Chapter 18: Chapter 18

I even remember Cedric's words clearly, despite his face being partially covered by the cap. I don't know what he meant. Embarrassed? I'm the one who should be embarrassed! Not him! It just makes me angry!

"I won't let you do anything strange, Miss."

I pout. Especially when we arrive at the parking slot, annoyingly, he opens the car door for me, makes sure I wear my seatbelt, and adjusts the seat to make me comfortable. I don't want to thank him for his actions. This is my car, after all.

I spend the time during the drive replying to incoming messages. It's not that I didn't want to reply earlier, but I felt so flustered by Krystal's behavior. My phone was forgotten when I wanted to send messages to Naomi and Dona. When I checked, there were many notifications from them in our 'DEWI KERANG' gossip group. The three of us are in the group.

Naomi: Anya, eat already.

Dona: Anya, do you want to get something for us?

Naomi: Anya, answer, hey.

Naomi: Should I buy some fruits?

The messages were sent around lunchtime, and I only read them now. Guilt immediately washed over me. I quickly made a phone call to Naomi. She's my closest friend and understands me the most.

"I'm driving, Anya."

I grimaced. "I forgot, sorry. I just saw the group chat. I had lunch with Krystal and had a meeting."

"Yeah, I know. Okay then, take care. Don't speed. Let me know when you've arrived."

I ended the call immediately. When I accidentally looked over, I clearly saw a bruise on Cedric's face. What could it be from? Was he beaten? Why? No wonder he doesn't look like his usual self. Earlier this morning, when he brought lemon tea for me, he seemed fine. So the bruise must be recent? Or did I not pay enough attention?

"Are you okay, Cedric?" I suddenly asked.

"What?" He turned to look at me.

"Take off your cap."

Cedric hesitated. It means something did happen to his face. Was he punched? Why? That's probably why he's not dressed as usual. Earlier this morning, when he brought me lemon tea, he seemed fine. So, the bruise must be recent? Or did I just not notice it clearly?

"It's nothing, Anya."

I insisted. "Take it off, Cedric."

I could clearly hear him sigh softly. Then he took off the cap that had been hiding part of his face, making me wince at what greeted my eyes. In addition to the bruise on his cheek, the corner of his lips was also injured. There were traces of dried blood still visible.

"What happened to you?"

Cedric shook his head.

Somehow, I had this urge to touch the wound and treat it. But damn, he brushed my hand away. It surprised me.

"Sorry, Miss. I'm driving. I'm afraid I'll lose focus and put you in danger."

I snorted and immediately glared at him disapprovingly. And yet, I had good intentions, right? Rejected! Bastard. Not only was I already annoyed because he intervened with my car, but when I asked about his injury, he wouldn't answer, and when I wanted to treat it, he pushed my hand away.

I carried my annoyance until we arrived at the apartment basement. I quickly asked for the key and told him to go home, not caring how he would get back to his place. But what annoyed me even more was that he just smiled. He followed me inside the unit. Then he suddenly pulled me into the living room and seated me right beside him, firmly holding my hand without any intention of letting go. Even though I protested and asked him to release me.

"I'm glad you want to treat me. Here. Not in the car."

I turned my face away.

"It's dangerous, Anya. Your safety is my priority now."

My silence was still his answer. Then I saw him stand up and walk towards the first aid kit that I kept not far from the kitchen area.

"Treat me, Anya."

Nuts!

***

Cedric went home after making sure everything was in order, including the vitamins I have to take regularly every day. I wanted to scream when he waited for me to drink them. I really wanted to press on his injured lip. Let him learn his lesson.

He looked like a little child as I cleaned and treated his wound. My sharp scolding only elicited a smirk from him. "It stings, Anya," he complained when I applied antiseptic on the injured area.

"Endure it."

Again, he smiled.

"No need to smile like that. It annoys me." I quickly put away all the first aid items. "Put them back where they belong."

His response? A smile with a smirk. So irritating.

"Thank you, Miss, for treating me."

I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"I'm going home now."

"Fine. Don't linger here too long. I want to rest."

Instead of leaving immediately, he made sure of many things, including the balcony door. He warned me to always lock it, even though we were on a relatively high floor. It's better to be cautious, he said. I let him fuss around. I didn't ask or tell him to do it anyway.

"I'm really going home now."

I just nodded.

"But..."

I saw Cedric walk closer to where I was sitting casually on the sofa. He had already prepared to put on his shoes. This suddenly made me feel wary. "What do you want?"

"Can I touch your belly again, Ma'am?"

Oh God. Can't I get rid of Cedric from my life?

***