Chapter 142: The One For Me

As Clyde finally managed to stop coughing, he wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. His face was still flushed from the heat of the spices. 

Althea hovered nearby, her expression a mix of concern and guilt. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle as she handed him another glass of water.

Clyde nodded, though his throat was still burning. "Yeah, I think I will survive," he croaked, offering a weak smile. "Though, I might need a few days to recover my taste buds."

Althea winced. "I am so sorry, Clyde. I should have known Vyan was up to no good. I can't believe I fell for his prank."

Clyde chuckled, though it was a bit shaky. "It's alright. Honestly, I think I know why he did this. He probably just wanted to diffuse the awkwardness between us. I mean, I tend to get hysterical when my mouth is burning."

"Well, I mean, you could have been a tad bit calmer—"