Penelope responded, “No need to trouble anyone. I’ll apply some medicine and rest. I’ve sprained my ankle before, and it got better this way.”
Penelope didn’t want to trouble them. She had sprained her ankle before and knew that applying the medicine would help it heal.
Reluctantly, Mrs. Brown helped Penelope find the medicine, and Penelope limped her way upstairs.
Penelope lay in bed while Mrs. Brown applied the medicine, saying, “It stings a little. Try to endure it.”
Penelope buried her face in the pillow and mumbled, “Just get it over with.”
After the medicine was applied, Penelope said, “I’m going to sleep now. You should get some rest, too.”
“Okay, call me if you need anything,” Mrs. Brown reminded her before leaving the room.
Penelope pulled up the blanket and let out a sigh. She had planned to win him back, but now that she was hurt, she didn’t want to tell him. She knew he’d get upset and worried, and she didn’t want him to feel guilty.
Penelope chuckled to herself; love could sometimes be a lesson that helps a person grow.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Mrs. Brown secretly called Warren. “Her foot is swollen, but she doesn’t want to go to the hospital. She says a bit of medicine will do…”
Penelope lay on her bed, playing with her phone. She also chatted with the candy underwear store owner. Penelope said, “Your underwear is hard to fasten, and it’s causing me pain.”
The shopkeeper asked, “Are you sure you’re fastening it the right way?”
Penelope replied, “Can you tell me other ways to fasten underwear?”
The shopkeeper responded, “I don’t know; I’ve never worn it.”
Penelope was surprised by the reply. “You’ve never worn it? Then you’re quite unfashionable.”
The shopkeeper then explained, “I’m a guy…”
Penelope was shocked and speechless. Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open.
Penelope hurriedly locked her phone screen and faced the man standing before her. “Why are you back so soon?”
Warren was dressed in a sharp black suit, and even his tie was perfectly done. He took a few steps and picked up her blanket. “Which foot is hurting?”
“The left one…” She pouted, looking miserable and on the verge of tears.
Her ankle was red, still swollen, and a bit frightening.
He reached for the medicine box nearby, opened it, and warmed his hands before gently massaging her ankle.
“Ouch!” She couldn’t help but cry out.
The pain was intense. Mrs. Brown’s efforts were nothing compared to his.
“Endure it,” he told her.
She placed her hands on the bed, clenched her fists, and sweat dripped from her forehead.
Since he asked her to endure it, she did her best not to scream again.
He glanced up at her. She was looking down, biting her lips, and her hair was sweaty.
“It’s done,” he said as he walked towards the bathroom.
Penelope, her back damp with sweat, finally relaxed her lips. When she touched her ankle, the pain had subsided.
When Warren returned, he told her to rest and was about to leave.
“Wait,” Penelope stopped him.
He turned his head, asking, “What’s wrong?”
Penelope pouted and said, “My knees are also hurting…”
He walked back and pulled down the blanket. “Where does it hurt?”
“You can see for yourself.”
Warren glanced at her and slowly opened her robe, revealing a pair of slender and tempting legs. Indeed, her knees were red.
“Nothing serious. It’ll be fine by tomorrow,” he assured her, his hand gliding over her knee.
Penelope quickly moved closer, gripping his waist.
“Your ankle is still swollen,” he reminded her.
“It’s okay,” she said, holding his face and kissing his lips. Warren held her waist and let her kiss him gently.
“You…” He cleared his throat, finding it hard to let her go as she seduced him.
“Don’t be mad at me anymore, at least not right now,” she said, looking down and biting his shoulder.
He raised his hand to remove her robe, about to kiss her, when he suddenly noticed the colorful underwear.
“What on earth is this?” His eyes widened.
Penelope looked down and touched his crotch. “I heard it’s edible. Do you… want to try?”
She swore this was the most shameless thing she’d ever said in her life.
****
Early the next morning, Penelope woke up feeling sore all over. Even though it hurt, she was in a good mood. She turned to look at the man beside her, wondering if he would talk to her normally this time.
She watched him open his eyes and smile as he looked at her nestled on his chest. He reached out to gently stroke her head. Penelope felt warm and was about to speak, but he raised his hand, moved the blanket, and got up to go to the bathroom.
Penelope sat up, feeling puzzled as she watched him leave. What did that mean? She glanced down at the red marks on her body, which hinted at his enthusiasm the previous night as if he wanted to devour her.
The bathroom door opened, and Warren walked out. He lifted the blanket and examined her left foot. It wasn’t swollen anymore.
“Warren…” Penelope called his name.
“What’s wrong?” He picked up her nightgown and inspected the wound on her knee.
She asked, “When are you planning to have a hundred-day birth party for Chris?”
“Have you forgotten when he was born?” He didn’t answer but instead questioned her.
Penelope was momentarily taken aback. Was he criticizing her? She pulled her foot away from his touch, and a sense of coldness settled between them once more.
He withdrew his hand and said, “You have a wound on your foot. Don’t get up; just stay in bed.” Then he left the room.
Penelope turned her head away, overwhelmed with sadness.
Mrs. Brown brought her breakfast and found her lying silently in bed.
Penelope stared at the ceiling, her expression full of sorrow.
“Don’t be upset. Get up and have breakfast,” Mrs. Brown suggested.
“No, thanks. I’m not hungry,” Penelope replied.
“You can go to the master bedroom now. Your dress is in the cloakroom. It’s beautiful,” Mrs. Brown said.
Penelope responded in a hurt tone, “It might not be for me but for another woman. He put it there just to make me mad.”
“Who else would wear it besides you?” Mrs. Brown asked.
Penelope didn’t budge. “Please take the food downstairs. I’m not hungry. I just want to sleep for a while.”