I decided not to think about anything anymore. I just took a bath, freshened up, and slipped into the green dress I had picked out earlier. When I looked in the mirror, the dress fit perfectly—it was simple, comfortable, and soothing against my skin. I applied some light makeup, held my bandaged arm gently, and stepped out of my room.
As I walked downstairs, I spotted Winston running around playfully.
A soft smile curled on my lips.
I was genuinely relieved to see him healthy and happy. Yesterday's incident still clung to me like a shadow. It was such a big trauma—I couldn't forget a single second of it.
"Did you have lunch, Winston?" I asked softly as I bent down a little to speak to him. "Hmm... I always thought Kathir loved you the most. But yesterday, you showed your love for him is even stronger than his for you." I smiled fondly as he continued playing without a care.
I headed to the kitchen with a sigh. No need to cook for anyone today.
Still, I felt weirdly hungry. But not for rice—ugh, not today. Instant noodles felt like the only right option. I grabbed the packet and started preparing it when my eyes landed on that—the small white pill the doctor prescribed. He had clearly instructed me to dissolve it in water and drink it before meals to ease the pain.
But medicine?
No thanks.
I hated it. I would rather suffer in pain than drink that bitter mess.
"Don't dream I'll eat you," I muttered, pushing the pill aside with my finger until it sat next to the coffee machine, far away from my sight.
Right then, Kathir walked in.
My breath hitched as his eyes landed on me. Without saying a word, he grabbed a coffee cup from the top cabinet.
I avoided his gaze, my lips pressed in a thin line as I focused on the bubbling noodles.
"Noodles... for whom?" he asked while preparing his coffee.
"For me," I replied quickly.
He didn't say anything else. Just added sugar and stirred his drink like it was the most peaceful day of his life. But I could feel it—the way his gaze stayed on me while he sipped his coffee. My back straightened. I didn't move. I didn't look at him. I stared at the noodles like my life depended on them.
Then... I saw his hand reach for the medicine.
Oh no.
He studied the label and casually asked, "You haven't taken this yet?"
How could I say it?
How do I tell him I hate medicine? That I don't want it—even if he was the one who paid for it?
I swallowed my panic and replied, "I'll take it after I eat the noodles."
I told myself once he left, I'd throw it away and quietly return his money. No big deal.
"It says to take the pill before eating," he said, his voice firm as he glanced at me.
I glanced at him. Then at the medicine. Then back at him.
Seriously?
Why so many questions?
Why does he care so much?
Fine, I get it. He paid for it. But I can repay him.
He sighed as if reading my thoughts, took a glass, filled it with water, and dropped the pill in.
Wait—what?
My eyes widened as I watched the pill dissolve slowly into the water, and then—he pushed the glass toward me.
I blinked at the glass. Then at him.
"Drink it," he said, his gaze unwavering.
What was he doing?
Did he know how much I hated this?
How do I escape now?
"I'll drink it... later—" I muttered, trying to delay.
"Now."
His voice was colder this time. Stern. Final.
His jaw clenched, and his stare didn't shift an inch. I had a strong feeling that if I resisted, he might just force it down my throat himself. That stubborn look on his face screamed it.
I let out a sigh. "Fine."
I picked up the glass, knowing full well he wouldn't leave me alone until I drank it.
His eyes stayed fixed on me like a hawk.
With a wince, I closed my eyes and gulped it down in one go.
The bitterness hit me like a truck. I nearly gagged.
"Eat some sugar," he said coolly, turning away with his coffee cup in hand. "I don't want Winston getting blamed later."
And just like that, he walked out.
I stared at his back, furious.
My tongue still screamed from the bitterness. I quickly grabbed a spoonful of sugar and shoved it into my mouth.
Only then did I feel slightly human again.
"Ugh! How cruel can he be?" I groaned, rolling my eyes. "I hate medicine."
I clenched my fist in frustration, muttering under my breath. "And who was going to blame Winston anyway? That annoying man..."
I turned off the stove, placed the noodles in a bowl, and finally sat down to eat.
With the first bite, I sighed.
"Now this feels better."