Chapter 2

"Enough tears now. I'll apply some ointment to that for you."

He stroked my head comfortingly as he rose to fetch the medical supplies, grumbling as he went.

"Just look at you—such a grown woman, yet still so sensitive to pain and quick to weep. How would you manage without me?"

I gazed vacantly at the crimson burn on my wrist.

"Indeed, I'd been indulged for a full seven years. How would I cope without him?"

"But, Ethan, I no longer want you. I'm done with this artificial affection." I whispered to myself.

That evening, my sleep was restless, and I awoke drenched in perspiration.

As the first light of day appeared, Ethan roused me from bed.

I protested, attempting to shove him away, but he merely laughed and bent to kiss me.

In an instant, my drowsiness evaporated. I nearly struck him but managed to restrain myself.

Fortunately, it was just a brief peck.

"Fully awake now, my Sleeping Beauty?"

I turned aside, wiping my mouth in revulsion.

"It's the weekend. Can't you let people rest?"

Ethan appeared concerned. "Were you aware you had a temperature last night? Come on; we're going to the doctor."

Though I felt relatively fine, I couldn't dispute his decision, so I grudgingly got up.

In the clinic's hallway, we unexpectedly encountered Amanda.

It seemed she had injured her foot and was struggling to hobble along unassisted.

Ethan, who had been tender just moments earlier, immediately scowled.

Forgetting my presence, he hurried to Amanda's side and supported her, asking worriedly, "What happened?"

Amanda smiled at him, glancing past him towards me.

"Just a twisted ankle. What a chance meeting; are you two here for a medical visit as well?"

Ethan's expression froze. He glanced back at me, his eyes darting.

"Yes, my 'little sister' here had a slight fever, so I brought her in for an examination."

I had grown accustomed to being referred to as "sister" by now.

Ever since Ethan decided to keep our relationship private, he introduced me as his friend's younger sister, someone he was helping to care for.

Only his closest companions knew the truth about us.

Amanda nodded. "Since she's staying at your place, naturally you must look after her carefully. You two go ahead; I need to head over there."

She pointed towards the other clinic across the way.

Seeing her start to hop again, Ethan didn't hesitate before lifting her into his arms.

"Let me carry you over. Emma, wait here for me."

Oddly, the moment I saw Amanda, I suddenly felt feeble, drained of all vitality.

I leaned against the wall, remaining silent.

Ethan hadn't actually sought my approval. After those words, he was already bearing Amanda towards the other clinic.

The truth was, no matter how well he acted, when confronted with Amanda, genuine emotions surfaced, betraying the charade.

And Ethan was oblivious to it.

I forced a wry smile, turned, and walked to my own clinic.

Evidently, it wasn't just in my imagination; after checking my temperature, I discovered my fever was as high as 41.3°C.

The burn had become infected, exacerbated by my recent emotional distress, resulting in a viral infection that required intravenous treatment.

Out of habit, I reached for my phone to call Ethan, but stopped myself before dialing.

Habit was indeed a frightening thing.

I gave a self-deprecating smile, put my phone away, went to get my medication and headed to the IV room alone.