GRACE'S POV

Caden's apartment
08:03 am

I woke up from a good sleep, rubbing my eyes I sat up. My eyes landed on my plastered leg on which Elijah had drawn some random cartoons last night for hyping up my mood.

Last night after some chaos with Elijah, Caden made sure that I ate medicine along with a mug of milk, then told me that he'll take the couch.

He is so understanding. He felt that I'm not comfortable sleeping next to him already. So being a gentleman he left the room last night.

I managed to get in the washroom and saw my reflection in the mirror my forehead was covered with a white banded. My eyes caught two toothbrushes next to the sink. I chuckled thinking how many times I'll think that everything seems strange. I can't change the fact that this surrounding is unfamiliar but at least I can try to be normal with them.

It must be hard for Caden to see himself as a stranger in his girlfriend's eyes.

The way he took care of me in only one day made me feel like a queen. He was more than gentle with his every act. Trying not to hurt me. Maintaining distance and all.

He does not deserve to be treated like a stranger in response. Making my mind I got freshened up before going outside the room with the support of a walking stick as the plaster was so heavy and I couldn't let my left leg touch the floor.

The delicious food smell filled my nostrils making me sniff it more. Following it I headed inside the kitchen only to see that Scott guy making breakfast.

" Good morning ". I said but as he was wearing a headphone he didn't hear me.

I went closer and tapped my fingers on his shoulder. He turned to look at his shoulder then found me standing smiling at him.

He immediately took off his headphone and rested them around his neck. " Hey". He said diverting his eyes here and there before passing by me. He went towards the dining table and pulled out a chair for me. " Sit, you shouldn't stand for a long time". He said waiting for me to obey him which I did. He took my walking stick and placed it near my chair before heading back towards the stove.

" You make breakfast everyday for us?". I asked resting my elbows on the table and my chin in my palms.

" Yeah, all the three meals". He replied making eye contact with me for a second before again turning back to continue his work.

His eyes are so beautiful. Dark blue orbs with long and thick eyelashes.

" Are you hungry?". He asked something for the first time.

" Wasn't but the food smell making me eat everything". I said smiling widely. I saw the side of his lips move up.

" It'll be ready in a few minutes". He said gaining hmmm from me in response.

" If you don't mind may I ask you something?". I asked seeing him turn to face me nervously.

" Sure ". He said nodding his head.

" What you guys do?". I asked. " I mean Caden and you guys' profession".

" We-". He struggled to say anything scratching his head.

" We are appointed to deliver VIP people's parcels". Elijah walked inside pulling both of our attention towards him.

My eyebrows crashed together as I didn't get him. " Delivery boys?". I asked following his muscular figure as he made himself sit in front of me on a chair.

He was wearing all black with his shirt in. Seemed like has taken a fresh shower. His shirt's upper few buttons were opened showing his buff chest.

" Kind of". He chuckled. " I and Caden deliver important office documents of VIP people as everyone can't be trusted. While Scott arrange their private jet's time from home. You'll always find him here". Elijah explained.

" Where are your families?". I asked but immediately regretted asking such a personal question.

" We are orphans". Elijah replied. I saw a little change of emotions in his eyes but he was fast to cover it again with his cheerful expression. " Where's Caden?". Elijah changed the topic smoothly.

" Sleeping". Scott replied without turning to face him.

" Still?". Elijah frowned but Scott didn't care to even nod this time. " You should have to wake him up". Elijah said gaining no repose from Scott so I butted in.

" He's sleeping on the couch in the living room". Elijah's head snapped towards me at my words.

" Poor baby". Elijah chuckled loudly. " You guys fought or something?". He asked.

I immediately shook my head. " No, I-I was just uncomfortable to- I Ummm-". I searched for words to excuse but failed badly. " Shall I wake him up?". I asked.

" Go ahead". Elijah replied.

" F*ck". I heard a deep voice cursing from outside the kitchen. I turned my head towards the door only to see Caden going towards the bedroom palming his neck.

" Cause of neck pain". Elijah said making me look back at him. " Sleeping on the couch".

I laughed at him as he kept on lightening up my mood.

Scott prepared a delicious breakfast and both of them started eating. I asked them to wait for Caden but they said he'll go to the gym first so I ate with them.

Elijah is free to talk. Mostly talks nonsense but at least speaks to me. Scott isn't that talkative and a little peckish.

Soon Caden came inside the kitchen wearing a sleeveless blue t-shirt paired with black sweatpants. " Don't forget to take medicines". He said placing my medicines next to my food plate before grabbing a water bottle from the refrigerator and leaving the apartment.

CADEN'S POV

I heard some giggling sound from inside the apartment's main door as I came back from the gym. Twirling the Keys in the keyhole I opened the door ajar only to see Scott standing on the leftmost corner of the living room and Elijah at the rightmost while Elly was making her way towards Elijah with her shaky legs as she wasn't holding her walking stick.

She had mixed expressions of fear and happiness on her face as she was nervously limping towards Elijah without any support.

" Come on come on come on...". Elijah keeps on motivating and clapping his hands.

" YEAH...". Both of the boys cheered loudly as she finally approached Elijah. She grinned in happiness. I unknowingly smiled too.

" Touch Caden now". Elijah said signaling her to walk towards me.

Nodding her head she slowly made her way towards me but stumbled a little in between. " Be careful". I said a little loudly. " Easy". I added as she looked up at me and nodded before continuing to step closer to me.

I forwarded my hands as she was about to approach me. As soon as she touched my palm Scott and Elijah started making noises again.

" I DID IT ". Saying that she threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly out of excitement.

I looked down at her small figure buring her face in my chest. She looks so tiny in front of us.

My attention got pulled towards Elijah's waving hand. " Hug her back you fool". Elijah mouthed.

I slowly wrapped my arms around her fragile body. " See I told you you'll be alright soon". I mumbled in her ear.

Her body tensed. She slowly pulled out looking up at me. Her cheeks were red. She smiled shyly making me smile back at her innocent face.

• Lies come in charming packages. Be wary.

Chapter published on: 11 March 2022