It had been years since that pain returned, thanks to Liora’s careful care. Whenever he was exhausted, she would bring soup she had simmered for hours. He often complained about the bitter herbal taste, yet the pain never once came back.
Thinking about those ten years with Liora, everything in his life had been seamless. His mother had never once suffered.
Now that she was gone, why did everything feel like it was unraveling?
He glanced at his phone. Arabelle hadn’t replied since 9 p.m. A flicker of frustration rose in him. Still, Arabelle had healed his legs. He couldn’t forget that. As for Liora, he could only try to make up for what he had done.
Last time, she stole Arabelle’s ring. He hadn’t broken her hand, wasn’t that enough mercy?
And she didn’t even return to say thank you. Had she really grown that bold?
At some point, Jaxon dozed off on the sofa. He didn’t know how long had passed, but he vaguely heard a whisper. When he opened his eyes, someone was covering him with a blanket. Instinctively, he grabbed the hand.
“Liora!”
But Arabelle’s voice cut through the silence. “Jaxon, who are you calling?”
Seeing Arabelle’s stunned face, Jaxon realized he had let his guard down; he had just dreamed of that damned woman, Liora.
He hurried to explain. “Sorry, Arabelle. She was by my side for so many years. It’s just a habit.”
Tears shimmered in Arabelle’s eyes. “You called out Liora’s name. Have you fallen for her now?”
“No. I haven’t. I only love you. You know that.”
Noticing the trace of impatience flash across Jaxon’s face, Arabelle quickly changed the subject.
“Alright, I understand. I must’ve fallen asleep last night and missed your calls. That’s why I came early today.”
Jaxon nodded slightly, then turned and headed to his room to rest.
Arabelle followed close behind; her fists clenched tightly. Deep down, a storm of jealousy brewed. Jaxon’s heart was starting to shift toward that woman. She had to act fast.
She thought of the dinner from the night before, how the head of the Montgomery family had assured her father they would drive Liora out completely. That memory finally calmed her racing thoughts.
“Liora, you filthy bitch. I’ll ruin you soon.”
While boiling the medicine, I glanced at the calendar.
Three days left until the wedding.
During these few days of treatment, Rigel’s complexion had gained some color. Tessa treated me like an honored guest, pleased by the progress.