Lahat ng Kabanata ng Opening My Eyes to Reality: Kabanata 751 - Kabanata 760

Elias gently took Cheryl's cold hand in his and continued, "Unless… you're telling me we're over for reasons that have nothing to do with your family."He fixed her with a sharp, unblinking stare. Under his gaze, a flicker of panic stirred in Cheryl's chest.He was a sharp, perceptive magistrate. Knowing she couldn't hide much from him, she instinctively clenched her fist.A breeze swept through her hair and brought a sudden chill. Elias arched his brow and asked, "So, did I make the correct guess?"She hesitated. "There are other reasons.""Is it because of Mr. Zimmerman?" he pressed.Under his questioning gaze, the guilt on her face was impossible to miss. "Yes. That's right."Elias' warm smile froze on his face before he gave a soft, self-deprecating laugh. "Of course."Then, he followed with a question, "Do you like him that much?"Did she?The answer had long been unclear, even to Cheryl herself. She had no idea if she still had feelings for Benjamin, but she knew one th

Cheryl managed a smile.The colleague cautiously pressed, "The woman who came looking for you yesterday… Was she really your mom?"Cheryl's smile froze on her lips before she looked up and asked, "How's the gossip going around the office?"The colleague replied, "Everyone hasn't said much since we all know what kind of person you are. Besides, her little performance was so clumsy that anyone could tell she came just to stir up trouble."Everyone in the company acknowledged Cheryl's capabilities and had huge respect for her, so no one would engage in petty gossip behind her back.She didn't bother explaining further either. "Please thank everyone for me.""Will do. I'll let you get back to work, then.""Alright."Before noon, Cheryl received another call from Nadine. She didn't bother looking at it and immediately declined the call.Since Nadine failed to achieve her goal, she sent a message that read, "It's noon, Cheryl. If you won't cook for me, at least order me takeout."C

"Don't bother with your fake concern," Cheryl retorted in a hoarse voice and turned her face away.She knew Benjamin all too well. His gentleness always had an ulterior motive, like a gentle net designed to completely trap her.Benjamin acted as if he hadn't heard her refusal. He continued to gently wipe her face with patient, meticulous strokes.Seconds later, he let out a low chuckle and leaned close to her ear. His voice carried a dangerous edge as he said, "Even if the concern's fake, you have no choice but to accept it right now."Cheryl's expression stayed cold, while Benjamin smiled harder.Night had fallen, and the hospital room was utterly silent. As the IV dripped steadily, one drop at a time, Cheryl drifted in and out of consciousness. The exhaustion from the high fever weighed heavily on her eyelids, but the intense, oppressive air he radiated kept her from relaxing completely.She stole a glance at Benjamin from the corner of her eye. He was lowering his head and loo

Some time later, the car rolled into a quiet, upscale neighborhood.Benjamin got out first, but this time, Cheryl was prepared. "I can walk on my own."His movement paused, and his expression dimmed slightly, though he didn't insist.She pushed the car door open and slowly got up, bracing herself against the frame. The moment she stood upright, a wave of dizziness crashed over her.She staggered and nearly collapsed, but Benjamin swiftly caught her around the waist with a hold that didn't feel too tight but was steadying.His voice came from above her and carried a rare, barely noticeable trace of helplessness. "I never realized what a prickly little hedgehog you are."Cheryl stiffened and tried to shove him away, but he was already guiding her inside, half-supporting and half-holding her.He pushed the door to reveal a minimalist, expensive-looking living room, bathed in the warm yellowish glow of ambient lighting.She knew Benjamin's apartment all too well, down to the placem

Benjamin straightened up and announced, "I'm not the depraved type to harbor ill intentions toward a sick patient, Cheryl. Get some rest."With that, he didn't stay any longer and turned around to leave, softly closing the door behind him.…The next morning, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the guest room and scattered specks across the floor.Cheryl rubbed her temples. The feverish heaviness in her body was gone.As she slowly opened her eyes and lifted her wrist, she was reminded of memories from the night before. Benjamin had entered her room once and never bothered her again.When Cheryl stepped out of the bedroom, she stopped short in shock.Benjamin stood in the kitchen in simple loungewear with his sleeves rolled up to his forearms to reveal the clean, clear lines of his muscles. Head lowered, he was focusing on sliding a freshly toasted bread onto a plate.Sunlight brushed over him, softening the usually sharp, cold lines of his features and ad