only with sorrow