Moments ago…
"Ugh…" Lawrence grunted just as he woke up. He hadn't opened his eyes yet, but his head throbbed painfully. Groaning, he dragged himself up to a sitting position, one hand clutching his head.
"Jasmine," he called groggily, peeking through one eye.
The bedroom was dimly lit by the bedside lamp. Jasmine was nowhere in sight. He called for a maid to bring him a glass of water, but no one answered.
"Where the hell is everyone?" he grumbled, wincing as pain stabbed behind his eyes.
He sat on the edge of the bed for a while before mustering enough strength to stand. Lawrence shuffled toward the bathroom, where his reflection stared back at him—haggard and pale, with deep bags under his eyes. He splashed water on his face, hoping it would ease the pounding in his head. When that barely helped, he drank straight from the tap, letting the cold water soothe his dry throat.
That helped. Somehow.
