Chapter 28.2: Jealousy
Yet, what good did external beauty hold? In Shiloh’s perspective, genuine beauty emanated from one’s soul.
“Alright,” Julia paused, glancing at the attendant beside her. “Is the heated medicine prepared?”
“Certainly, madam.”
“Bring it here.”
“Of course,” the attendant handed the bowl of medicine to Shiloh.
Gazing at the concoction within the bowl, even darker than his previous doses, Shiloh hesitated to part his lips.
“Drink it while it’s still warm, before it loses its potency,” Julia encouraged with a smile, sensing Shiloh’s apprehension towards the bitterness.
Shiloh rolled his eyes and inhaled deeply, mustering his courage to consume the liquid.
“The mixture I’ve prepared for you today might prove significantly more bitter than what you’ve previously tasted.”
Julia’s statement caused Shiloh’s movements to falter, his temples involuntarily twitching.
Having already detected Shiloh’s aversion to bitterness, Julia playfully exploited the knowledge to tease him.
“Afraid, are we? Don’t dawdle. If the temperature drops, the medicine’s effectiveness. diminishes.”
Gathering his resolve, Shiloh drew a deep breath, yet still hesitated to proceed. Julia reached into her pocket, retrieving a milk candy that she then presented to Shiloh with a gentle smile. “Here you go.”
Shiloh directed his attention to the candy cradled in Julia’s palm, his reaction. somewhat taken aback.
Meanwhile, seated between the two, Jared sat with his fingers interlaced across his lap, his countenance somber and his eyes contemplative. Observing the milk candy within Julia’s grasp, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat superfluous.
“Hmph! Do you believe I’m a toddler?” Shiloh refocused his gaze, slightly flustered. “I just think the medicine isn’t too hot. I’ll have it at room temperature; it’s not steaming. anymore.”
With his words spoken, Shiloh lifted his head and proceeded to drink the medicine, a series of gulps echoing as he swallowed the concoction. His brow furrowed more intensely with each gulp, the bitterness twisting within his stomach and inducing a sense of queasiness.
1/2
Were it not for fear of losing face in front of Julia, he would have surely halted midway and sipped the medicine at a leisurely pace.
Emptying the vessel in a single swig, Shiloh felt transformed. Reaching for the milk candy in Julia’s hand, he deftly removed the sugar coating and popped it into his mouth.
The sweet, creamy flavor instantly provided relief from his discomfort. As clarity returned to his thoughts, a pang of regret surged within Shiloh. He had indulged in Julia’s candy, inevitably setting himself up for her future jests.
Just as Shiloh pondered this, Julia’s voice resounded.
“This medication needs to be taken three times daily. After this week, the dosage will escalate further in the following week. Make sure to stock up on sugar for yourself. Don’t be shy about it; the primary concern is that your stomach might struggle to adapt to the intensity of the bitterness. If you end up vomiting, taking the medicine would be in vain.” Julia’s gaze locked onto Shiloh, her words carrying a profound seriousness.
Shiloh’s pupils dilated slightly as a sense of bewilderment and astonishment washed over him.
Wasn’t she going to mock him? Why was there no trace of mockery in her words? Was there even a hint of consolation?
Jared checked his watch; 31 minutes had elapsed. They had interacted and tended to him like he was part of the background. Was it possible that he had become invisible?
This thought prompted Jared to abruptly rise from his seat, finally capturing Julia’s
attention.
Yes, he had done it to wrest Julia’s focus away from his brother.
Yet, before Jared could even relish this fleeting triumph, Julia’s attention withdrew from him and resettled onto Shiloh.
“Within two weeks, at the most, you should be able to grasp onto something and stand up,” she assured Shiloh with unwavering determination.
Learning this, Shiloh’s heart swelled with immense joy. The prospect of finally rising to his feet and casting aside the need to gaze upward at others was exhilarating.
However, just then, an unexpected hand emerged and settled in the space between Julia and Shiloh.
Both Shiloh and Julia were caught off guard, their heads swiveling simultaneously to focus on Jared.
What could he possibly be up to?
Jared extended his hand towards Julia, his intentions not immediately clear. “Pass it over,” he requested.
