Chapter 9 This Woman is Fierce, Ruthless, and Vindictive

After a hectic morning, once the three kids were finally down for their nap, Kathie had to give Jonathan his acupuncture treatment and, of course, make him drink his medicine.

This time, she added a piece of candy.

"Here, drink up," she said, placing the candy in front of him.

Jonathan eyed the candy and asked, "How long do I have to keep drinking this stuff?"

Kathie thought for a moment. "At least two weeks. If you're not getting better, it could be over a month."

Jonathan looked at her, feeling hopeless. He had already choked down a bowl of the medicine that morning, and it made his lunch taste bitter. If he had to drink it for a month, how could he stand it?

Kathie couldn't stand adults who couldn't handle a bit of hardship, so she let him have it.

"You're complaining? Do you know how hard it is to find and prepare these medicines? These precious herbs, people offer me a fortune for them, and I still refuse. I'm treating you out of kindness, so be grateful," she said.

Kathie decided that tonight she would add an even more bitter herb to his medicine, so he could taste real bitterness.

Jonathan didn't say a word, already feeling scolded.

After a moment of hesitation, he conceded. "Fine, I'll drink it."

This time, he didn't make a fuss and drank it all in one go. Apart from a frown, he had no other reaction.

"That's better. Now, I'm going to give you acupuncture. It might hurt a bit, so bear with it."

His legs were still numb that morning, and even though she was a miracle worker, he didn't believe she could make him recover so quickly. He didn't take her words seriously.

Seeing his skeptical look, Kathie didn't waste any more words. She took out the silver needles and inserted them into specific points. As her fingers gently twisted, the needles went deeper.

At first, Jonathan didn't feel anything and even started to doubt Kathie's skills.

But when the ninth needle went in, he felt a current run through his legs. Before he could feel happy, the current turned into a sharp pain.

It felt like countless hammers were pounding his bones, the pain twisting his face.

"What are you doing?"

"I told you it would hurt. You didn't take it seriously."

"But you didn't say it would hurt this much. It feels like you're taking revenge on me."

"If you keep talking like that, I might really take revenge."

Kathie didn't need to waste her time on such things to get back at him.

This woman was fierce, ruthless, and held grudges.

Jonathan quickly calmed down. Despite the pain, the return of sensation meant his legs were improving.

Fifteen minutes later, Kathie removed the needles. Jonathan's legs were trembling, and this change excited him.

"I can really feel it. You're a miracle worker," he exclaimed.

"Now you should believe me. If you cooperate with my treatment, it won't be long before you can stand up."

Seeing the sweat on her forehead, Jonathan felt grateful for her focused effort.

"Thanks."

"It's rare to hear you say that. Rest well, we have another session tonight."

Kathie packed up and left. Jonathan watched her leave, lost in thought.

Finally done with her tasks, Kathie returned to her room and lay down on the couch for a nap.

The quiet of the suburbs, far from the city's noise, was soothing. Apart from the wind, there were occasional bird calls.

In her half-asleep state, she felt like she was back on her wedding night, entangled with a man whose face she couldn't see.

The sensation was so real, her body heated up, feeling enveloped by a broad chest again.

Kathie squeezed her legs together. She often dreamt of that night, showing how deeply it had affected her.

Who was that man?

Kathie had been troubled for four years, desperate to see his face. As the man was about to leave, she reached out and grabbed something solid.

"Don't go!" Kathie opened her eyes eagerly, only to see Jonathan's handsome face.

How could it be him?

Both of them were stunned.

Jonathan couldn't sleep in his room and had come to borrow some books.

Seeing her curled up on the couch, looking uncomfortable, he had knocked but got no response. Worried, he had entered, only to be grabbed by her.

Kathie let go and tried to compose herself. "I told you to rest. Why are you in my room?"

Jonathan moved closer, noticing her flushed face and the panic in her eyes. Then he understood immediately.

"Dr. Cavendish, having a naughty dream in broad daylight? Were you dreaming about me?" he teased.

Kathie panicked even more and stood up quickly. "Say one more word, and I'll stick needles in you randomly."

"Your reaction says it all. You really dreamt about me, didn't you?" Jonathan was a bit pleased.

This was beyond embarrassing. Kathie would never admit to dreaming about him.

"Why is the bold Dr. Cavendish suddenly speechless?"

"Do you want me to make you mute? Leave my room before I lose my temper."

Jonathan found it amusing. When she couldn't win an argument, she resorted to threats. She was not to be messed with.

But he was genuinely curious. "If you don't want to talk, just nod or shake your head. Give me a straight answer."

Kathie picked up a silver needle from the table, looking at him with a sinister gaze.

Jonathan didn't believe she would actually hurt him over this.

As they argued, the three kids walked in one by one.

"Mommy, oh, the handsome man is here too."

"Mommy, we're awake."

"Mommy, hug!"

Eileen reached out for a hug, and Kathie shot Jonathan a glare before picking her up.

Then she smiled. "Did you all sleep well?"

Eileen nodded sweetly. "Yes, we did."

Kathie's heart melted. "Good. Mommy has prepared some snacks. Wait here, I'll go get them."

She used this as an excuse to escape, avoiding Jonathan's questions.

Left in the room, the kids stared at Jonathan. Eileen climbed onto his lap. "Mr. Handsome, why are you in Mommy's room? Do you like her too?"

Jonathan was at a loss for words.

Zachary smirked. "Mommy smells nice. Who wouldn't like her?"

Kyle put his hands on his hips. "You can't take Mommy from us."

Jonathan was speechless.

He hadn't said a word, yet he was accused of liking their mommy and trying to take her away.

"Mr. Handsome, why aren't you saying anything?" Eileen waved her little hand in front of his face.

What could Jonathan say? They had cornered him.

"I'm just your mommy's patient. Once I'm better, I'll leave," Jonathan replied.

Eileen looked sad. "But you lost your memory. You don't remember your family. Where will you go? Just stay with us."

Jonathan glanced at Kyle and Zachary, who didn't seem to welcome him. He expected them to want him gone.

To his surprise, Kyle nodded. "Even if you can't help much, having a tall man as a bodyguard isn't bad."

Jonathan was speechless!

Zachary agreed, "People always try to date Mommy, and she hates it. You look good, so you can stay and be her shield."

Kyle and Zachary had his role all figured out.

Outside the door, Kathie heard the conversation and couldn't help but laugh. Although Jonathan's presence brought her trouble, it also added some fun.

For years, she had raised the kids alone, feeling somewhat lonely and desolate.