Chapter 52: Jealous.

Dua's heart sank at Steven's reply, a mixture of anger and pain rising within her like a fierce tide. "What does he take me for?" she scoffed bitterly.

As she made her way back to the mall where her siblings were waiting, her mind raced with thoughts of betrayal and sadness. Upon reaching the car, she flung open the door and climbed in. "Get in, we're going back home," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Her siblings exchanged confused glances, rooted to the spot. "But we haven't even shopped for anything," Denise protested, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Do you guys want to walk home?" Dua shot back, her frustration evident. They scrambled into the car without further protest.

The drive home was steeped in silence, her siblings casting furtive glances at her, wondering what had shifted within their sister this time. Dua barely noticed the world passing outside.

When they arrived, she pulled into the driveway, barely putting the car in park before she stormed into the house.

"Is she on her period?" Desmond mumbled, uncertainty creeping into his voice.

"Beats me," Denise sighed, sharing a worried glance with Desmond.

That night, Steven returned home late. As he entered the bedroom, he found Dua perched on the edge of the bed with a look that could cut glass. "You're still up?" he asked, surprised by her presence.

Dua simply turned her back and closed her eyes, her silence a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. Unfazed, Steven headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, then retreated to his study.

The moment the bedroom door clicked shut, Dua sat up, her anger flaring.

The Next Day.

Denise wandered into the kitchen for a glass of water, only to find Shane there, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Good morning," she greeted brightly, her voice breaking the morning stillness.

"Good morning," Shane returned, his smile warm and inviting.

Caught in the moment, Denise noticed the way he moved around the kitchen. "Are you cooking today?" she asked, half-joking.

"Cooking?" Shane chuckled lightly. "No, I just needed my morning coffee. Want some?"

"Sure," she replied, and he handed her a steamy cup of coffee.

She inhaled the rich aroma of the coffee before taking a sip, letting the warmth cradle her senses. "So what's he like?" Denise asked, looking curiously at Shane.

"Who?" Shane replied, momentarily puzzled.

"Your brother," she clarified, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

"He's your sister's husband. No need to obsess over him," Shane said, a hint of disappointment coloring his tone. He had hoped she’d show interest in something—anything—other than Steven.

Denise laughed lightly, shaking her head. "I'm not that kind of sister who would snatch her sister’s husband... It’s just that your brother has this charm that draws people in. You can't help but want to know him better."

"Yeah, I know. That brat has been charming people since birth," Shane agreed.

"And my sister? She's the complete opposite—always stirring up trouble. Most people tend to steer clear of her," Denise remarked, a wry smile on her lips.

"Well, I see potential in her that you might be overlooking," Shane supplied, his tone playful.

"Believe me, as her sister, I know her far too well," Denise countered, chuckling as Shane shook his head.

"So... what about you? What's your story?" he asked, his gaze steady on her.

Denise hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "Uhmmm... I don’t really know how to describe myself. I guess the best way to understand me is to observe closely,” she replied, her cheeks warming slightly.

"Is that so? So, I’m granted permission to get closer to you?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Huh?" She blinked, momentarily flustered.

"That's what you said!" he playfully interjected.

"I didn’t mean…" she started, but he interrupted her with that confident smile.

"Exactly. If I’m meant to study you, getting close is a must," he replied, his tone earnest yet light-hearted.

Denise clutched her coffee cup tightly, her lips pursed as a shy smile crept onto her face. Shane’s smile widened at her reaction.

Just then, Steven walked in, interrupting their light banter.

"Good morning," Denise greeted Steven, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"How was your night?" she asked, but he only nodded again, which earned a scoff from Shane.

"Would it hurt you to actually speak?" Shane snapped at Steven, frustration evident in his tone.

Steven sighed and replied, "I've been talking more than usual because of Dua, so I should at least save some energy when I have the chance."

"My sister can be a handful," Denise said with a sympathetic smile.

"Yeah, but I'm trying to cope," Steven responded, prompting Denise to laugh lightly.

Just then, Dua walked in, rolling her eyes as her gaze landed on Steven.

"Morning, sis," Denise greeted her brightly, and Dua returned the sentiment with a smile.

"Hi, Shane," she said, her face lighting up. "God, I missed you yesterday!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah, I missed you too," Shane replied with a chuckle, glancing at Steven with a look that suggested he should lighten up.

Soon, with everyone gathered around the table, breakfast commenced.

"Dua, pass me the jam." Steven requested, but his voice faded into the background as Dua pretended not to hear him.

"Dua, pass me the jam," he repeated, a little louder this time, earning shared glances from the group.

"Sis..." Denise called out gently, but Dua continued to ignore them. Frustrated, Denise reached for the jam from Dua's side and handed it to Steven.

A few minutes later, Dua made a request for sugar, and Steven, trying to be accommodating, offered her his box.

She, however, refused it. "Anyone else got sugar?" she asked, prompting Stella to snap back, "How’s anyone else going to have sugar when there’s only one box here?"

Dua stood up and walked to the corner of the kitchen, returning a moment later with a box of sugar. Steven rolled his eyes, unimpressed.

"Come with me; we need to talk," he said, rising from the table, but Dua ignored him again.

"I'm talking to you, Dua," he said more firmly.

When she still didn’t respond, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom. She struggled to free herself.

“What's with you?” He asked as they stepped into the bedroom.

“Let go of my hand,” Dua said coldly.

“That's not the answer to my question,” he replied.

“Why have you been ignoring me since last night?” His tone was more insistent now, but she turned her eyes away, resolutely silent.

“If you don't speak now, I’ll kiss you,” he threatened, a glimmer of mischief in his deep-set eyes. He knew how easily embarrassment crept up on her during intimate moments.

Without waiting for her response, he captured her lips in his own. Dua instinctively tried to push him away with her free hand, but he deepened the kiss instead until she slowly calmed down.

“What was that all about?!” Dua shot him a fiery glare the moment their lips parted.

“I was just teaching you that I never go back on my word,” he replied. “Now will you please answer my questions?”

“The answer is nothing,” she said defiantly, refusing to meet his gaze as she focused on a spot on the wall.

“No, it’s not.” Steven argued.”

“Why wouldn’t I ignore you after you lied to me? Did she give it to you more than I do?!” Dua lashed out, her heart racing from the mixture of anger and betrayal.

“Wait... what are you even talking about?” He looked genuinely confused, his vulnerability surprising her.

Dua folded her arms, a defensive gesture. “I'm talking about your private meeting in that hotel room with that damn woman!” She raised her voice, frustration spilling over.

“You were stalking me?” His expression was a blend of surprise and disbelief.

“And why would I do that?” She scoffed, crossing her arms tighter.

Steven looked at her intently for a long moment, his gaze unwavering. "Are you... jealous?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

"Don't I have the right to be?" she shot back defensively.

"So you are jealous," he acknowledged, his eyes gleaming as they penetrated hers, seeking the truth within.

"As your wife, I’m allowed to be jealous!" she spat, frustration mingling with the raw emotion in her voice.

"Are you jealous because you're my wife, or because you’re in love with me?" Steven's words hung in the air, and the lightbulb in her head flickered to life. A crushing wave of self-doubt washed over her as she silently wrestled with his question, unable to provide an immediate answer.

"You can be jealous of me... I'll let you fall in love with me, but don't fall too hard," he said gently, the gravity of his situation evident in his tone. "Remember, I don’t have much time left."

Dua stared back at him, her expression softening as the reality of his words sank in.

"I can't guarantee that I'll reciprocate your love, but I promise to respect and honor your feelings. Just love me for who I really am."

A mix of sorrow and tenderness filled the space between them as Dua’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. The weight of his health condition hung heavy in her heart, the recognition that she had been stressing him further breaking her resolve. "I’m sorry," her voice barely above a whisper, guilt etching her features.

Her hand moved to his face, caressing him gently, trembling with emotion. Slowly, she leaned in, her heart racing as she reached for his lips, enveloping him in a warm, lingering kiss that she poured in her emotions.