In the darkness, Eric didn't respond.
Half an hour later, he slowly stood up and opened the door to his room.
When the lights from the outside flooded in, he took a step back as though startled by the sudden brightness.
Patric let out another scoff, but Eric didn't engage him.
He descended the stairs to find Maja still sprawled on the couch.
She wasn't asleep, just staring blankly at the ceiling.
Battling his discomfort, Eric discarded the IV bags and needles in the trash and then took the garbage outside.
When he returned, his back was slick with cold sweat.
He moved towards the kitchen, skillfully grabbing a bag of rice, and started to prepare porridge.
Rolling up his sleeves, he made a few simple side dishes.
After some time, when the porridge cooled a bit, he served it to Maja.
Maja couldn't get up; the pain in her stomach had subsided, but she was still weak.
"Maja, let me help you sit up," he offered.
He went over and helped her to sit up.
Maja wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she thought his fingers were trembling slightly. He even had a band-aid wrapped around one of them. Had he cut himself while preparing the meal?
Eric didn't say anything; he just pushed the porridge and side dishes closer to her.
He lowered his head, scooped up some porridge with a spoon, and brought it to her lips.
But his hand was visibly shaking, causing the spoon's contents to scatter on the floor.
Blinking in confusion, he promptly placed the spoon back in the bowl, wiped up the spilled porridge with a paper towel, and threw it away in the trash.
After all this, he tried to feed her again, but his hand was still shaking.
Maja frowned. Had he been in this state while cooking?
Eric tried four or five more times, finally dropping the spoon in defeat, his voice hoarse.
It took Eric a full ten minutes to reach the top of the stairs.
His palms were sweaty, his lips dry.
"Patric, you'll never learn to love someone; you can only hurt them. I won't give my body to you."
Patric remained silent for a moment, then erupted in frustration.
"What's the use of your disagreement? Haven't you noticed how weak you've become recently? Your pain is more intensely because you've seen the person you love. Everyone says Maja isn't worthy of the Raymonds, let alone you. But deep down, you feel you're not worthy of Maja, right? That's why you never intended to fulfill your promise to her even though you escaped from the research facility. You're afraid, thinking you're tainted."
A body that had been studied repeatedly, observed like livestock, his dignity, his love, all his youthful impulses had long since died.
Once a proud prodigy, when he realized he was no longer worthy of the woman he loved, all he could do was ensure her safety.
But now he was so weak, he couldn't even pretend to be okay in front of her.
His trembling hands mirrored his fragile dignity.
He couldn't even maintain the last shred of his dignity.
Eric closed his eyes, sweat trickling down his cheeks. He looked incredibly vulnerable.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja)
Author, would you story about Ryan settling down and another story on Eric regaining his body and memories back from Patrick, and Eric also settling down as I find it so disheartening for him to have gone through what he went through at the research institute, and I'll like for him to get his "golden boy" life back though, not at the detriment of Ian....
When will the author update to finish Beck's story? What about Dylan and Tyler's love lives? Also, I'll like the author to write on Wilma and Elvis ending up together as she was quite persistent in pursuing him. And Shawn's story, Cornelia Sullivan and Omar Casson. Also, a little write-up on Jeff (Ian's assistant) love life, too. Thanks, author for updating....
When will get update?...
What is wrong that the author has not updated this novel in over a month or is there somewhere else that I can continue reading the novel from chapter 1951 upwards? Do tell, please. Thanks....
Is everything alright with writer?...
Author, why are there no updates after almost 2 weeks? What's going on with the updates,Author? Do update soon....
Will any update make for us?...
Is author ok...
Playing too much with my emotions. It’s been 9 days and no updates. What is going on with Fitch and Zoey?...
Is author playing with our emotions?...