Pulling me back into the bedroom, he demanded, “Am I that disgusting to you? Why are you torturing yourself? Who do you think you are?”
After being awake for over twenty-four hours, I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him. I looked up at him and lowered my gaze in exhaustion.
My throat was parched. Glancing around, I realized there wasn’t any water around and gave up.
Anthony grew upset seeing my reaction. He tucked me up in bed before closing the windows and set the heating to the warmest temperature available.
My flimsy pajamas were wet by now. He rummaged through my closet and helped me change before tucking me in.
Mrs. Eriksen arrived and asked softly, “Mr. Anthony, is she alright?”
Anthony ordered gloomily. “Bring her some warm water. Reheat the dinner.”
Nodding, she walked out and left us alone.
I was lying in bed when he pulled back the covers.
Stunned, I grabbed his hand. “Anthony, you…”
“I’ll apply the ointment for you,” he replied sternly.
“No need. I’m fine,” I croaked out in a raspy voice.
His gaze darkened. “Either I help you apply the ointment, or you do it yourself. Decide.”
I burst out furiously. “Anthony, will you please stop?” I was drained out, but he kept getting on my nerves.
He nodded. “So, I’ll do it?”
His insistence annoyed the hell out of me.
I sat up and gave him a forceful shove. He was caught unaware and toppled to the ground. “Anthony, can you stop annoying me? I’ve told you again and again to leave me alone. Are you deaf?”
As soon as I yelled that out, I flopped down and buried myself under the covers.
I hadn’t acted that way for some time.
Deep down, I knew it was wrong to lash out at him. But I couldn’t help myself.
I thought he would leave, but he wrapped his arms around me gently. “I shouldn’t have done that last night. I’m sorry.”
He lowered his voice and cajoled, “Don’t be mad at me. You can beat me up later after you feel better. Eat something, will you?”
Mrs. Eriksen arrived with dinner. “Dinner’s ready!”
Anthony nodded and ordered, “Leave us alone.”
After she departed, he picked me up and strode toward the table.
He placed me in his lap. I wasn’t wearing shoes, so he told me to step on his shoes.
It seemed like he was cajoling a child. “Look at the delicious spread. Come on, eat up.”
He was really bad at this. Offering a forkful of pasta to me, he coaxed, “Come on. Open your mouth!”
I closed my eyes and avoided him. “I can eat myself.”
“Let me feed you.” He pushed the pasta into my mouth. Utterly vexed, I insisted, “I can eat myself!”
I sat on the sofa, picked up a fork, and started eating.
I didn’t have lunch, but I wasn’t hungry at all. After a few mouthfuls, I stopped.
Anthony frowned at me. “Finish your food.”
I knitted my brows and forced down another few bites. “I’m done. I want to sleep now.”
“I’ll stay with you.” He pressed on the bell so Mrs. Eriksen would clear up the utensils.
I gazed at him in frustration. “Anthony, I want to sleep alone.”
He stood firm. “I’ll sleep with you,” he insisted and reached out to hug me.
“I said, I want to sleep alone!” I shoved him away and yelled.
Immediately, I sucked in my breath as I had jostled my wound accidentally.
A hint of exasperation showed on Anthony’s face. He wrapped his arms around me firmly. “Be good. I won’t touch you or disturb you at night.”
“Go away!” I gave him another push angrily.
His lips pressed in annoyance. “If it hurts, let’s go to the hospital.”
“No way!” He was about to drive me insane.
Anthony carried me in his arms and was about to head downstairs. “Anthony! No one goes to the hospital because of this! What shall I tell the doctor? That you forced yourself on me?”
“Fine. I’ll help you apply the ointment. Then, we shall rest.”
“You’re crazy!” I couldn’t be bothered to continue this conversation.
As I didn’t retaliate, Anthony returned to the bedroom and put me down on the bed.
He started applying the ointment carefully. As I was frowning, he assured me. “I’ll try my best to control myself next time. I won’t hurt you from now on.”
I ignored his words and closed my eyes.
After applying the ointment, he stood up and removed his jacket before lying down beside me. The stench of tobacco irritated me.
“Anthony, stay away from me. I hate the smell of tobacco!” I jogged him and shifted away from him.
He stiffened and got up. I thought he’d leave, but he entered the bathroom to take a shower.
Soon, he came out and wiped his hair dry before coming back to the bed. Pulling me into his arms, he announced, “I don’t reek of tobacco anymore.”
My eyes were already shut as I tried hard to fall asleep.
Alas, sleep refused to come. I tossed and turned in bed restlessly.
Suddenly, I sat up in bed. Anthony was astounded. “I’ll go shower again,” he offered as he thought the tobacco stench was still lingering around.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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