Ranita couldn’t believe how patient Brendon was with giving massages. His hands were strong and warm, rubbing the hot oil onto her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She couldn’t help but squirm a little.
“Is that enough?” Ranita finally spoke up. If he kept going, she might actually give in.
“It’ll be over soon,” Brendon said calmly before asking, “Does it hurt?”
Of course it did.
But more than that was the stiffness that felt like needles poking at her back.
She didn’t know how to act around Brendon – talking too much might reveal too much emotion, but not talking made things awkward.
She felt uncomfortable everywhere she looked.
Perhaps sensing Ranita’s coldness, Brendon gently pulled down her pants and carefully put on her socks for her before saying, “All done. I’ll go wash my hands.”
The tall man’s figure disappeared into the kitchen with ease as night fell outside. In this home that Ranita had personally decorated herself, everything seemed harmonious and warm. She had often fantasized about scenes like this before – simple yet happy moments spent with Brendon for a lifetime together. If he wanted children they could have two kids; if not then she would stay by his side until old age crept up on them both.
Growing old together – three simple words yet they were Ranita’s biggest desire.
“It’s getting late now so you should rest early,” Brendon said just as his phone rang suddenly.
Brendon glanced at it briefly before his expression turned slightly cold.
“I’ll go first.”
As he closed the door, Ranita heard Brendon answering a phone call. His voice wasn’t loud, but she could hear it clearly. He said, “Shannon, what’s wrong? Don’t cry, just tell me what’s going on.”
Ranita’s heart sank as if it had fallen from a great height into the depths of a valley.
After Brendon left, Ranita couldn’t sleep.
“Mommy!” The next day, Ayaan woke up Ranita, who realized she had a slight headache.
“Mommy, wake up quickly! I’ll be late for kindergarten!” The little one had already dressed himself and brushed his teeth, waiting for Ranita.
Ranita struggled to get up, her throat dry and aching. She weakly said, “Ayaan, I’m feeling a bit unwell. I’ll call Jenney to take you to school.”
“Okay!” The little one, his big eyes filled with worry, said, “Mommy, can you stay alone at home?”
“I can! I’ll be fine after lying down for a while.”
“Mm-hmm! Mommy, get better soon. You promised to come to the kindergarten in the afternoon!” After saying that, the little one seemed a bit regretful. “Forget it, Mommy. If you’re not feeling well, you don’t have to come.”
Although he said so, the little one still felt very upset.
He had been looking forward to this activity for a long time, and Ranita promised she would definitely go. Uncle Pearson had already broken his promise, and if Mommy didn’t go either, he would be mocked by the other kids!
Ayaan felt so sad!
Seeing the little one looking downcast, Ranita rubbed his head and reassured him, “Ayaan, I promise I will definitely go!”
“But…”
“Don’t worry, I will be fine soon!”
Ranita called Jenney and asked her to help take the little one to kindergarten while she continued to rest for a while.
In a half-awake state, her phone rang.
“Hello!” Ranita casually asked, “What’s the matter?”
Her throat was dry, and her voice was hoarse.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Soon, a familiar deep voice of a man came through the earpiece, and Ranita’s drowsy mind finally reacted…
It was Brendon?!