Chapter 89
Chapter 89 SAGE
I squinted my eyes when a ray of bright light hit my eyes. I slowly open it until it fully adjusts to the lights. Once Lopened my eyes, I was welcomed by my room's familiar ceiling. It seems like I have slept through the night right after the rejection ceremony.
I pushed myself up, but I'm aching all over my body. I took a deep breath before I leaned my back against the wall for support.
I was in that position when Elara entered the room holding a tray. "Thank God! You're awake!" she exclaimed in excitement. It didn't take long before Scott followed her behind.
"My
t funny that
lady!" he he called me out.
act of surprise that I finally wake up. "Whoa, what's this? You're acting as if we didn't see each other last night." I teased.
I find it They both looked at each other before Elara answered. "You've been out for three days, Sage. We were all worried that you might not make it."
I laughed and shook my head as I imagined how worried they are for nothing. But the smile on my lips immediately dropped when my eyes landed on the tall and masculine frame that was now standing right at the door. He casually leaned against the door frame and crossed his arms against his chest, causing his muscles to flex.
He was staring at me intently as if I did something terrible towards him. I don't completely understand the anger that I see in his eyes when I already did everything he asked for. I looked away when his eyes became too much to bear. "I was probably taking my time to rest. I haven't had a good sleep for a while," I joked, trying to lighten up the mood. They both laughed.
"It's good to have you back, my lady," Scott said before gently tapping my shoulder.
"Sage. Please call me Sage. There's no need for you or any people to address me with formality," I smiled at him as I corrected him. I didn't mean to look in Titus' direction, but I did. I was taken aback when I found him glaring at me as if I said something that he didn't like. I quickly look away from his gaze to avoid his scrutinizing eyes.
"Alright, Sage. How about you join us for breakfast?" Scott invited.
"Do I still have time to freshen up?"
He chuckled, "Of course. We'll be waiting for you
outside."
As he turned to the door, he spotted Titus and gave a polite nod. "Your Majesty, I didn't realize you were there." Titus's cold, intense gaze never left me. "I came to get you. The food's getting cold, and Anna is waiting. Are we eating or not?" He replied, his voice hard, almost dismissive. Scott hesitated, sensing the tension. "Of course, Your Majesty. We'll join you in a moment," he said respectfully. "Actually, there's no need to wait for me," I interjected, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm not particularly hungry." Titus's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. He turned and strode away, Élara and Scott following closely behind, leaving me alone in the quiet of my room.
I sighed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over me again. The idea of sitting at the same table as Titus and Anna felt
unbearable.
T
With a deep breath, I made my way slowly to the bathroom, feeling every ache and bruise in my body. I turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me, soothing the soreness that lingered deep within my muscles. I closed my eyes, letting the heat work its way into my skin, trying to wash away the fatigue and the heavy ache that clung to my heart.
The soft patter of water echoed in the small space, giving me a sense of calm, if only for a moment. My stomach rumbled, at reminder of the days I'd spent unconscious, but I brushed it aside. Right now, I'd rather deal with the hunger than sit at a table with Titus and Anna, enduring Titus's cold glances and Anna's sinug smiles.
Leaning my forehead against the cool tile, I took in a shaky breath. I'd made it this far. I'd survived the rejection, the pain, and the loss. A few more days here won't hurt that much, I suppose.
I deliberately stayed in the shower longer than I should. They're probably done eating by now. I took my time to prepare so I don't have to see them. I already endured two days without food; another few hours wouldn't hurt.
Once fin look and find I finished showering, I stepped out of the bathroom slowly. I grabbed a towel and patted myself to dry. The softness of the fabric against my skin was comforting, grounding me in a way eded right now. After I'm done drying off my body, I wrap the towel around me T while I go look a I some clothes
I glanced around the room, realizing with a huff that there wasn't much for women to wear here. Probably, they hadn't even considered the possibility of a woman needing clothes when they set this place up as their hideout. Everything in the dresser was rugged and oversized; nothing particularly meant for me.
I
As I rummaged through the drawers, searching for something halfway decent, the door suddenly swung open.
knot
"What the!" of my towel tightly to keep it from slipping. The shock left me rooted in place feeling painfully aware of my bare skin under the thin towel. My heart pounded as I held my breath, praying it wouldn't fall "I-I'm sorry, I didn't know you were, um, changing," Titus stammered, his gaze darting anywhere but in my direction. sorry. I didn's Red, clutching the know how to knock?" I snapped, frustration and embarrassment heating my face.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
"Don't you
"Do I need to knock in my own place?" He replied coolly, his stare icy and unflinching.
Yes, you do. Especially if someone else is inside!" My cheeks flushed hotter, the irritation mingling with my embarrassment.
At first, he'd been avoiding my gaze, keeping things polite, but now... something in his expression shifted. His eyes darkened, taking in my flustered appearance with a blatant, unapologetic interest that made me grip the towel even tighter. His eyebrow arched as a smug smile tugged at his lips. "Didn't you say you were my wife?" He leaned against the doorframe, his voice low and taunting. "Then there's nothing there that I haven't seen before." "Used to be," I shot back, steeling myself against the warmth creeping into my cheeks. "I'm no longer your wife, so everything underneath this towel isn't yours now." My tone was firm, yet my heart pounded as if challenging him to prove me wrong.
His smirk widened, a dangerous gleam in his eyes as he held my gaze. "Is that so?" His voice softened, each word dripping with an intensity that made my pulse quicken despite myself,
My throat felt dry as soon as he stepped inside the room. I immediately took a step back, and my grip tightened around the knot on my towel.
"Stop.
Don't come near me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I lifted my chin as I braced myself, determined not to let him see how much his presence affected me. But my heart was already pounding in panic and defiance when Anna's voice echoed from just down the hall.
"Titus?" she called, her voice searching.
T
I glared at him, a bitter smile on my lips. "Your new girlfriend's looking for you. Are you sure you want her to see us like this?" I tilted my head, daring him to move. His eyes
hardened. "There's nothing to see here. I have no plans of touching you," he replied, his voice as cold as stone. 14/06 14/08
I clenched my jaw, pushing down the sting of his words, reminding myself that this was the new normal. I was nothing to him now-just a stranger, maybe even less. If I was going to survive this, eded to build walls around my heart fast. "Good," I shot back, trying to sound casual. "Then we won't have a problem."
די
He hesitated, his jaw clenched as if holding something back, and then nodded stiffly. "Come down as soon as you're ready. We're waiting for you downstairs."
With that, he turned, heading toward the stairs. I caught a glimpse of him and Anna exchanging murmurs as they disappeared down the stairs together. Their voices faded, leaving the room in silence once more.
I rushed to close the door, leaning against it as I released a long, shaky breath I hadn't even realized I'd been holding. His effect on me was undeniable, no matter how much I tried to fight it. The pain of seeing him with her and of feeling the weight of his cold dismissal was like a fresh wound each time. This was going to be harder than I thought.