Today is my schedule to visit Cressa. Anna sent me a photo where Cressa looked fine together with her nanny at the hospital. Anna also told me that over the past few days, my daughter's condition has really stabilized.
Nothing could hide my cheerful smile as I welcomed this day. I deliberately woke up earlier and made Cressa's favorite food, and... without realizing it I also made breakfast for Seth. At least it's my thanks because he didn't refuse the therapy session I offered. Besides, I have to know myself and it's true what Lisa said, at least I have to pay attention to Seth's situation as a husband. Even though we were strangers in this house.
“Sir,” I called as I gently knocked on his bedroom door. In my hand, a tray with a cup of hot coffee and toasted meat sandwiches. I hoped to see how he was doing after last night. “Are you awake?” I asked once more, trying to make sure.
Seth's voice came from inside, stern as ever. “What's wrong?”
His ever-cold tone made me smile a little, feeling a little relieved that he was still responding. I opened the door slowly and stepped inside. The room was dark-though of course it was spacious and mostly dominated by gray and white. It was lit by a little sunlight peeking through the thick curtains. Seth was in his wheelchair, facing the large window that had a pretty view of the garden.
Perhaps Seth was enjoying the breakfast that had been prepared earlier? I don't know. I hope I'm not too late with this breakfast. Even if Seth didn't end up in a wheelchair, he was a handsome man who would have been loved by many women. A leader who is respected by friends and rivals alike, I'm sure of it. Even with his back to me like this, Seth's existence was obvious.
I took in the surroundings. Jiro, his loyal assistant, was standing nearby. I didn't know Jiro very well, we met only when I came to this house. My first impression of Jiro; a loyal guard who didn't say much.
“I brought you breakfast,” I said trying to be casual. I don't know why the atmosphere in this room feels gloomy, could it be the choice of colors and decorations? Never mind, it's not important for me to think about. However, as I got closer, something didn't feel right.
Seth didn't turn his head towards me at all. His body looked limp, much worse than when I escorted him to the room last night. His legs drooped helplessly and his gaze was full of anger when he finally turned to me.
“Why are you here again?” she snapped. His voice was cold and full of annoyance.
I stopped mid-step, trying to remain calm even though my chest felt tight at his words. “I just wanted to make sure you had breakfast. And... the condition of your leg since you fell last night.”
“My condition?” Seth laughed sarcastically, but his laugh sounded bitter. “Who are you to worry about my condition?”
I blinked in disbelief. Whereas last night when there was that little movement, I'm sure the twinkle in his blue eyes was so happy. Had... that been forgotten? “I just wanted to check on your condition,” I replied softly.
“What for?” she said in a mocking tone. “It's of no use to you at all, is it? You know, your massage yesterday just made me like this! This leg isn't responding at all today, it's even worse than usual!”
I gasped. A feeling of guilt immediately hit me, but I knew I had to stay calm. This wasn't supposed to happen. “Maybe this is just temporary. Can I check your leg? Maybe there's something-”
“No need!” he cut in with a louder voice. “Get out of here! I don't want to see you!”
I bit my lip. “Mr. Seth, please. Let me try. I just want to make sure what happened. Please let me check.” I wasn't going to give up that easily. I had to know what was really going on. As a therapist, I began to realize the condition of a patient, especially Seth.
Seth gave me a sharp look, but before the man could utter any more harsh words, Jiro, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “Maybe let Miss Larisa see it, sir,” he said carefully. “She's just trying to help.”
Seth snorted, clearly not liking the suggestion. However, he finally moved his hand weakly, signaling that I could approach.
Carefully, I knelt down in front of his wheelchair. I slowly touched his leg, hoping for a response like last night. However, there was none. Not the slightest. I tried pressing a few spots, lightly massaging, even massaging a spot that looked a little bruised to see what the reaction was, but still nothing.
“That's strange,” I muttered, almost in disbelief. “Last night, your foot responded. There was a small movement in your big toe, but now... nothing.”
“Stop touching me!” he snapped, his voice angrier than ever. “I told you, your massage isn't helping! You're only making me worse!”
I looked up, returning the gaze of the eyes that had been staring at me. In the depths of those eyes was disappointment and anger directed at me. “I... don't see your meaning, Mr. Seth.”
“Nonsense!” Seth grinned sarcastically. His face seemed to be holding a great deal of anger-his jaw was tight and the look in his eyes was truly sinister. “You think I don't know? You don't have to play the role of a normal wife in our relationship. Remember, the contract you signed. Keep your boundaries and I don't need your pity, Larisa!”
His words were like thorns stuck deep in my heart, but I refused to give in. I let out a long breath, trying to remain patient. “I never pity you, Mr. Seth. I only wanted to help you.”
“Get out!” he scolded without hesitation. It made me wince that his voice was so booming. “I don't want to see you!”
I stood up slowly, holding the breakfast tray I had brought earlier. I took a deep breath and tried not to think too much about Seth's words. Although it affected me a little, I was still able to restrain myself. I bowed respectfully before stepping towards the door.
Behind me, Seth's voice rang out again, full of emphasis and obviously an absolute order. “Make sure that woman is not in my line of sight. I don't want to see her.”
My steps halted for a moment, but I didn't turn around. I just gripped the tray tighter and walked out. “What... as much as it was my fault? But last night was the first session.”
Outside Seth's room, I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. There was something that didn't make sense. Last night, I was sure I saw a small response on his leg. But why now... nothing?
I closed my eyes, trying to remember every detail. My massage was fine, the medicine I gave him took well, and I sent Seth to his room without saying much since it was late. “So... where did I go wrong?”
The medicine I gave him... could that be the cause? The feeling of suspicion came back to haunt me. I must find the answer. And I'll do it, no matter what.
***