Chapter 27: Conditions.

As the weeks went on, Dua found herself growing more and more comfortable in Steven's presence. She began to see glimpses of a kind and caring person beneath his tough exterior but she was still very cautious of him. As she sat in bed, Steven walked into the bedroom, striding to the bed. He removed the blanket covering Dua. "Breakfast is ready, but first, you need to take bath," he said.

"I've been bathing fine by myself," she moved away from his reach.

"That's because you do that before I even notice, but not today," he replied, pulling her to himself.

"No, I can do it myself," she tried to move but he held her still.

"Quit this drama, I've seen your whole body," he said and her cheeks flushed as she recalled the memories she didn't want to.

"You don't have to spell it out to me," she said shyly.

As he proceeded to carry her, his phone rang, stopping him. "I'll be back," he excused himself and left.

Dua sighed in relief and hurriedly took her bath before he would return. By the time he returned, she was dressed up. He raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled.

"After breakfast, we'll go to the hospital for your appointment with the doctor." He spoke and she negated instantly, "I'm fine." She was getting sick of the whole thing. Things didn't go the way she planned it.

"I know. I also hate going to the hospital," he said.

"No, that's not it. Seriously, I'm really fine," she replied, making him raise a brow.

"It's all an act to get me out of the house, but it didn't go very well," she confessed.

"I know," he replied and her eyes widened in shock.

"I knew from the second day when I wanted to dress your wound but found no injury on your knee. Thanks to how deep you sleep, you didn't notice," he explained and her face fell in embarrassment.

"Why didn't you say anything?" She said timidly.

"I was curious to see how it's all gonna end," he replied and she cursed under her breath.

"Since things are back to normal, come down for breakfast," he said and she nodded.

While going to the kitchen for breakfast, Dua kept thinking of how to get her freedom, but she had run out of ideas. She dragged her feet lazily down the stairs and kept sighing at her helplessness.

The silence between them was palpable as they ate their breakfast. Dua's sighs grew heavier, her frustration simmering just below the surface. Steven's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in response as he slammed his spoon on the table. "What now?" He asked.

"Huh?" She asked too.

"Why have you been sighing?" He asked again.

"Oh," she pouted. "Nevermind, even if I tell you, you won't grant it."

He looked at her with a piercing gaze and she swallowed. "Fine, I'll tell you. I want my freedom to leave the house anytime I please," she said and Steven's face darkened.

"No," he gave a resolute answer.

"Why?" She sighed. She expected he'd say no.

"Because that's my rule and that's final," he replied.

"Why? It's not like you're in love with me," she rolled her eyes.

"What if I am?" He gave a measured answer.

Dua scoffed, "that's no excuse. Even men who are in love with their wives don't lock up their wives the way you do to me."

The air was thick with tension as Steven and Dua faced off. Their words were laced with underlying emotions, each one waiting for the other to make a mistake.

"I'm different from other men," he replied calmly, trying to avert the trouble she was beginning to stir.

"Yeah, yeah, I can see the difference," she gave a sarcastic smile, looking away from him.

Steven watched her and for some split seconds, he was lost. Her smile, though sarcastic seemed to call him in and he found himself not being able to look away.

Dua looked back at him to find him looking at her. "What?" She asked, making him recollect himself as he looked away.

With a clear of his throat, he spoke, "fine. Your wish is granted."

"What?" She asked but he was quiet. He wasn't a fan of much words.

"Really?" It was difficult for her to believe.

"Yes, but only on two conditions," he replied.

"What conditions?" She asked with enthusiasm.

"1. You'll always tell me where you're going and when you're going.

2\. You must always be back home before sunset," he replied.

"Sure," she agreed straightaway.

She was about to say something but his phone buzzed so he went out of the kitchen to take his call.

Dua waited for him, but his call lasted for a pretty long time so she decided to speak to him later. But as she was stepping out, he returned.

"Uhmm... I'll be going out tomorrow morning," she spoke.

"Where?" He asked, pocketing back his phone.

"My family house," she replied and he nodded.

"Is that a yes?" She asked and he nodded again.

Unable to contain her happiness, she hugged him, "thank you."

Being stunned by the sudden hug, Steven didn't respond to her hug. But as he was about wrapping his hands around her, she pulled away.

"Now that's interesting." They heard Shane from behind them.

"So you both can actually coexist peacefully," he said and Dua's eyes dropped to the ground in embarrassment. She quickly ran off to the bedroom and Shane chuckled.

"I like this version of you both, make sure you both don't change." Shane said and Steven ignored him and left the kitchen, leaving him chuckling.

As Steven entered the bedroom, he received another call from Lana which he switched to a video call based on the nature of their discussion.

In the middle of the call, Dua walked in from the bathroom and upon hearing the feminine voice, she unknowingly frowned.

"Who are you speaking with?" She asked as she strolled to the bed but Steven ignored her.

"Hey!" She yelled at him and he finally looked at her. "Why do you care?" He asked.

"Why do I care?" She scoffed. "Fine!" She hissed and layed in bed, her back facing him, but Steven cared less.

But then Steven's words hit her and she questioned herself, "it's true, Dua, why do you care?"