I wanted to explain that I was just here to rest—that I was in pain and exhausted—but facing her, the words caught in my throat. I could not bring myself to sound weak.
She waved a hand at me and added, "You look miserable. These beds were pushed together for me because Darien thought I’d be more comfortable like this. But go ahead, you can lie down too, just for a bit."
I did not respond. I was too tired to care about pride. I just walked toward the bed quietly.
But just as I reached it, Vienna gasped and collapsed sideways, letting out a dramatic cry, as if I had shoved her.
At that moment, Darien burst in with a kettle in hand and I immediately understood what this woman was trying to do.
The kettle hit the floor with a loud clatter as he rushed toward Vienna, looking panicked.
"Vienna, are you all right? Did you hurt somewhere?"
"I’m fine. Don’t blame Elodie. I must’ve just lost my balance…" she murmured tearfully. Even I almost believed her.
"What do you mean you lost your balance? You're too kind. You get hurt like this and still make excuses for her. That’s why people think they can walk all over you."