Chapter 62

Kathie's face turned red as she took a couple of steps back to put some space between them.

Jonathan sighed, "You should just take it easy today. Whatever you need to do can wait until tomorrow. You don't want the kids seeing you like this,do you?"

Kathie remembered she couldn't let the kids worry about her, so she reluctantly agreed. "Afright, I'll leave it to you. I'll go wake them up."

As Kathie opened the door and stepped out, she saw the three kids coming towards her. Remembering that Jonathan was still in bed, she quickly stepped out and closed the door behind her.

Kyle looked puzzled. "Mommy, what's up? You look like you're hiding something."

Kathie gave an awkward smile. "You're imagining things. Mommy's just a little dizzy."

Zachary asked with concern. "Mommy, are you sick?"

Eileen grabbed her hand. "Are you feeling okay?"

Kathie gently led them to the living room, smiling warmly. "Don't worry,sweethearts. Mommy just didn't sleep well last night and feels a bit dizzy.I can't take you to school today, so Seven's friend will take you."

Kyle,always the considerate one, started massaging her head. "Oh, I see.Then you should rest up at home. Don't overdo it."

Zachary nodded. "You've been working too hard. You need to take care of yourself."

Eileen climbed into her lap and hugged her neck, giving her a kiss."

Mommy, take good care of yourself."

Kathie's heart melted. "I will,sweetie."

Eileen then noticed something on her chest. "Mommy, why do you have red marks on your chest? Did a mosquito bite you?"

Kathie looked down curiously. Her loose pajamas revealed two red marks on her chest.

More memories flooded her mind, and her heart started racing.

Those fragments weren't dreams; they were real.

Jonathan had taken advantage of her.

Suppressing her anger, she first reassured the kids."It was a really big mosquito. I'll get rid of it later. Now, go pack your bags and get ready to leave."

Eileen asked again, "Mommy, have you seen Seven? We went to his room,but he wasn't there."

Zachary added, "I woke up early to ask him to teach me some boxing."

Kyle chimed in, "We looked everywhere but couldn't find him.Where did Seven go?"

Kathie made up an excuse, "He had something to do last night. You'll see him when you get back from school."

Kathie forced a smile at the kids, who looked puzzled.

"Mommy, you look really angry," Zachary observed.

Kathie shook her head. "You're overthinking, Zachary. Mommy's just

really tired. Let's get you to the car."

Kathie led the kids outside,where Ben was waiting with the car door open.Following Jonathan's instructions, he had also prepared breakfast for them.

"Kids, this is Ben. Don't be naughty in the car," Kathie introduced.

The kids greeted him politely, "Good morning. Uncle Ben."

Ben,seeing the kids up close, finally understood Jonathan's feelings. They were so adorable and well-behaved that he couldn't help but want to be close to them.

He smiled at the kids, "Good morning, kids. If you need anything, just let me know. There's breakfast on the seats, so have some before we go."

"Thank you."

Despite her anger, Kathie was grateful for Jonathan's arrangements.

Ben got into the car and said politely, "Dr. Cavendish,I'll contact you after I drop the kids off at school."

Kathie nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

She watched the car drive away, took a deep breath, and headed back inside to confront Jonathan.

When she reached the bedroom, Jonathan was already fast asleep,clearly exhausted.

Kathie raised her hand to hit him but then lowered it.

Jonathan was still recovering, and last night's situation must have been chaotic for him too. She couldn't remember all the details, so she couldn't place all the blame on him.

Feeling sticky and uncomfortable, she decided to clean herself up first.In the bathroom, she took off her pajamas and noticed the two red marks in the mirror. They were clearly from being sucked.

Just like that night four years ago, when that man had left her covered in red marks.

Feeling feverish, she assumed she hadn't fully recovered from her cold and quickly took a hot shower.

Jonathan woke up around noon, surprised that Kathie hadn't woken him.

He wheeled himself out to find Kathie had already prepared lunch.

"You're awake. Come eat," Kathie said.

Jonathan sensed something was off and wondered if she remembered last night.

If she did, he was in for a rough time.

Feeling guilty, he asked, "How are you feeling now? Any better?"

Kathie's response was calm. "Much better. Thanks for taking care of me last night."

Jonathan took the utensils she handed him. The atmosphere was a bit tense.

He broke the silence first, "I need to go to the office tomorrow to handle some work."

He had planned to go today,but he was too tired to deal with it.

Kathie had also planned to meet with some researchers today, but that was now impossible.

"I have to start work tomorrow too. I can't manage everything at home.Since you're going to the office, you might as well go home," she said.

Jonathan put down his utensils, displeased. "I made it clear last time. I'm not leaving until I've recovered."

Kathie stared at him. "Seven, why are you following me? Give me a reason to let you stay."

Jonathan looked at her seriously. "Because I like you."

Kathie was stunned. He said it so directly, without any hesitation.

"What about Patricia?" she asked.

Jonathan frowned. "I'll explain everything to her."

"I don't want to ruin someone else's relationship or be your backup. You've been together for years. It's not something that should be easily replaced." As a woman, Kathie knew how hurtful that choice could be.

Jonathan insisted, "It's not what you think..."

"Enough. You understand my point. If you want to stay, you're just my patient. Nothing more." Kathie cut him off. She could care for him as a doctor,but that was it.

Jonathan knew she needed time to process. Once he sorted things out with Patricia, he'd confess to Kathie properly. "Being a patient is fine. I'm not leaving,"he said.

Kathie felt a mix of joy and shame for her feelings.

She knew she should stay away from him since he had a girlfriend.

In the afternoon, Kathie gave him acupuncture, and Jonathan felt more sensation in his legs.

"T'll help you walk in the yard," Kathie suddenly said.

Jonathan was eager to try. As he reached out to hold her shoulder, she handed him a crutch instead.

Jonathan chuckled. He wanted to get closer to her, but she had a backup plan.

"When did you prepare this?" he asked.

"Not long after you arrived. I knew it would come in handy today. Use your strength to stand up and then use the crutch to move forward slowly.

"

"I think it would be more effective if you helped me walk."