Betrayal Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 5 The Terrifying Pain

I woke up suddenly, but I didn't move, keeping my breathing steady and my eyes closed, listening to the approaching footsteps. It was Cathy.

Under the covers, I clenched my fists instinctively, my palms sweaty.

Though I lay with my back to the door, I could sense her standing by my bed. I could hear her faint breathing and smell that familiar, faint perfume.

"Mrs. Davis!" she called softly.

I didn't respond or move.

The next second, she nudged my shoulder with a bit too much force. Luckily, I was prepared and didn't give myself away.

"Huh. Sleeping like the dead," she muttered under her breath.

Her voice, though like a whisper, hit me like a thunderclap. Her tone wasn't complimentary at all. I could tell it was filled with disdain.

My mind became clearer. It really was Cathy.

Before I could fully process this thought, something even more horrifying happened within an eyeblink. A sharp, piercing pain suddenly struck my scalp. I instinctively groaned, almost breaking my act.

I forced myself to endure it, moving my head slightly as if in discomfort but still appearing drowsy and not fully awake.

Inside, I was devastated. Anger, shock, and betrayal surged through me, tears welling up in my eyes as I struggled to keep my composure.

How could Cathy do this to me? I treated her like a sister, and this was how she repaid me?

I finally understood the frequent needle-like pain I had been experiencing. It was piercing yet fleeting, and I thought it was just a bad dream.

However, it was a real, malicious act happening to me while I was barely conscious. No wonder it hurt like hell, so much that the pain still lingered after I became sober.

Seeing that I wasn't waking up, Cathy slapped my face repeatedly. "Wake up! Time for your medicine!"

Her voice was nothing like the gentle tone she usually used. It was cold and sinister.

I was in a state of disbelief. I could hardly believe that Cathy, the woman I trusted, was doing this to me.

It wasn't until she slapped me again that I realized I couldn't keep pretending anymore.

I stirred, letting out a small moan, and slowly opened my eyes, looking out the window in confusion. My mind was reeling. What had happened to turn this seemingly kind and honest Cathy into such a villain?

Cathy spoke again, her voice reverted to its usual softness, "Mrs. Davis, wake up. It's time for your medicine."

"Hmm..." I sighed, trying to compose myself. I turned over slowly and looked directly at Cathy, my eyes misty.

Our eyes met, and her smile faltered briefly before she quickly resumed her gentle demeanor. "Did you sleep well? Let me help you sit up."

I didn't break eye contact, staring at her until she grew nervous and looked away. Then, I sighed dramatically. "Cathy, I've been thinking... Do I have some terrible illness that everyone is hiding from me?"

She adjusted my blanket as if nothing had happened. "Oh, Mrs. Davis, you're overthinking again. Everyone gets sick. You've just had kids back-to-back, and it's taken a toll. With some time, you'll get better."

"Maybe, but why do I feel weaker every day? I sleep so much like I'm catching up on a lifetime of rest. Every day, it's just medicine and sleep. Cathy, I appreciate everything you do for this family!"

"Don't mention it, Mrs. Davis. It's my job," she replied, glancing at me. "Resting is the best way to recover. Healing takes time! They all say that it's easy to catch a disease but difficult to get rid of. Let me get your medicine."

She turned and left quickly. I sat up slowly, staring blankly in the direction she had gone, rubbing my sore scalp, my mind racing with plans to avoid the medicine.

When I pulled my hand back, I saw a small smear of blood on my fingertip, just a hint but still fresh.

I discreetly wiped it away.

Cathy soon returned with a bowl of medication, holding it out to me. "Here, drink this."

I nodded slightly but didn't take the bowl. Instead, I touched the spot on my head where I had been pricked, looking at Cathy. "Cathy, can you check this spot for me? It really hurts."