Chapter 9
“Shut up! Just because you’re quiet doesn’t mean you’re mute! You’re acting like a hypocrite, trying to be all virtuous–what a joke!”
Rosent stood at the kitchen door, his apron hanging loosely around his waist, holding a spatula. He looked disheveled and awkward.
“Eidora, Semond got upset during lunch and isn’t feeling well. I didn’t want to leave her alone at home… The food will be ready soon, just wait a little longer…”
“No need for that. When someone’s being too nice, there’s definitely something fishy going on!”
“Why are you acting like this? Rosent didn’t
1/7
even ask you to eat. What’s your business here?”
Rosent instinctively stepped in front of Semond, while I found myself protected behind Atherton.
The scene before me made my heart ache, but in some strange way, I also felt a sense of relief.
“You have no business here, so why does he? The ex hasn’t even left, and you’re already pushing your way in. This is just too ugly!”
I had known Atherton for so long, but I had never seen him yell at a woman. Yet now, his whole body was tense, his fists clenched.
“I’m just here to move some things. You two go ahead.”
2/7
I didn’t want to stay and watch the tension building in the room, so I turned and walked toward the guest room.
“Eidora, are you still upset? Can’t you give me a little time…?”
Rosent sounded anxious, reaching for my hand, but Atherton blocked him.
A brief flicker of joy appeared in Semond’s eyes as she moved past Rosent, quickly saying, “Eidora, just eat first. We’re plenty, and it’ll be ready in no time…”
“I swear, is everyone this arrogant these days?”
Atherton grabbed Semond by the arm and shoved her onto the sofa with a forceful push, pointing at her and growling, “You
3/7
better shut up. Say one more word, and I’ll make you regret it!”
“Enough! If you’re angry, take it out on me, but don’t lash out at a woman!”
- Rosent suddenly shoved Atherton, sending him off–balance and crashing into me.
I was violently pushed into the hallway, my stomach hitting the edge of the hallway table. The pain made me curl into a ball.
“Lushya!”
“Eidora…”
Both Rosent and Atherton rushed to my side, and I let Atherton help me sit up.
“Rosent, my stomach hurts… it really hurts…”
4/7
Semond suddenly pressed her hand against her stomach. Before she could say more, Rosent was already at her side.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the hospital right now!”
Rosent carried Semond out the door, rushing toward the hospital, but I was too distracted by the discomfort in my lower body to pay attention. Something felt wet.
Rushing to the bathroom, I discovered that my long–overdue period had finally arrived. But just as I was about to feel relieved, I realized I’d run out of sanitary pads last month.
I felt both embarrassed and furious in the bathroom while Atherton paced outside, anxious.
5/7
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
I couldn’t help but feel like I’d lost every bit of dignity in front of him today.
“Uh, could you please go downstairs and buy me a pack of sanitary pads?”
“Lushya!”
I could almost picture the look on Atherton’s face, his teeth gritted. I could only speak softly, “Please, it’s urgent. I’ll owe you one- name your price!”
“You’re saying this? For the next month, you’ll do everything I say!”
“Fine, not just a month–make it a year. I’ll do whatever you want…”
Atherton brought me back to his place.
The pain from my period was so bad I
6/7
Chapter 9
+ 5 Points
couldn’t even straighten up. Atherton, seeing how much I was suffering, seemed completely out of sorts, unsure of what to do.
weakly lay on his bed, listening to his
⚫ endless chatter. For some reason, it made
me feel strangely at ease.
When I woke up again, I found him standing cautiously at the edge of the bed.
He gently helped me sit up, then thoughtfully tucked a pillow behind me.
I took the painkillers he handed me, though I didn’t really want to take them.
