Chapter 27

"I'll take care of this." William came from behind and touched my shoulder, which made me jump in surprise. 

My hand grasped the nearest knife in reflex as I was lost in my thoughts of what had just happened yesterday—my collision with William. 

"Relax!" He raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean it. I was just..."

"Are you thinking about what happened yesterday?" he asked calmly as he placed his hand on mine, slowly taking away the knife from my clutch. It seemed to be calming me down. His hand felt warm; however, the effect was like a furnace that ignited my whole body. "You can talk to me, you know."

I withdrew my hand and stared at him before giving him a faint smile, and I swallowed hard. "The truth is no!" I lied and tried so hard to crunch my face into a frown.  "I am trying hard to contain myself so as not to disable that annoying, spoiled brat girl."

William let out a soft chuckle and tucked my hair behind my ear before ushering me slightly aside to take over the counter, where he began chopping the ingredients of the breakfast Ferine was blurting out loud early in the morning. Gladly, the kitchen was on the second floor, so she could not just come to bother us easily.

I sat on a chair opposite the kitchen bar, watching him as he swiftly chopped and sliced the vegetables, the knife making little noise. His movements were precise and quick.

If one looked closely at him, you would think he was a pro at cooking, but to me, besides being the best surgeon, this swiftness could only mean that he has practiced holding a knife for many years. His movements were so practiced, you could see how much of an expert he was, and his movements yesterday kept up with me like he was used to fighting.

I shook my head and sighed. He could not be. He might have learned it from defense training school.

After William left my room after our fight, I spent my whole day locked up in my room, discussing things with my father and the list I had to make up since my restrictions were lifted. Father told me that the organization they were looking for did an illegal experiment with my brother and was connected to a sign similar to the tattoo William had on his shoulder.

But wait!

Oh sh*t! I should talk! The silence would only mean that I am awkward with him.

"William," I called, my throat burning as my voice cracked when I said his name.

"Yes?" He answered sweetly, sending shivers down my spine. Damn him! He has never been soft or gentle with me.

Awkward!

Silence fell once more as I cleared my throat and gathered my strength to speak again. "So... um... the ta..."

"Having a great time?" Ferine barged into the kitchen room unannounced and wheeled beside William, interrupting my words. "Here's the tip! Leave!" Ferine tossed a bunch of cash to Cavin, which surprised me.

Cavin left a meaningful look before waving at William.

"You know him?" I asked Ferine.

"No! I just asked the ugly landlady to fetch me a pet to carry me here!" Ferine smirked and then turned to William. "I can't believe you are cooking for me."

"Heureu needed a rest, so, from now on, until the week is over, whatever you need, tell me. Do not bother her." William returned to his usual cold self, and I immediately took my leave. "Where are you going?" He caught my hand midair and pulled me back in front of him.

"I'll go buy something for lunch and dinner," I answered coldly while pulling my hand back. 

"Where?"

"At the convenience store,"

"Stay here. I'll go buy. What do you need?" he said, removing the apron and lowering the fire on the stove. 

"I'll be quick!" I insisted, but he snapped his eyes at me and immediately started walking out.

"I'm coming! I need to go get some necessities!" Ferine yelled before hurrying behind him.

"No! Stay and make sure she won't be going anywhere." William continued walking without even looking at Ferine.

"What?! No way I'm going to stay with her alone."

But William was already gone, and I was left with Ferine alone, and immediately the awkwardness settled in. She was staring at me weirdly and with curiosity shining in her bright blue eyes.

"Bring me back to my room." She broke the silence and crossed her arms over her chest.

"No! It will take forever, and by the time we reach the fourth floor, the food will be burned and William will not be happy," I reasoned.

Ferine snorted loudly. "Then go fetch that handsome pet who carried me here moments ago!"

"Who?" My voice quivered with confusion. 

Ferine rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently. "The tall one with the dark hair and piercing green eyes. He was strong and carried me effortlessly." 

"Argh! Stupid! So now the only handsome man for you is Nick? How sweet and stupid!" Ferine mocked me with a sarcastic tone. "But you see, while I watched those useless trash litter the streets from my rooftop, I felt curious about how he looked different and stood out compared to those who really looked devastatingly ugly!" Ferine continued, her voice dripping with disdain. 

"Are you really that frank and blunt?" I asked, not taken aback by her harsh words. 

She shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes still filled with contempt. "I call it like I see it," she replied, her tone unapologetic. "And what was wrong with what I said? In a world full of mediocrity, it's refreshing to come across someone who stands out. Apart from me and William, it was nice seeing someone of low status look that good." 

I nodded in approval. Cavin does have that attractiveness that sets him apart from others. It's not just about his physical appearance but also his confidence and unique personality. He may not fit society's conventional standards of beauty, but he has a magnetic charm that draws people in. 

I turned off the stove and went down to call Cavin. As I stepped out to the gate, I saw Cavin sitting beside a small store where he was seated with five more men who looked drunk already early in the morning. They were all laughing and joking, their loud voices filling the air, giving off a vibrant feel in the street. Cavin seemed to be the life of the simple gathering, effortlessly commanding attention with his animated storytelling and infectious laughter. His genuine warmth and ability to connect with others made him the center of attention, captivating everyone around him. Though it was just a cover-up, I could see how Cavin was really having a great time. I guess Cavin was taking the chance to feel free for once.

"You! Come here!" I interrupted their happy moment, calling out to Cavin. He turned towards me with a puzzled expression, but his smile quickly returned as he made his way over. 

"Princess," he hissed, but I forcefully grabbed him inside the gates. 

"Why are you still here?" I asked quietly as I dragged him to the building.

"Why? You know that wherever you are, I am at the corner to look out for you."

"But..."

"Nick? He needs me." He cut me off, his voice filled with mockery.

"Well, we have to look out for him. I know Father had already told you about the unknown organization that is after Nick. We have to make him a bait to catch them," I explained, though I could see the doubt in his eyes. "And then I can kill me, I could finally make my revenge!"

"Relax, Princess. Your mother can handle them very well." He smirked. 

We reached the kitchen, and Ferine was already frowning out of patience. "Really, five minutes?"

"Shut up!" I snapped at her and immediately grabbed the handle of the wheelchair and pushed her outside. 

"Help her, stu..." Ferine tried to demand from Cavin when Cavin lifted her from her wheelchair, shutting her up with a playful grin.

"Better?" he asked, holding her securely in his arms. Ferine blushed and nodded, unable to hide her smile. 

Cavin effortlessly carried Ferine in his arms to the rooftop while I followed them with the wheelchair.

As we reached the rooftop, Ferine's eyes widened in awe when Cavin gently set her down in a comfortable spot, ensuring she was safe and comfortable before joining me in the wheelchair. 

"Anything else?"  Cavin asked gently, still locking his eyes with Ferine.

Argh! Disgusting!

But Ferine remained silent, and I could feel her flattery from Cavin's gestures. 

"Leave!" I interjected, putting down the wheelchair. "I can handle this."

"Call me when you need me." Cavin smiled, kissing Ferine's hand before taking his leave.

Ferine watched Cavin walk away, a soft smile playing on her lips. She seemed captivated by his charm and kindness, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disgust.

"Come now!" I routinely helped her down the wheelchair; we struggled for a minute before finally getting her to sit.

"BE GENTLE NEXT TIME!" She exclaimed, fixing her dress and giving me a stern look.

I ignored her and was about to leave when Ferine moved her hair to the side, revealing a delicate scar on her neck. Below was a sign that sent a shiver down my whole body—a tattoo of a sinister-looking symbol.  My curiosity got the best of me, and my feet moved uncontrollably towards her, compelled to ask about the scar and the tattoo.

My chest raced to keep up with my quickened heartbeat as I mustered the courage to inquire about the mysterious markings. But as I was about to get closer to Ferine, William came.

"Heureu, come, let's eat!"