Kelvin’s hand paused briefly before it resumed action again.
“The dishes are all light dishes, at the moment…you can only make do with this until your stomach has fully readjusted.” Kelvin explained patiently.
Sonia nodded.
Though she knew nothing about this man, even as his motive of saving her had all been a plot, she was grateful.
At least an enemy was willing to let her live and a friend had betrayed her totally and even wished her death…if it wasn’t their plot.
And this time having him take care of her she was grateful.
Otherwise that episode at the hospital would have been her last.
She didn’t come from aristocratic families but she had learnt a few bitter lessons about life and it goes to say…
Everything comes with a price…there’s no free ticket, no free meal.
Kelvin looked up, seeing her staring into the distance, he shook his head slightly.
“What are you thinking about again?”
Sonia lips curled softly.
“Nothing, I just think life is an irony and never wish you what you wish for yourself.”
“You are right…but you can still make the best of it.”
Kelvin didn’t know why she thought so but he had one principle guiding his own thoughts and actions.
Believe.
Believing things would get better
Believing stories would be turned around, believing everyday to be a brand new day.
Believing that every opportunity and hard work pays off.
Believing the patient dog eats the fattest bone.
More importantly, believing, it is never late until you are late.
“Now eat, I am still waiting for your answer.” He said lightly.
Sonia’s face fell, her heart swirled with a mix of emotions.
Without giving her a chance, Kelvin scooped some food and brought it to her lips.
“Eat.”
The aroma of the food wafted into her nostrils, wetting her appetite.
But she kept her mouth shut.
A few thoughts coursed her mind giving reasons why she shouldn’t eat.
She was reluctant.
“The drugs in your body system are already this heavy and now you are awake, do you still think you don’t need the food?”
Sonia kept mute.
“Alright, that makes it easier. I can see you have made your choice.”
Sonia’s gaze snapped to meet him but it was still blurry.
“What do you mean?” She asked.
Kelvin shrugged his shoulders.
“That you will die for sure and be buried.”
“Kelvin Thorne, you dare.”
“Reacting this way…are you changing your mind?” Kelvin teased yet he kept a serious face.
“I never said, I am returning to the Hort’s family.” Her voice came as a whisper.
“Oh! I guessed it wrong.” Kelvin murmured.
“I know you have a grand plan so you tell me what it is and what’s in it for you.”
Seems she had her own plans after all.
He exhaled softly.
“We start the basic requirements first according to our deal.”
Sonia’s brow furrowed.
“Basic requirements? What’s that?”
“Eat your meal, get some strength and then we talk.*
Sonia sighed.
It’s just eating.
What’s the big deal?
Besides, she still needed strength to face whatever she had in mind and handling her not-so-simple partner.
Sonia stretched her hand towards him.
“I will eat by myself.” She said softly.
Kelvin sighed dramatically.
“Blind and still want to eat by yourself?”
Sonia felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment.
“I will just try.” she said, hoping to convince him.
But the next moment had her plot dismantled.
“You let me feed you or forget about it.” Kelvin’s voice was firm.
Since she couldn’t win against and he would never let her eat by herself, she grudgingly accepted his offer.
Besides you don’t smack a smiling face.
All through the time, she obediently accepted the food while her heart swirled with a mix of emotion.
With the last bite of the food in her mouth swallowed, Kelvin gently set the cutlery down.
He grabbed a serviette and carefully wiped her mouth.
Then lifted a glass of warm water to her lips.
This time Sonia took a few gulps and exhaled with relief.
“Alright, you are good.” Kelvin muttered.
“I will be back.” He said as he lifted the plates to leave.
“Kelvin,” Sonia’s voice was soft and firm.
“About tomorrow?”
“I guess you might want to rest.”
“There’s no need, besides rather they think about my sight ordeal…we might as well resolve this.”
For the past few days, his actions doesn’t come off as being just partners.
Kelvin stared at her for a moment, her expression.
Kelvin sank back into the chair.
“What’s your choice?” Kelvin asked, his gaze locked on her as though he was expecting the slightest change of mind.
Sonia exhaled slowly, her fingers curled into fist, her nails dug into her palms, her eyes cold as they stared blankly into the distance.
Her memory replayed every conversation of Cyndi and Alex beside her hospital bed.
The cruelty of their actions.
The mockery of her dedication.
And more painful, the betrayal of her closest persons.
“With just one month to live, who cares about a first death anyway.”
Kelvin raised a brow.
“Does that mean…you are remaining dead for real?”
Her lips curled into a smile.
“Have you seen a body in the morgue come to life again?”
Kelvin clicked his tongue.
“You are right.”
His shoulder sagged with relief even if it’s just for a moment.
“But…you tell me what’s in it for you.”
She had the feeling that Kelvin wasn’t telling her the truth and purpose of accepting her deal.
“Do you also think I am doing this for another purpose aside revenge?”
“…”
Kelvin sighed.
“You thoughts are getting richer every day.”
“Kelvin, have you heard the saying…actions speaks louder than voice.”
Kelvin choked on his breath.
How could she insert such a saying to this.”
“Care to tell me?” Sonia pressed.
She regrets her sights were playing tricks on her, seeing his expression…might have saved her breath.
“You.” He clipped.
Sonia felt her heart leave her chest, “what?”
“You just asked me what I stand to gain and I said…is there any problem about it?”
Sonia shook her head “That’s not possible you know.” She said and a bitter smile curled her lips.
“Who wants a woman who would die in a month? Aren’t you being ridiculous?”
The reality of her diagnosis was a fact she couldn’t deny.
A truth that hung between them.
She had just one month to live.
She wanted to doubt that diagnosis but she knew her body better.
Despite waking up, she had always felt dizzy and tired, her body felt heavy and not coordinated.
And now, she is almost losing her eyesight.
Is that what he called a gain?
He is definitely mocking her.
Kelvin’s gaze locked on her.
Every emotion she felt was clearly written on her face.
Her doubt.
Her wishes.
Her fear
Her disappointment.
“Kelvin, I don’t know why you thought this is your gain but you are a doctor and definitely understood the reports better…you are losing.”