Two years had softened Alex’s youthful sharp edges, adding a newfound tenderness. He walked past me, his hands behind his back, and knelt in front of Isabelle’s wheelchair. His familiar voice carried a doting tone I’d never heard before. “Guess what today is?”
My sister chirped with delight and pride. “I smell it! It’s jasmine!”
Alex took the jasmine flowers he’d hidden behind his back and placed them in Isabelle’s arms. He seemed to notice me only then, giving me a polite nod. “Chloe’s back.”
We just looked at each other, and I smiled and nodded.
Isabelle linked her arm through Alex’s and enthusiastically invited me, “My wedding is next week. Why don’t you stay here at home until then?”
“No need.”
I refused directly. Isabelle immediately looked wronged, her eyes filling with tears. “Chloe, are you still mad at me and Alex for being together…?”
Seeing my sister cry, Alex frowned at me. It was clearly a warning, yet his eyes held a mix of curiosity and secret delight.
“Don’t worry, brother–in–law is just brother–in–law. I’ll attend the wedding.”
Alex’s lips tightened into a thin line, and Isabelle’s face was a picture, like she’d just swallowed a lemon.
It was strange. I was doing exactly what they wanted, yet the two in front of me looked unhappy.
But soon, it was my turn to be unhappy.
As I prepared to leave, the dark, oppressive clouds finally unleashed a torrential downpour. The rain was too fierce; I had no choice but to stay the night.
At dinner, facing a group of truly sickening faces, I had no appetite. At night, I tried to force myself to sleep, but my stomach rumbled like thunder, protesting.
Creeping into the kitchen in the dark to find something to eat, I accidentally knocked over a glass.
Before it could fall, a large hand with prominent knuckles caught the cup mid–air
<
Before it could fall, a large hand with prominent knuckles caught the cup mid–air.
Alex remained in his forward–leaning posture, catching the cup, trapping me between him and the counter. His voice was slightly hoarse. “How can I be at ease when you take such poor care of yourself?”
Closer now, he saw the wound on my forehead.
“Does it hurt?” He reached out to touch it, but I pulled away.
A fleeting flicker of pain crossed his eyes, and Alex’s voice held a dangerous edge. “Did he hit you again?”
“It has nothing to do with you.”
