Chapter 8 Trash

The emotions in Aaron's eyes churned, and I couldn't halt his actions. Carefully, I considered my words. "Listen to me, Aaron." I grasped his arms, attempting to create some distance between us, but his strength was overwhelming, especially in his anger. I was genuinely afraid that he might accidentally harm me. "Shaun is a doctor..." Despite the pain, I struggled to pry his hand from the back of my neck, but my efforts were in vain. "I wasn't feeling well, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. I'm okay. Doctor Shaun was kind enough to give me a ride home." I omitted part of the truth, not out of deception, but to avoid certain complications. I feared that if he learned of my terminal illness, he might interpret it as an attempt to make him feel sorry for me or to manipulate him emotionally. Aaron seemed to gradually emerge from his anger, regaining his usual cold demeanor. "What's wrong with you?" I hadn't fully formulated my explanation, and my lips quivered. I struggled to keep up with his pace; as an alpha, Aaron possessed superior genetics. As an unawakened wolf, I was considered lower in status. "M-My arm got injured earlier, so I saw a doctor." I displayed my arm, revealing a still healing bruise. This incident occurred some time ago when I accidentally tripped in the living room, the lamp cord causing my fall. When I asked the maid who was cleaning the room, she denied any involvement. I felt wronged but never had the chance to explain to Aaron. As an unawakened wolf, my wounds healed more slowly. The virus had further delayed my recovery. He glanced at my bruise, still displaying irritation. "You saw a doctor for something so minor?" This was typical of how he treated me. Even if my face were swollen, he'd dismiss it casually, saying, "It's nothing, why are you seeking sympathy?" "I injured my arm quite badly that time. It was quite painful. I needed a thorough check-up to ensure there were no lingering issues." It had been a significant fall, and I had even suffered a minor elbow fracture. I couldn't use that hand for any heavy tasks for three months. This had annoyed both the household maids and Aaron. I recalled how I had struggled to unbutton his shirt for him during that period. My hand was too sore to lift, but he had conveniently forgotten my injury and harshly told me to leave if I didn't want to help. He had broken my heart with such indifference. Finally, Aaron released his grip on me. My neck must have been red from his hold, and it still throbbed with a dull pain. Wolves were territorial by nature, and he might have thought that I was being pursued by a stranger, which had triggered his anger. I couldn't fathom that he had any other feelings for me. "I will investigate this. If I find out that you lied..." He leaned in closer, locking eyes with me. I saw the intense fire burning in his gaze. "You know the price you'll have to pay for lying." He snatched the bag I was holding, and I instinctively protected the treatment plan within it. His attention then shifted to the bag I held in my right hand. He tore open the paper bag, revealing the crumpled mango crepe cake and the crushed macarons. Although he loved macarons, he looked disgusted. He pointed at the cake, looking at me with disdain. "You refused to eat the one I bought you, yet you're happily eating this." “It was Doctor Shaun’s treat. He was being kind.” I defended him vigorously. Regardless of our situation, Shaun shouldn't be blamed by Aaron because of me. I felt it was my duty to protect Shaun's image as his friend. Even though Shaun wasn't present at the moment and was unaware of the accusations, as his friend, I felt compelled to shield his reputation. Aaron scoffed at my newfound concern. "I've never seen you care so much about your friends." It wasn't that I cared deeply about Shaun, but after sacrificing so much for Aaron over the years, it was becoming increasingly apparent that my efforts were in vain. At home, I had no dignity and seemed to exist solely for Aaron. If I didn't maintain connections with my friends, my world would truly crumble should I ever leave him in the future. Aaron opened the cake box. The dessert shop's packaging was exquisite, but the ribbon had been ruined during our recent argument. He said nothing as he discarded them into the trash. How could he do such a thing? He disposed of them before I had a chance to react. I had underestimated just how cruel he could be to me. "What are you doing, Aaron? Who gave you the right to throw my things away!" It was the first time I'd grown angry and confronted him. My frustration wasn't solely about wanting to try those desserts; it was more about demanding respect from him, something I'd rarely received. Instead of getting angry, he simply smiled and scoffed at my outburst. "You shouldn't bring home items given to you by strangers. This is what happens." He instructed a maid to dispose of the items in the trash. Before I could protest, the maid swiftly removed them from sight. I couldn't hold back my tears; I felt utterly defeated. He gazed at me with condescension, gently wiping away my tears. It was a rare moment of tenderness. But the sweetness was short-lived as he bit my lip and issued a warning. "If I catch him bringing you home again, you can leave this house." I would have gladly left right then and there without him saying that. "I'll leave now." It was uncommon for me to throw a tantrum, but he made no attempt to stop me. As I walked into the living room, I realized that the maids had prepared an elaborate dinner. Julie must be on her way, or perhaps Aaron's business associates were gathering at our house. In the past, I was always required to hide when he had guests over, a rule I dutifully obeyed. It was perfect because I needed some time alone. I didn't want him to see me; I felt like a burden. Moonlight streamed into the courtyard, creating a melancholic ambiance. As I stepped out of the house, the maid shut the door loudly behind me. I stood in the chilly breeze, feeling a profound sense of coldness in my heart. The lights in the guest room on the second floor were still illuminated. Aaron hadn't stopped me from leaving; perhaps he believed it was the right thing to do.