The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 60
Chapter 60
Fuming, I grabbed his discarded pajamas from the floor. Since we were both sitting on the bed, I didn’t have to struggle to reach him. Kin obediently held out his arms. I was surprised by how close I had to get. I could feel Kin’s gaze on me.
To put on his sleeves, I practically had to hug him. Holding my breath, I guided one arm through a sleeve, then, half-embracing him, I did the same with the other. This was the first time I’d been so close to him, and my heart hammered against my ribs. With every breath, I felt my breath against his skin, just as his breath touched mine.
We’re… touching.
Knowing that hesitating would only prolong the ordeal, I quickly finished dressing him. My hands brushed against his chest and abdomen. He has to have such a good body… Not wanting him to see my flushed face, I snapped at him, “I’m never doing this again.”
I scrambled away, putting distance between us. I glanced back at him.
The smug Kin was gone. In his place was Kin, his ears burning red, his face buried in his hands. “I’m regretting this too, right now.”
His chest rose and fell as he tried to compose himself. Just… a little longer… I could barely hear him murmur.
“That was… a little dangerous.” Kin’s words made my fingers twitch. My gaze almost drifted downwards, but I forced myself to look away. I stammered, backing away from the bed with an awkward smile.
Kin remained hunched over, his face still hidden. Thinking I could sneak away, I started to tiptoe towards the door.
“Where are you going?”
“I think you need some time alone… so, I…”
My escape attempt was thwarted. Fortunately, I didn’t need any time alone. Kin, biting his lip, quickly buttoned his shirt. Last night, he’d been so eager to undress, but now, having learned a valuable lesson, he presented himself to me fully clothed and composed.
The rest of breakfast passed in a strangely awkward silence. Or rather, the awkwardness was all on my side. Kin was watching me with an intensity that felt like he might devour me at any moment.
“Ailee, do I really have to go?”
I finally managed to shoo him away, reclaiming a moment of peace. With nothing to do after breakfast, I spent some time staring out the window. But my solitude was short-lived.
A knock echoed through the room, followed by a maid.
“Lady Minerva has sent some medicinal herbs that are good for your health. She said it would be best to take them after breakfast. Shall I bring them now?”
The mention of medicine sent a shiver of fear down my spine. Poison? But I couldn’t refuse. Experience had taught me that it was best to accept anything sent through a servant, especially when it came from someone who often held grudges.
Otherwise, they’d come in person later to scold me for daring to refuse their gift or for implying I disliked their offering. Like it or not, I had to stay here for a month. The tea party incident had already put me in her bad graces, so it was best to be obedient.
“Yes, bring them.”
I nodded, and the maid, beaming, brought in a decoction of the herbs. She looked at me with a strangely proud smile and whispered, “I heard this is incredibly beneficial, My Lady! It’s a rare herb, even in the Imperial Palace. How is it? Does it suit your taste?”
Uncomfortable under her gaze, I nodded, avoiding her eyes. Only time would tell if it was poison, but it tasted alright. It was bitter, but not overwhelmingly so, and the addition of honey gave it a pleasant sweetness. I was about to tell her to thank Mother when she spoke again.
“Lady Minerva would like to see you this afternoon, if that’s alright with you.”
I hadn’t expected her to request a meeting so soon. Hiding my pale face behind my teacup, I replied, “Tell her I’ll be there.”
“Yes, I’ll help you prepare then.”
Dread filled me as I anticipated the afternoon. It’s alright. You’ve endured all sorts of things so far. Just a little longer. Just a little bit more. I watched the maid leave the room, a happy smile on her face, and set down my teacup.
***
Lunch passed in a blur. I ate quickly, barely tasting the food. I felt a bit queasy, but I doubted it was the medicine. In fact, the swelling in my face had gone down, suggesting the herbs weren’t harmful. With a knot in my stomach, I walked towards the outdoor area where Mother was waiting.
The weather was beautiful, just like on my wedding day. Lady Minerva waved to me from afar, and I fought to keep my composure. I need to apologize as soon as I get there. For suddenly crying out, for leaving without permission… I had to apologize for everything.
Years of experience had taught me that confessing my mistakes quickly, rather than staying silent, resulted in less suffering.
I approached Mother, who was holding a large parasol, and immediately knelt before her. Head bowed, I began to apologize, enunciating each word clearly. Slurred speech could lead to accusations of insincerity.
“I’m sorry, Mother. Yesterday, I…”
Thud. The parasol slipped from Mother’s grasp and fell to the ground. With my head bowed, the parasol filled my vision. The air grew heavy. Even without looking up, I knew Mother’s expression wouldn’t be pleasant.
