Chapter 126

I didn’t even know where I was. I vaguely remembered Reynaldo taking me away last night, but what happened afterward? The more I thought, the worse my headache and stomach cramps became. Just then, the door burst open.

Footsteps entered. Cautiously, I peeked out and saw a tall figure placing food on the low table by the window. Even in the dim light, I recognized Reynaldo. He glanced towards the bed, then slightly opened the curtains. It was cloudy outside, with the sound of rain. He looked out the window, then walked toward me.

Instinctively, I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I didn’t know why, but I felt embarrassed and nervous, unsure how to face him. I still hadn’t remembered last night, but I clearly felt completely naked and sore. I knew I’d been intimate with him. Though this wasn't our first time, I felt uncomfortable.

The bed sank slightly; he was sitting beside me. He seemed in a good mood, smiling and saying, “You slept well; you must have been tired last night.”

Oh! Last night, I'd been drunk. I don’t know what I said. Oh! I shouldn't have confessed my feelings. “Sleep well,” he said, his tone unusually gentle, “I’ll take you to dinner later.”

It was strange. Hadn’t he been hating me lately? Especially after what happened with Grandma, he’d wanted to kill me. How had he become so gentle? Blurry images from last night flashed in my mind. He’d kissed me gently, held me, and repeatedly said he loved me.

Oh my God, it must have been a dream. Reynaldo would never say he loved me. I really can’t remember last night, but his tenderness surprises me. He should have mocked me, stared coldly—that would have been normal. This sudden tenderness is overwhelming.

Lost in thought, he brushed a strand of hair from my face. It was itchy. My heart pounded; I almost couldn't contain myself. Fortunately, his phone rang. He was so close I could faintly hear Kimberly’s voice— uniquely gentle, soft, weak, pitiful, and delicate.

“Reynaldo, I feel terrible. Can you come keep me company, just for a while, please?”

Reynaldo was silent for two seconds, then said, “Take care of yourself. I’ll be right over.” He tapped the bed. Footsteps, a closing door, then silence.

I slowly opened my eyes, laughing at myself. Luckily, I hadn't overreacted to his tenderness; that would have been awkward. I sat up, holding my throbbing head. The familiar room arrangement ached my heart. I'd moved out, but Reynaldo brought me back last night.

The aroma of food wafted from the window. I wrapped myself in a robe and went over. It was plain white porridge and a few side dishes. Did he make light food because he knew the alcohol had upset my stomach?

Looking at the steaming porridge, sadness welled up. His kindness and gentleness were temporary, a passing fancy. At Kimberly's call, no matter what we were doing, he'd leave me.