It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 27: A Pinch of Possession

The day began with a heavy silence. After waking up, I felt a sense of embarrassment and lingering anger over my terrible outburst the night before. To my surprise and unease, Rominic didn't utter a single word about the incident. In fact, he barely spoke to me at all throughout the day, and this only worsened my already foul mood. I couldn't bring myself to talk to the children, afraid that I might end up venting my anger and frustration on them.

I had hoped we could get through the day without any further interaction, but I was wrong. It was I who ended up disrupting the tense silence.

As I observed Rominic, I couldn't help but notice that he was clearly in pain, likely due to the fall he had taken the previous day. Try as I might, I couldn't ignore the fact that he was suffering. The more I tried to push it out of my mind, the more I felt the tears threatening to spill. It was my fault that he had fallen, and my mind raced with fear-driven thoughts. What if he dies? How would my children cope with the loss? There it was again, my constant worry for my children's wellbeing, and deep down, I didn't want to be the one responsible for someone's death.

Making matters worse, my office had been moved to Rominic's, making it even more difficult to ignore his presence and the signs of his discomfort. Whenever he tried to move, I couldn't help but glance in his direction. I knew he was doing his best to appear unaffected, and it would have been easy to pretend I didn't notice, but my conscience wouldn't allow me to do so. I found it impossible to concentrate on my work, my mind preoccupied with Rominic's health.

I was jolted with shock when I witnessed Rominic suddenly collapse to the ground, his computer tumbling down with him. Panic gripped me as I rushed over to his side. Thankfully, the computer had missed his head. "Oh my goodness, are you alright?" I blurted out, the words escaping me even as I realized the absurdity of the question – it was clear that he was not.

Without hesitation, I reached out and grabbed his hand, trying to pull him up. But the agonizing scream that escaped his lips caused me to pause. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I knelt down and carefully slipped my hand under his body, gently lifting him to his feet. I allowed him to lean his full weight against me as I helped him hobble over to the sofa.

Lowering him down, I watched with concern as he lay back, his face contorted with pain. "Should I call a doctor or something?" I asked, unsure of how to best help him.

"No, get me Stacy," he moaned, his voice laced with anguish. My lips instinctively formed a frown, and I felt a bitter taste linger on my tongue. I had come to his aid, and yet he was asking for another woman. I couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment.

"You know, I hate my kindness more than I hate you. Just sit here and don't move – not that you can, but you know what I mean," I retorted, the frustration evident in my voice.

"No, it's not something you can—" he began, but I cut him off, determined to tend to his needs to the best of my abilities, despite my conflicted emotions.

"Shut up," I replied in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. "As your PA, it is my responsibility to assist you. If you don't wish to see a doctor, I understand. I'll go get you some medication from the pharmacy. I'll be right back," I assured him.

"Lavender, listen to me," he cried out, only to groan and clutch his head, his face twisted in agony. Struck with fear, I quickly grabbed his car keys from the table and hurried to my own car to retrieve my wallet. Without delay, I rushed out the door.

As I drove out of the company, I paid no mind to the curious looks from onlookers as to why I was using my boss's car. Upon reaching the pharmacy, I swiftly purchased the necessary medications and hurried back to the office.