Hilliard, the reserved and arrogant man, possessed an entric talent for creating medicines that made people suffer.


    The guilt weighed heavily on Cyrus as he remembered Lucinda’s words before she left.


    Quickly, he took out a candy from his pocket and ced it in Nathan’s hand.


    “Lucinda gave me this.


    She said it’s your favorite.


    She bought a lot of candies and told me to give you one every time you take your medicine.


    I’ve done my part.


    It’s up to you whether you eat it or not.


    ”


    Cyrus was puzzled by how someone like Nathan, the strong and fierce leader of the Payne family, could have a fondness for something as childish as candy.


    He resisted the urge to roll his eyes in disbelief.


    It just didn’t make sense to him.


    However, when Nathan held the candy in his hand, something changed.


    The anger etched on his face began to fade away, reced by a glimmer of vulnerability.


    His fingertips grazed the smooth surface of the candy wrapper, tracing its edges before tearing it open with a mix of anticipation and hesitation.


    With a silent gesture, he lifted the candy to his lips, savoring the taste as it dissolved on his tongue.


    As the candy melted, memories flooded his mind.


    He pictured Lucinda taking care of him and feeding him his medicine as well as candies with her mouth during the past month they shared together.


    Seeing tears in Nathan’s eyes, Cyrus couldn’t help but ask, genuinely concerned, “What’s bothering you now? Do you not like the taste of the candy, or are you in pain?”


    Nathan didn’t say anything, his eyes drooping with sadness.


    “Let’s be clear.


    You hurt yourself today, so when Lucindaes back, I don’t want her to me me.


    Plus, you hit me, and my right shoulder still hurts.


    ”


    Nathan curled up, turning away from Cyrus, wanting some time alone.


    “I just need to be by myself for a little while.


    ”


    Understanding Nathan’s need for solitude, Cyrus stood up.


    “Alright.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    What would you like for breakfast? I can get it for you in an hour.


    ”


    “I’m not hungry,” Nathan quietly replied.


    Then, hey on his side and closed his eyes.


    “No, you need to eat,” Cyrus insisted, sounding both caring and firm.


    “Don’t you want to know where Lucinda is? There’s more to her story.


    ”


    Nathany in the bed, his frustration evident on his face.


    He clenched his teeth, seething with anger and yelled, “Cyrus, I can’t stand feeling threatened like this!”


    Cyrus, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.


    “I didn’t mean to threaten you, Nathan.


    It’s just a simple deal.


    If you’re not interested in Lucinda’s business, you can refuse to eat the breakfast I bring you.


    ”