Chapter 9.2 Sean POV : Did I Get Too Involved?
1623 Words
I had been cast out by Caleb's mother and ended up waiting outside while her men watched me, glaring as if I were some kind of bug or something.
They were arguing inside, and I could hear their voices echoing from the room.
"You are still my son! My only son!"
My body stiffened the moment I heard his mother's voice. Her words came out sharp and loud.
Then, a sudden burst of laughter echoed from the room.
Was that Caleb...?
He was laughing...?
I wasn't sure, but I didn't dare to take a peek.
This isn't good... I told myself, clenching my fist to steady myself while tapping my feet anxiously against the floor.
"Where were you when I needed you the most? You were always busy with my brother. You ignored me all the time, and the only time you finally looked my way was after he was gone!"
I snapped, jumped out of the chair hearing his voice roaring.
"And then you dumped all that weight on me—something I never asked for! Something I never chose!"
Caleb...
I never expected him to have gone through something like this in his life...
Just from his voice alone, I could tell how much he was hurting. His voice cracked, like an old wound had finally opened again.
Then I heard footsteps coming closer to the door. I quickly stood up and slipped into the side hallway, while the two of them just watched me leave without saying a word.
Slowly I peeked out from behind the wall. Two people walked out of the room. Their faces looked tight and stiff—especially the woman’s. It was like she was carrying something very heavy inside her.
Their steps stomped hard onto the floor.
Once they were gone, I let out a breath of relief and rubbed my chest gently.
But right then, someone tapped me from behind and asked, “Are you the one staying with Mr. Caleb?”
I jumped a little and turned around. A nurse stood beside me, holding a food tray in both hands.
“This is for Mr. Caleb. Could you bring it to him? He needs to eat and take his medicine too…” She gave a kind smile.
“Yeah—sure thing.” I nodded right away.
“Good, thank you.” She carefully handed the tray over to me. “And don’t forget his medicine…” Her finger pointed to the pills next to the bowl before walking away, just to make sure I remembered.
“Okay… I got it.” I answered quickly, still staring at what was on the tray. There were three different medicines there.
She left, walking down another alley. I just stood there, staring at the food and the pills. Something was creeping up inside my chest…
I didn’t know what it was. I couldn’t put it into words—but…
Oh, forget it. This wasn’t the time to zone out.
I shook my head and started walking back to Caleb’s room slowly. But then I heard his voice—he was talking to Gavin.
“About Sean…”I could hear Gavin’s voice. He sounded worried. “I really don’t think your mother was joking. What if—”
“Nothing will happen to him. I’m the one who dragged him into this mess.”
So… they were talking about me. I guess Caleb’s mother really is dangerous… But Caleb’s answer — he sounded serious and meant every word.
Does he actually care…?
“Caleb… look, honestly… do you really like him? I thought you only made it up as a pretend story…”
A Sudden flushed spread across my face. What on earth? Why would he ask something so embarrassing?!
The answer is obvious: No. Right?
Ugh… why does it feel like I’m listening in on something private? And why is my heart beating faster all of a sudden?
“This isn’t about liking or not liking him. It’s about responsibility. I pulled him into this mess myself— so I’ll make sure he stays safe. No matter what happens.”
That was Caleb—firm and completely sure.
Just like I thought… He would never feel that way… even after everything what had happened between us...
Shit. My chest tightened right up. It felt hard to breathe—like something was squeezing me, and it hurt…
Another footsteps came closer. It was Gavin.
I hurried away from the door to hid myself.
The man walked out in casually way and closed the door back slowly. After convinced he already left, I stepped out behind the wall, headed back to Caleb's room.
This time I was sure no one else inside except Caleb. So...
My hand touched the door's handle. The steel felt cold once it touched against my palm, sending me quiver. I gulped slightly, opened the knob slowly, then stepped in.
“For goodness’ sake Gavin, don’t just—”
His shout stopped the moment he realized I was the one inside the room—not Gavin.
My steps stopped right there after he shouted like that. It almost made my heart jump out. The bowl of food and glass of water rippled slightly, and I adjusted my hold carefully to keep it steady again.
Our gazes met. His dark eyes look turned serious, and his face stayed tense.
“The nurse asked me to bring the food and pills…” I tried to explain myself calmly.
Why does he look at me so intensely like that?! Damn it.
Seriously, this felt so awkward. After hearing everything, now I had to stand here facing him and knowing exactly what he truly felt.
Just remembering how he looked at me... nothing more than duty and contract—made my stomach drop.
“So… did you hear everything…?” He asked, much softer than before.
“I…”
What should I say? Tell him the truth??
He sighed deeply when he saw me struggling to speak. “It’s okay—just say the truth. Besides, it’s really not such a big deal even if you heard it…”
He gave a quick little smirk and a soft snort.
“…I heard you arguing with your mother…” I answered honestly.
“I see…” He took a deep breath.
Caleb lifted his head and looked at the ceiling, breathing out long and slowly. Then he lowered his head again and looked straight into my eyes.
“So…?”
My brows drew together the moment he asked.
“So? What do you mean—so?” I tilted my head a little.
“Do you still want to continue our contract? I’ll understand if you feel scared now…” he said.
“Of course.” I answered without hesitation.
“Aren’t you afraid?” One of his eyebrows lifted slightly; he seemed curious about my answer.
“Why should I be afraid?” I shrugged casually. “There’s nothing real between us. After one year everything will be over. Besides—you’re the one who should be afraid…”
“Why me?” He looked a bit surprised and defensive.
“Well, you’ll have to take care of everything later, and maybe find a new contract? Or do you want to extend our contract even longer?” I said jokingly and let out a small laugh.
But then… he was glaring...
Huh? Did I say something wrong?
Seriously, why did his face look so unpleasant? And why did he keep staring at me with that sharp look?
"A-Anyway... I brought you this..."
I quickly shook my head and moved closer before heading toward the table beside his bed.
"Eat first, then take your pills later." I placed the food and drink on the table before turning back to him. "C'mon..."
I looked at him, then glanced at the table, silently asking him to cooperate.
He didn't argue, nor did he say anything.
He simply got off the bed and walked over.
"Thank you. Now sit down..." I gave him a big smile and nodded slightly.
"Hhh..." A short sigh escaped his lips before he sat down in front of the food..
He looked completely uninterested.
"I guess I'll leave you alone now... so you can enjoy your meal..." I stood up from the small sofa and started to walk away.
But then he suddenly followed me.
Before I could react, his arms wrapped around my waist.
I froze instantly.
"Caleb... let go...!"
My body flinched the moment I felt his touch, and the memory from what had happened suddenly resurfaced.
"Do you think this isn't real?" His voice was low, brushing against my ear.
What was wrong with that question?
What was he thinking?
"This is real—I mean, your hug is real, yeah. But I don't know what 'real' thing you're actually talking about." I answered carefully, trying not to let anything slip while trying to get his hands off.
Greb…!
No—it only got worse. His other hand started sliding underneath my clothes, while the other held me tight, as if he was afraid of losing me.
“Caleb—what are you… no, stop right there!” I gasped as I felt his fingers brush slowly over my skin.
“What about this, Sean…? Don’t you feel anything at all?” He asked again, keeping his head near my ear.
I couldn’t understand him at all—what exactly was he trying to do?!
Slowly, he lowered his head and pressed another kiss against my neck.
I wanted to pull away, but my body felt weak whenever he touched me... almost as if... deep down a part of me wanted more...
- Writer
