Chapter 71

Nervously, she got out of bed and walked to the sofa. Holding her tiny hand gently, he helped her sit and he sat beside her. He couldn't help but watch her. He couldn't look away from her for two seconds straight. "Why are you shaking?"

"N…nothing," She stuttered, lowering her gaze.

"Do you like tata tots?" He asked.

She bobbed slightly.

He was assessing her closely. She couldn't even raise her hands to eat. He'd opened the plate covers for her.

Elodre couldn't just breathe. God knows she was gonna die in split seconds. Her neck was so stiff, such that she couldn't budge an inch. She was just settling her watery gaze on the food as its toasty aroma was wafting into her nostrils. So, what now? She wondered. Would he feed her like he did before?? That's what she wants.

Heart thumping in her chest, she glanced up at him and noticed he was gazing down at her, reading her every expression and move. She opened her mouth to speak but no word aired out. Swallowing hard, she lowered her gaze and tears spilled down her eyes.

And Cayden was confused. Why is she always crying? God knows this angers him so badly. She's crying after cheating on him?! His lips tightened as his brows furrowed. She's hurt him. Hurt him so fuckin much he couldn't get over it. He can never get over it. No!! Not when Raiden is here!!! Not when she has someone else's son in his damned house!!! Clenching his hands in a fist, he let out a trembling sigh that startled her. Damn it!! She fuckin lied to him!!! Hell!!

Fury was rippling inside of him. Damn! Damnit!! He huffed. His eyes were red and fierce as his gaze was still fixed on her.

He was so close to her that she felt his arm shaking. He's angry again!! She thought in fright and her heart leaped to her throat, choking her. She could feel the weight of his glare on her. It was burning her whole body like a furnace. She wouldn't dare to look at him! No! She won't!!

"Damnit!!" He slammed the table and Elodre flinched to her fit, all startled as the tea splashed. "Damn! Elodre!!" He furiously poked his fingers into his already disheveled hair and scattered it more. "You're driving me crazy!! You're driving me nuts, Elodre!!" He cast his burning glare upon her and she shuddered, stumbling backward.

Her trembling lips twisted severally but no word came out of her mouth. She won't dare to say a word that might escalate the situation.

"Get back here and eat your food now!" He yelled at her and she cried out in fear. "Elodre!!"

"O…okay…" She quivered. The hard knot in her guts tightened as fright sparked in her chest, releasing burning sensations all over her body. Unable to stifle her cry, she began to sob. He was still glaring intensely at her and it felt like she was going stripped. She was petrified and couldn't move.

Observing her agitation, he looked away and blew out heavily. The fury was still going like a shot inside of him. Damn! He cursed savagely. He's to calm down so that she can at least sit by his side and eat her food. He thought and heaved a sigh. Far be it for his wife to starve. Damn!! She must be starving. He gazed at her again, studying her closely.

He glanced at his wristwatch…and it was twelve forty-nine! Twelve forty-nine and his wife haven't eaten??!! Oh no! Damnit!! Fuckin damnit! Oh, God!! "Elodre…" He spoke calmly and his stern countenance softened. "Come here." He tapped the chair. "Come sit beside me. Comm'n."

But she couldn't move. Tears had blurred her wide eyes.

"Comm'n Elodre," He said softly, gently stretching his hand to take hers but she stumbled a few steps backward. He watched her for a while and cupped his face in his palm. He blew out heavily and gazed at her again. "I ain't gonna hit you, okay? Trust me, Elodre."

Her wide eyes were glowing with fear. She didn't move.

His eyes fixed on her, he exhaled. "I ain't gonna hit you, baby. I promise, okay?"

Wait. Did he just call her a pet name? That name is no longer hers. She can't recall the last time he called her that…but now? She wondered.

"Hold my hand, my sweetheart,"

His voice sounded close and she looked up and gasped upon seeing him just in front of her. She'd been lost in thought and didn't realize when he walked up to her. As she attempted to move back, he caught her wrists. It was a swift but gentle motion.

"Come here, baby," He pulled her close and made her rest her head on his chest. Stroking her back, he said, "You're starving and you know how much I dislike that, don't you?"

Burying her face in his shirt, she nodded slightly. But is this real? Is he truly cuddling her? Oh, God, she's gonna cry for this. She's in his arms again!!

"Come lemme feed you, please," He said. God! She's as pale as death. "Comm'n."

Gently, he took her to sit on the sofa and fed her. For once, he was gentle and patient with her.

The fierce punch of Cayden's fists on the bed woke Elodre from her sleep and her wide eyes flickered with alarm. Her heart was slamming violently in her chest as she sat up on the bed. Wait. What? Has she been dreaming? So Cayden wasn't bestowing his love and kindness on her for real? It was just a fuckin dream?!! This broke her heart.

"Did I say you should hide your face, huh?!" Cayden thundered and she fell back in bed. "Do not strain my patient, Elodre?!!"

Still in his work clothes, he was sitting on the bed, all sweaty and trembling in rage. He was cursing savagely. Damn it!! He punched the bed and Elodre cried out in fright.