- Kathleen said, “I didn’t forget about that.”
- “That’s good, then.” Samuel gave her a gentle smirk. “I’m free all the time.”
- He went inside shortly after saying this.
- Kathleen massaged her sore temples.
- Her head did not stop hurting.
- She felt really helpless.
- I have to make a deal with Samuel tomorrow.
- With that thought, she turned around and went back.
- Samuel closed the door when he saw her go in, but he was reluctant to draw the curtains.
- He sat on the bed, looking at the opposite window, his eyes thoughtful.
- The next day, after Kathleen had breakfast, she was ready to go to the set to film when Charles gave her the notice.
- “Here, have a look.”
- “I’ll read on the way,” Kathleen said.
- “The director has instructed the actors to stay in a hotel arranged for by the crew for a few days,” said Charles blandly. “I’ll have someone pack and send your stuff over to you. It’ll be the end of the year soon. I reckon he wants to film more and give you all a proper vacation.”
- Kathleen nodded in response. “Got it.”
- Charles said worriedly, “I’ll have your meals prepared and sent over to you.”
- “Okay.” Kathleen took the notice and went out.
- She got in the car and glanced at her phone. Her schedule was full, and she was really busy enough.
- When she got to the set, she put on makeup and got to filming. She did not wrap things up until late that night.
- Throughout the day, she did not have time to deal with her personal affairs.
- After managing to carve out a few precious minutes for herself, Kathleen gave Caleb a call.
- However, Caleb did not answer.
- Just as she was about to call him again, there was a knock on the door.
- Who could it be?
- Kathleen went to open the door.
- To her surprise, she found Caleb standing there.
- “I received your call, Ms. Johnson.” Caleb curved his lips into a smirk.
- Kathleen looked at him in puzzlement. “Why are you here?”
- “Didn’t you ask me to come?” Caleb raised his eyebrows.
- “I couldn’t get through.” Kathleen was speechless.
- “I brought you a late-night snack.” Caleb held up an insulated lunch box in his hand. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
- “Please, of course.” Kathleen promptly ushered him inside.
- He stepped leisurely past the threshold as Kathleen fiddled with the door and the lock.
- Caleb put down the lunch box in his hand. “I’ve made you your favorite.”
- “Thank you.” Kathleen was a tad sheepish at the gesture.
- Caleb unbuttoned his suit and sat down. “Eat. You must be hungry after a day of filming.”
- Kathleen sat down and opened the lid.
- The food inside was still hot, and it was her favorite dish.
- “Thank you.” Kathleen did not expect Caleb to be so thoughtful.
- Caleb twiddled with his thumbs absentmindedly before saying, “It was my first time making it. I hope you don’t mind.”
- His first time?
- Kathleen was surprised. “You can cook?”
- Caleb smirked. “You say that like it’s hard.”
- Kathleen picked up her utensils and took a bite.
- She then nodded in satisfaction. “Wow, Caleb! You’ve cooked this very well!”
- “I’m just talented in many things,” Caleb said coolly. “It’s not just cooking.”
- Kathleen was stunned. She didn’t know what to say.
- Caleb glanced at her sideways. “You definitely didn’t call me for no reason. Did you need something?”
- “Remember the medicines I asked you to get for me the last time? I need more.” Kathleen hesitated before continuing, “You see, I’m treating your sister’s condition very carefully.”
- Caleb was quiet for a bit. “You need them for Samuel?”
- Kathleen nodded.
- He laughed self-deprecatingly. “Do you think I’m that shameless? To make you devoted to me by using medications as motivation?”
- Kathleen’s response was icy. “I know you’re not that kind of person, but I wanted to make things clear.”
- Caleb’s dark eyes were solemn. “As long as I can provide it, you can have it. There’s no need to explain yourself to me, nor will I ask you to.”
- Kathleen looked at him in surprise.
- “What is it?” asked Caleb morosely.
- Kathleen shook her head, feeling a little flustered. “Nothing.”
- “It’s getting late. I’m going back now.” Caleb did not plan to stay here for too long.
- He knew what Kathleen was concerned about.
- She was afraid of being seen.
- After all, the entire crew lived here now.
- “I’ll send you off.” Kathleen stood up.
- “No, you should rest,” Caleb said solemnly.
- Suddenly, there was a loud noise from nowhere.
- In an instant, the room became extremely dark.
- “Ah!” Kathleen exclaimed.
- She immediately ran to the corner and squatted down. She was huddled up and shuddering.
- “Kathleen?” Caleb walked to Kathleen’s side and placed his hand on her shoulder. His voice laced with concern, he asked, “What’s the matter?”
- She’s trembling so much from this?
- Kathleen’s face had turned pale. “I’m afraid of the dark.”
- Caleb frowned. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
- Kathleen said nothing, chewing on her lower lip.
- “Kate, be at ease.” Caleb wrapped his hand around her. Using his gentlest voice, he said, “I’m here with you now. Don’t be afraid.”
- He barely even registered the change in him.
- Kathleen grabbed his hand. “When will the power come back?”
- Caleb sat beside her and turned on the flashlight of his phone.
- “Don’t worry. The hotel has its own emergency generator, and you will be able to call soon,” Caleb comforted her. “If you are afraid, hold onto me.”
- Kathleen did not take the invitation but grabbed his hand harder. “Are you sure the hotel has it?”
- For a while, he did not know how to answer.
- After all, larger, more established hotels did have such amenities.
- He knew nothing about smaller hotels.
- “Why are you so afraid?” Caleb frowned.
- Kathleen said quietly, “Because of Nicolette.”
- Caleb replied, “I heard that she once put you—”
- “Hush.” Kathleen’s delicate face was drained of color.
- Her trembling had gotten much worse too.
- Caleb pursed his lips and pulled Kathleen into his arms.
- Instinctively, Kathleen wanted to struggle.
- Caleb gently laid her head in his arms and said,” Kate, calm down. The morgue is cold, but my arms feel warm. Focus on the warmth. As long as you feel this, you can’t possibly be back there.”
- Kathleen didn’t move.
- This was the first time another man who wasn’t Samuel had held her this way.
- As it turned out, Caleb was nowhere near as cold as she imagined, nor was he as difficult to get along with.
- On the contrary, she began to view him in a different light.
- It would be hard to find a woman who would not be moved by someone like Caleb.
- Kathleen was really afraid although she had gone for hypnotherapy.
- The fear was quite intense, but this reaction was considerably milder than before.
- Before, she could barely tolerate places with shade.
- Kathleen became quiet and calm in Caleb’s arms.
- There was something quite comforting about his embrace.
- However, she could sense that his breathing had become labored and had no idea what the man was thinking.
- Ah, she’s so soft. And she’s such a decent person. Why did she fall for a sc*mbag like Samuel? A woman like her deserves to be cherished.
- Ten minutes later, the power finally returned.
- Kathleen immediately distanced herself from Caleb.
- They were both sitting on the floor, facing each other.
- Caleb’s ears were a little red. “Since the power is back on, I should get going.”
- He stood up, but then he reached out and hugged Kathleen again.
- Caleb just found her too endearing to resist.
- “I’ll see you again tomorrow,” he said. “By the way, I’m taking orders. Just let me know if you want something to eat, and I’ll do my best to make it for you.”
- Kathleen replied, “My brother was supposed to bring me food, but I’m guessing something happened that delayed him.”
- Caleb smiled faintly. “That’s because he’s at my house.”
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