Chapter 12

Andrew's mind went blank for a moment. It was the first time anyone had ever said they wanted to take care of him and to be kind to him. How ridiculous! Yet, for some reason, Andrew didn't laugh. Realizing he had misjudged Melina, the harshness in his eyes softened. Just then, Andrew caught a whiff of a subtle fragrance. It was like a blend of soapberry and milk, an indescribable scent that was both soothing and sleep-inducing. What was this feeling? Was he getting... drowsy? Was this scent the reason why he calmed down last night? Andrew turned to Dorothy. "Dorothy, you can go now." Dorothy hesitated, casting a worried glance at Melina. She left some cold medicine on the table and then left. Andrew stepped out of the tub, his face impassive. "Kiddo, change your clothes and come to my room," he said flatly. Shivering in the cold water, Melina's voice quavered, "Why should I go to your room? And I'm not a kid, I have a name. It's Melina." "Kiddo, don't test my patience." Andrew's habitual commanding tone brooked no argument. Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, his clothes dripping. After Andrew left, Melina's lips quivered, looking forlorn. She was trying so hard to make this work. Quickly, she patted her cheeks, giving herself a pep talk. "Come on, Lina, stay strong. It's okay. You're here to repay a debt of gratitude. A little hardship is nothing." She changed into dry clothes, blow-dried her hair, and took the cold medicine Dorothy had left. What did Andrew want her upstairs for? Was he going to give her a hard time again? Melina hesitated but decided to go up anyway. If he wanted to make things difficult, so be it. She wasn't afraid! She knocked on Andrew's door and, hearing no response, took a deep breath before pushing it open. This time, she wasn't barging in uninvited; Andrew had told her to come. Inside, she found Andrew sitting up in bed, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Melina found it odd. When Andrew was awake, he looked languid and carefree, but asleep, he exuded an air of menace. Shouldn't sleep make one look more peaceful? Her curiosity was short-lived. The next moment, Andrew's eyes snapped open, filled with a cold fury. Melina suddenly remembered what happened the last time she approached him while he was sleeping. He had been ready to strike. Quick-witted, she blurted out, "It's me! Don't hit! Don't be so grumpy when you wake up. You told me to come in!" Andrew forced down the anger in his gaze, as he stared at her. What was she saying? Was he that grumpy? Seeming to restrain himself, Andrew spoke in a low, raspy voice. "Come here." Melina took a wary step back. "What are you going to do?" Andrew caught that sleep-inducing scent again. His voice deepened. "I said, come here." Melina, stubborn as ever, rolled her eyes and turned to leave. Andrew had never met anyone who defied him as much as she did. But with Wallace watching, he couldn't really do anything about her. His icy tone intensified. "Kiddo, we're married. Couples should sleep together." Melina didn't break stride, turning her head to retort. "Mister, don't try to fool me. Married couples can sleep in separate rooms too." The "mister" made Andrew's temple throb. He said coldly, "You destroyed my orchids." This made Melina halt. Her confidence wavered, and she mumbled, "I'll compensate you." "When?" "I... I'll write you an IOU soon." Melina's bravado had completely vanished. After all, it was hard to be bold when you owed someone money. Andrew got up, wrote something on a piece of paper, and handed it to Melina. Expecting an IOU, Melina was shocked to find it was an agreement instead. It stated that if she slept with him for one day, she wouldn't have to compensate for the orchids. Melina's mind went blank. What?