บท 83: Up On Your Feet

"Do you have an ice pack?" Ilyan asked, his eyes automatically going to the refrigerator in the kitchen. 

"Yeah," Irene said, leaning more onto the support of the couch. 

"Can I get it for you?" 

Even in the excruciating pain that she was in, his sincerity made her smile. The way he sought her permission before doing anything concerning her warmed her heart. Ilyan was a gentleman in every sense, the corners of her mouth lifted at the thought. 

"Sure." She nodded and right as he walked to the kitchen, she slumped down to the couch. "Ah," she winced, ensuring it was not loud enough to be audible to his ears. Clutching her abdomen, she drew her knees closer in an attempt to suppress the pain.

"Hey… are you alright?"

She quickly let go of her hand caressing her abdomen. Why the heck was he back so soon? 

"Yeah. I am good," she said, pulling the mask of her usual pretense on her face.