I was speechless. There was no way to explain this now. The way Aiden was looking at me—like he wanted to kill someone—I really had no idea what to say. “Well then, have fun,” he said coldly. Andrix looked smug. “Got it. We’ll try to be home tonight.” He deliberately emphasized try to be home. Aiden’s expression darkened instantly. His hand clenched into a fist. “Enough. Weren’t you hungry? Let’s go,” I frowned and tugged at Andrix’s sleeve, wanting to get out of that suffocating atmosphere. “Alright, we’re heading out now.” Aiden stayed silent, his cold gaze following us as we walked away. The moment we got outside, I yanked my hand away from Andrix. “What? Are you mad?” he asked, still smiling. “I know you like my big brother, but you’re my girlfriend now. You can’t throw a tantrum over another guy.” I said coldly, “Andrix, does this really make you happy?” “It does.” “What’s the point of all this? You and I are never going to happen.” He chuckled. “I think I can make you fall in love with me in three months.” “Not a chance.” What did he think I was? Some hormone-crazed Rogue? Fall in love in three months? More like I’d hate him in three. “We’ll see.” I took a step back. “I told you—there’s nothing between us. Give it up. And you can go eat by yourself. I’m not hungry.” “Come with me. You know what happens when I get mad,” he said, eyes fixed on me.“I’m a patient. I haven’t been feeling well, and the doctor advised me not to leave my bed. So, sorry, I can’t help.” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m the doctor.” “Andrix, I’m seriously running out of patience!” I snapped. Seeing that I was genuinely pissed, he finally backed off with a grin. “Fine, go rest. I’ll eat alone.” Once he was gone, I felt like I could finally breathe again. Pretending to be all lovey-dovey with him had made me feel absolutely disgusting. I stood there for a few minutes, trying to collect myself before heading back to my room. But just as I reached the inpatient wing, someone lurking in the hallway startled me. Who stands in a place with no lights like that? Trying to scare people? I walked over to take a closer look and froze. It was... Aiden? A cigarette was pinched between his fingers, its ember flickering in the dark like a tiny flame. “Aiden, you...” In my memory, Aiden never smoked. “Just a cigarette. I’ll head back in a bit.” A wave of unease washed over me, and I blurted out, “Are you upset?” “Nothing to be upset about. You and Andrix seem good together.” The bitterness in his voice hit me like a punch. My heart twinged with guilt. “So, you do think Andrix and I make a great couple, huh?” I forced a smile. “Well, that’s what you wanted, isn’t it?” I turned to go, but he suddenly slammed a hand against the wall beside me, pinning me in place. His large hand gripped my waist. His eyes burned with fire, like he could swallow me whole. “Raelynn, are you really that bad at picking up on sarcasm?” Seeing calm, composed Aiden like this—so out of control—I was at a complete loss for words.Was he about to confess to me? “I have my reasons,” I muttered, unsure what else to say. “What kind of reason would make you willingly be with him? You’re not someone who gives in to threats easily.” He was visibly trying to keep his anger in check. “I told you. I have my reasons. But I’m not staying with him forever. Once the time’s right, I’ll break up with him.” His eyes darkened. “And when exactly will the time be right?” “He’s holding something over me. I need to bide my time,” I said, meeting his eyes. I wasn’t even sure why I was explaining myself to Aiden. But something about his face made me feel strangely guilty. “What is he holding over you?” “I helped that girl save her mom. Now Andrix is using it against me. I need to get her mother transferred out of this hospital before I dump him. Otherwise, I’m afraid he might pull something shady.” That was my plan. As long as I could find a way to distract Andrix for a few days and handle the transfer, I’d end it with him immediately. “I’ll help you.” Aiden’s icy look faded. “I can handle it,” I said, watching his expression soften. I couldn’t help but tease him. “Aiden, don’t tell me... you actually like me?” To my surprise, he didn’t deny it. “I have to admit, I really have fallen for you.” I froze. Moon Goddess help me. Aiden actually said it—just like that. “You... like me?”