Chapter 82: PDA and the Heartbroken Man

Chad entered the kitchen to see Stacy sitting at the counter. She’s all ready, putting in more effort in dressing up than she did in the past few days. She wore a new pair of jeans paired with a green tank top, munching away on her bowl of cereal.

“Morning,” she greeted as if nothing had happened the previous night. He studied her posture and expression. She looked well-rested and unbothered. That alone made him smile. He was sure he looked more stressed out than she was.

“Morning,” his voice softened automatically as he slipped onto the stool beside her. “How’d you sleep?” That wasn’t small talk. He genuinely wanted to know how well she was resting while she appeared in his dream. The dream.

He looked at her and was immediately reminded by how she had looked under him in the dream. Quickly, he turned away while clearing his throat.

A glass of water slid his way. He looked up to see her offering him the glass. He raised a brow to question but she reached for a toast and started eating, ignoring the look he gave her. Fine. The gesture sent small jolts of warmness into him.

He took a small sip of the water before settling it down. When he turned to her again, she pushed a spoonful of cereal his way, stopping right in front of his lips.

Slowly, he opened his mouth and let her feed him with whatever she offered. The action was intimate. His heartbeat sped up a little. She’s acting differently. He had an uneasy feeling. Was it the dream?

“Well. Could be better,” she sent a meaningful smile his way. He almost choked on the cereal. He must still be dreaming. Something’s really wrong with the universe.

“Let me see your hand,” she reached out for it like it was the most natural thing to do. The bandage he did last night was still on her hand. She examined his wound, the bruises and cuts he got from hitting Matt.

Her brows furrowed in concern. “You handled my wound but not your own,” she scolded as she ran a thumb over his knuckles, carefully soft to not hurt him.

While she had her attention on his hand, his eyes were on her the whole time. He studied her every expression, how every muscle on her face moved as she focused.

“Where’s the first aid kit? Let me..” she tried to stand up but he stopped her. He wanted to say that it’s alright but when he saw the look on her face, the words died in his throat. “Let me get it,” he said instead.

As Chad left the kitchen, Zalen walked in. “Morning,” Stacy greeted with the same enthusiasm. “Morning,” he grunted, not bothered to be shocked anymore. Everyone around knew about her amnesia and how her personality changed with it.

Not paying much attention to her, Zalen started making his own breakfast. Soon, Chad entered with the first aid kit. Zalen lifted his head and took a glance at it before focusing back on his food. “Who’s hurt?”

“Chad,” Stacy answered as she motioned for his hand. Zalen gave them a nonchalant glance. Stacy was carefully putting medicine on the cuts on his knuckles. “Luckily you are bandaging it now. A few more hours and those will heal,” he said mockingly as he cast a teasing glance Chad’s way. That earned him a glare.

Zalen shrugged and went back to eating his breakfast. “Just pretend that I’m not here,” he said. Despite his dark skin, he felt especially bright in the kitchen.

As time ticked by and the sun rose higher in the sky, more and more people started walking into the kitchen. James walked into the kitchen. His eyes first landed on the couple at the counter. Chad’s eyes never leave Stacy as she carefully bandages his hand. Then, his eyes zoomed in on Zalen munching on his food at the corner.

As he approached Zalen, he elbowed him playfully. “Changing your profession into a light bulb today?” A dramatic eye roll later, Zalen responded, “well, welcome to the light bulb club. Today, our agenda is to watch the public display of affection of a pair of smitten couples.”

As if on cue, Will walked into the kitchen. “And the heartbreak of a lone guardian,” James leaned in to whisper. Will was tense. He had heard Matt disrespect Stacy the night before while he was drunk and how Chad nearly killed him for it. He was furious and wanted to beat him up himself but he was busy in the bar when it happened. Of course, what broke him more was how everyone was talking about their intimate moments after Stacy went after him into the forest.

The moment he walked in, the first person who caught his attention was Stacy. Then, his eyes traveled to her hands where she was tying up the bandage on Chad’s hand.

A strong feeling of jealousy hit him like a merciless punch. His already tensed body became even more mechanical as he walked over to the jar. The air around him was tense as he filled up a glass with water. Nobody dared to talk to him.

“What is everyone doing today? Any plans?” Stacy’s voice filled the room. Zalen and James looked over with confusion written all over their faces. They wore the matching ‘are you talking to me’ look. Will turned around to face her.

“The usual,” James answered. Stacy nodded and her attention drifted to Will. “Hey! You’re back. How’s work? Is the bar packed?”

Will’s expression softened. “Yes, the usual. I heard about what happened last night. Are you alright?” His expression turned into one of concern.

“I’m fine,” she assured before putting her hand on Chad’s arm. “He handled the situation,” she gave him an appreciative look at the end of the sentence, making the men at the side shiver. Will carefully masked his expression. Tension slipped back into his body as he hummed in response.

“What about you? Any plans today?” Chad directed the question at Stacy. James mimicked his action and ran his hands up and down his arms, dramatically showing the room that he’s got goosebumps.

“Remember what you said last night?” Stacy’s innocent eyes held Chad’s. He knew there was no room for discussion. “Of course. I promised,” he gave her a look of assurance. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”