Nathan responded with a calm smile, âIâm okay.
What could perhaps happen to me?â
Lucinda wasnât convinced at all.
Having lived with him for so long, she knew him better than that.
She had bought his story for the past few days, but not this time.
She wasnât going to be fooled again!
Extending her hand towards him, she demanded, âPass me the food.
Iâll eat on my own.
â
When Nathan saw her insistence, he handed over the food, cautioning softly, âJust be careful, itâs hot.
â
She acknowledged with a nod.
When she took it, she swiftly placed it on the bedside table.
Afterward, she grasped his hand and pushed up his sleeve to examine his wrist, which appeared to be indicating something wrong.
âLucinda!â Nathan exclaimed in shock.
When he pulled his hand back, it was already too late.
She had caught sight of the bruises on his wrist.
With a mix of astonishment and rising anger, Lucinda confronted him.
âHow did you get these injuries? Even when youâve made errors, I have never subjected you to physical harm to the point of causing such severe bruises.
Whoâs responsible for this?â
Nathan cast his gaze downward, avoiding her eyes.
He appeared flustered and gripped his sleeves tightly.
âIt was nothing.
I just burnt myself on the pot while making porridge.
I neglected the wound, and it got worse.
But Iâve applied some medicine.
Donât worry about it.
â
But worry was written all over her face!
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she replayed what she had witnessed in her mind.
Why would the burns appear so severe? His wrists also bore bruises, as if heâd taken a blow from something.
Lucinda insisted, âIâm not buying it.
Extend your hands.
I need a closer look.
â
He remained still, trying to dismiss her concerns.
âIâm perfectly fine.
Donât fuss over it.
â
âHurry up! Stretch them out!â She commanded with determination.
âWhy did you keep your wounds a secret from me?â
Nathan lowered his head, motionless.
He did not explain and didnât show his hands.
He felt downhearted.
Lucindaâs sharp perception meant he couldnât hide anything from her.
âNate, youâre familiar with me.
I wonât give up until I get what Iâm after.
You can say no for now, but are you sure you can keep it hidden from me forever? Sooner or later, Iâll find out.
â She spoke gently, reaching for his hand again.
âI just feel sad for you.
Let me see, please.
â
However, Nathan pulled his hand away once again.