Chapter 15 A dishonor

It was a fleeting instant before Mark Tremont’s gaze restored to his usual aloofness. Were her eyes playing tricks on her? “Any discomfort?” His tone was void of emotion as always. Arianne Wynn shook her head. Noticing that his hand was over hers, warmth crept up her face. “I’m fine… I didn’t know that you’re coming to the campus. I’ve caused you trouble.” Caused him trouble? Mark Tremont frowned. “Don’t want to cause me trouble, but it’s okay to inconvenience others? Arianne Wynn, no need to look tragic in front of the others. Does it cost your life to ask something from me?!” Arianne Wynn bit her lips in fear. He was angry again… After a while, Mark Tremont stood up to see the drip was nearly empty and called for the nurse to remove it. He spared no glance at Arianne when he announced frigidly, “Let’s go back.” Arianne hastily flipped the blanket to pick herself up, but the bruise on the back of her hand from the perforation of the IV drip throbbed with her every action. Mark Tremont took off his coat and threw it on her, his movements were rough before he bent down to swiftly help put on her white canvas shoes. He left without missing a beat. Staring at the coat in her arms and the shoes on her feet, Arianne was stunned for some time. Was that him? This was the first time he had done something like this for her. Even if it was the least bit gentle, she had still felt as if something was about to break free from her heart… When she broke out of her trance and exited the ward, Mark Tremont was not far ahead as he stood at the end of the corridor. It was when he heard her approaching footsteps that he continued to walk ahead. One behind the other, they left the hospital. When Mark Tremont entered the driver’s seat of the car, Arianne pulled the door to the rear passenger seat open. As she sat down, Mark Tremont’s voice came muffled. "Sit in front.” Not daring to hesitate, Arianne bounced up and moved to the front passenger seat. Once she buckled her seatbelt, Mark Tremont slammed on the accelerator. The driving speed made her heart lurch. Arianne stared straight ahead of her in terror, feeling like they would crash any second. When they arrived at the Tremont Estate’s gate, she rushed out of the car and heaved dryly beside the road. When she looked up again, Mark Tremont was already in the house. Arianne entered through the back door and was stopped in her tracks by Mary in the kitchen. “Ari, did you come back with sir? What’s up with sir? He’s especially angry today, probably would have flipped the door off if he wanted to.” Arianne said nothing. He was always angry for the strangest reasons. It was already two in the afternoon, lunchtime had long passed. Arianne felt her stomach churning. She snuck into the kitchen to make a quick pasta, while Mary went about her chores elsewhere. Figuring that Mark Tremont had possibly not eaten as well, she thought to make two servings. Bringing the pasta upstairs, Arianne knocked on his door. “Pasta?” No sound came from the room. Arianne breathed in relief and turned to head downstairs when the door behind her opened promptly. She turned around again to look at the man who stood at the door looking rather cross. “Do… you want it?” Mark Tremont was silent, he merely looked at Arianne. Emotions were unidentifiable on his sculpted face. No reply meant he did not refuse. Arianne Wynn took the pasta in and placed it on the coffee table only to hear the door shutting. Her heart jumped. “I don’t wish to see what occurred today happening a second time. I’ll make whoever dares provide you anything in the future disappear from your side entirely. You can only ask for things from me!” The lingering fury raged on, perhaps he was further riled up. “I understand…” Arianne answered in a soft voice. Mark Tremont obviously did not believe her promise as he fired back. “Understand? Do you really? I’ve made myself clear in the past, haven’t I? Sneaking out to work part-time while I was out of the country, everyone knows that you’re piteous!” He was the only one who did not know, hearing of this afterward, he mulishly wanted to see how long she could hold on before she would come begging him… “Sorry for embarrassing you…” Arianne had passed out, falling to his embrace. So many people on the campus saw them, their relationship might have been exposed for all that she knew. Going along such a train of thought, she assumed that he saw her as a disgrace to him. In the face of the public, he had an impeccable character. How could he tolerate such a flaw? Hearing what she had to say, Mark Tremont scowled. He pulled her to the side of the bed abruptly and with enough force, Arianne fell on it.