13

I looked at the tray of food and my stomach growled.

But then I looked back at the closed door, my heart hammering as I expected Taehyung to barge in and drag me back into the basement.

When none of that happened, I leaned against my headboard and looked down at my bandaged wrist.

He had bandaged my wrist, brought me food, and apologized.

My feelings were all over the place. I was scared, but his kindness had warmed my heart. Was he being genuine?

I hope so.

Rubbing my thumb over my wrist, I thought about how he kissed my wrists gently, almost like he was scared of hurting me. I never thought him capable of being gentle, he proved me wrong.

His eyes had shown guilt and remorse. Looking back at the door, my heart constricted.

Either he really meant his apology or he was a really good actor.

There were so many uncertainties running through my head and none of them were helpful. They all led to the same conclusion.

Taehyung was unpredictable.

I couldn't trust him, not after the way he had treated me. Not when I knew the type of man he was.

I felt vulnerable, and sometimes I could be gullible but I wasn't that stupid.

But for now, I was still alive.

And that was all that mattered.

Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and felt my muscles relaxing.

I was hungry, sore, and tired. My gaze went to the tray and my stomach growled again. I leaned over and brought the tray to my lap, my muscles protested with the movement and I groaned.

There were eggs, rice, curry, fruits. I ate nibbles of each until my stomach felt sated but I left mostly untouched.

I sighed, feeling numb.

Sometimes this new life felt better than my old life—my life with Byungchan.

After placing the tray back in its original spot, I pulled the covers over me and snuggled deeper into the softness.

I stared at the door, blinking several times when my vision became hazy. Sleepiness took over my body and I had no desire to fight it, my body was languid and my eyes drifted shut. I gave the door a final glance and then closed my eyes, slowly surrendering myself to exhaustion.

I succumbed to the darkness, a strange thought ran through my head.

Don't fall for him.

But I never had a chance to analyze it as sleep had already taken over my body.