Chapter 43

Kathie slowly poured water for Jonathan, testing the temperature with her hand to make sure it was just right before stopping.

Jonathan studied her delicate face. In the mist, she had an ethereal beauty-gentle as a summer breeze when calm, but fierce as a lioness when angry.

"Why are you staring at me?" Kathie asked.

"Because you're beautiful, of course."

Kathie leaned in closer. "I know I'm beautiful, but don't get any funny ideas."

Jonathan chuckled.

Two hours later, a scream echoed from the room, "Ah! My face is ruined!"

Jonathan had taken a medicinal bath and now felt itchy all over. Kathie had assured him it was normal, but now he was covered in red rashes,even on his face.

The three kids couldn't help but laugh.

Eileen tried to comfort him, "Seven, don't worry. You still look good. I won't mind."

Kyle chimed in, "Yeah, Seven, it'll be fine in a few days. No big deal."

Zachary laughed, "Even though your face looks like it's covered in pimples,your eyes are still bright."

Jonathan was on the verge of tears. What kind of comfort was this?

Kathie brought him a bowl of medicine, unable to hold back her laughter at his pitiful expression.

Jonathan glared at her. "You're laughing at me too. Did you do this on purpose?"

"Of course not. Your body has a lot of toxins. The medicinal bath is expelling them, but some got trapped in your pores, causing the rash.Just take the medicine, and you'll be fine in a week," Kathie replied.

Jonathan did feel a lot better, as long as he didn't look in the mirror.

"Then hurry up and cure me," he said.

Kathie nodded with a smile. "Don't worry. I don't want to look at your rash-covered face every day either."

"See. you're making fun of me again. Do you even have any medical ethics?"Jonathan was exasperated.

Kathie replied honestly, "I do, but not much."

The three kids burst into laughter, filling the room with a warm,harmonious atmosphere.

A curious voice came from outside the door. "What's making you all laugh so much?"

Kyle excitedly waved. "Aunt Melinda's here!"

"Aunt Melinda, come in!" Zachary and Eileen called out together.

Jonathan was about to go to his room to puit on a mask when he heard Melinda say, "The cripple is now covered in pimples. How ugly."

Jonathan was speechless. It seemed Keith was right to deal with Melinda. With the way she talked,Keith needed to handle her even more strictly.

But on the bright side, he didn't need to wear a mask. Melinda definitely wouldn't recognize him.

Kathie quickly gave her a look. "Don't hurt his self-esteem. It's from the medicinal bath. He'll be fine in a few days. Aren't you supposed to be at work? Why are you here suddenly?"

Melinda put down two large bags anid hugged Eileen, letting out a long sigh. "The kids start school tomorrow. I promised to take them,but Keith.that evil guy, wants me to go on a business trip with him early in the morning. I don't know what's gotten into him. He never needed me before.but now I have to follow him everywhere."

Melinda had agreedI to be his assistant, thinking he'd vent for á day and be done. Who knew he'd keep it up indefinitely?

Kathie laughed. "Maybe he likes you and wants to keep you close."

Melinda shook her head. "Are you crazy? There's no way he likes me! He's just torturing me because I hit him that day."

Kathie felt guilty. "You hit him to help me. Maybe I should explain to him and ask him to stop targeting you."

"Forget it. He hasn't done anything too bad, just keeps me around to boss me. I'll take it as a learning experience," Melinda said, not wanting her best friend to waste time on her.

"You're really going through a lot."

"It's fine. I brought the kids' uniforms and arranged a driver for you. He'll pick you up tomorrow." Kathie was touched. Even now, Melinda was thinking about them.

"That's too much trouble. I can drive them myself."

Melinda shook her head. "No way. You sprained your ankle. It's not safe for you to drive. Think about the kids. This driver is free, so use him."

Kathie was curious. "Who did you call?"

Melinda teased, "You'll find out tomorrow morning. Kids, get a good night s sleep. When I get back from the trip. I'll bring you gifts."The three kids hugged her. "Aunt Melinda, you're the best. We'll wait for you."

Melinda kissed each of them on the cheek, gave some instructions, and left.

Kathie looked at the uniforms in the living room. After worrying for so long,the kids were finally going to school.

That night, Kathie bathed the kids and sent themn to the children's room to rest early for the big day.

After taking care of the kids, she had to attend to Jonathan.

Kathie handed him his evening medlicine. "You don't need to bathe again after the medicinal bath. Drink this, and I'll give you acupuncture."

Jonathan said, "I feel a bit sticky. Can you wipe me down?"

"You sure have a lot of demands," Kathie said, but she was already heading to the bathroom to get water.

Jonathan held his breath and drank the bitter medicine, feeling the taste linger in his mouth.

"Is there no sugar today?" he asked. "Too much sugar isn't good for you."

The medicine was so bitter that Jonathan's face twisted. "At least give me a piece of candy or something to get rid of the taste."

Kathie ignored him.

Jonathan was speechless. This woman was so stingy.

Soon. Kathie came out with a basin of water and handed him a hot towel."

You can move your hands. Wipe yourself."

"I can only reach the front. You'll have to do my back."

Kathie frowned, took off his shirt and pants, and signaled him to hurry up.

Jonathan slowly wiped his neck, then moved sluggishly to his chest. At this rate. he'd be wiping until morning.

Kathie couldn't stand it and grabbed the towel to finish quickly. "Forget it,I'll do it."

Jonathan was pleased, spreading his arms on the armrests, ready to enjoy.

Kathie wiped his chest, noting his firm muscles. He had broad shoulders,a narrow waist, and stood over 5'10".

This showed how hard it had been for her to take care of him. Every time she helped him, she used all her strength.

"You better remember to repay me well," she suddenly said.

"I'll give you a blank check. Fill in any amount you want."

"You said it. No backing out."

Jonathan nodded firmly. He appreciated all she had done. Kathie looked at his face and turned away tohide her laughter. He really did look ridiculous.

Jonathan saw her shoulders shaking and angrily turned her around,accidentally pulling her into his lap.

Kathie lost her balance and fell onto his chest, her face hitting his firm muscles. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out.

They were so close, they could hear each other's breathing.

Jonathan's breathing grew heavier, desire surging within him. He had wanted Kathie more than once.

Kathie's soft. alluring body was irresistible.

Kathie quickly stood up, throwing the towel back at him. "Pervert, wipe yourself."