“Louis, what did you say to my mother to make her so angry?”
“Always going against me, just to get my attention?” Her lips curled into a mocking smile. “Too bad. I’ve only ever liked men who know their place.”
I met her gaze calmly. “Who are you? Sorry, I had a car accident. I don’t remember anything now.”
“Still faking amnesia?” Eliana’s hand shot out, her fingers gripping my chin. “Louis, that trick of yours is ancient.”
I repeated the move she knew too well, throwing off the quilt in one motion. The model lazily propped herself up, her lips curving into a provocative smile meant just for Eliana.
Her pupils contracted; her palm cracked across my face. “Pathetic!”
“Eliana.” Jovan leaned in, his tone sickeningly sweet. “If Louis is already this blatant, who knows how many scandals will follow if you truly marry him.”
I slowly wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth. “Who said I’m going to marry you? You’re overthinking.”
“Playing hard to get?” Eliana’s fingers clamped around my wrist. “All these years you’ve gone against me, just to make me look at you more?”
I shook her hand off. “I will not marry you.”
“Still acting high and mighty?” She sneered, her fingertips brushing my collar with disdain.
“Even if you were lying here naked, I wouldn’t touch you. The kind of man I like… is considerate.”
Her eyes shifted to Jovan, whose ears burned red in a heartbeat.
I yawned slowly. “Are you done? I need to rest. The door’s that way.”
Eliana’s teeth ground together. “Fine. I’ll see how long you can keep up this act! The day you kneel and beg me, don’t blame me for not giving you face!”
The ward door slammed shut, the sound echoing like a gunshot.
The moment the door shut, Jovan glanced back and flashed me a smug, triumphant smile.
Once they were gone, I drew out the envelope I had prepared in advance and handed it to the model.
“Thank you for your hard work. The payment is doubled.”
She accepted the money, then leaned in slightly, a faint trace of perfume drifting toward me.
“Louis, if you ever need anything in the future, you can always call me.”
As the ward door closed behind her, I exhaled slowly.
The sunlight outside spilled in just right, and I greedily breathed in the disinfectant-scented air; this was the scent of being alive.