บท 4: Selene

As the stars shifted and night became bright, warmth attempted to enter the room through a large window. It didn't matter how much strength it used, the cloth that blocked its path was simply too thick.

The rustling and squirming from beyond the blanket never ceased throughout the night.

"I should have asked June for some sleep aid."

Her body felt sluggish, and her arms shook whenever she tried to get up.

It seems that I have truly regressed in time…

The pain in her head felt more real than the injured ankle. It rang and pulsated, assaulting her whole body with its fierceness.

"I guess I am having a fever from staying out in the cold for so long." Her pale hands covered her eyes, squeezing the sides of her forehead in an attempt to alleviate the headache.

"Do you know what time it is?" Her heart dropped when the door was suddenly pushed open. A pair of long legs didn't bother to stop at the entrance. "You should thank your injury for letting you spend the day in bed."

The words were cruel to her ears. His tone was brimmed with annoyance, not bothering to even conceal his disdain for her.

Keira glanced at him through the slit in her fingers. His furrowed brows and pursed lips made his face look more lustrous. The long, muscular legs, highlighted by his tight-fitted jeans, made his body proportions extremely desirable. The thin turtleneck tightly wrapped around his chest, hiding just enough to give him that mysterious aura.

The laziness of his posture didn't take away from his outstanding charisma. As long as he kept his mouth shut, Keira would be able to appreciate the beauty of her brother.

If she had a choice, she'd much rather interact with Lucas instead of this person.

Seeing her still silent with no intentions of responding, he let out a 'hah!' running his fingers through his hair with frustration.

"Selene somehow heard about your troublesome behavior, and now she's all worried and stressed out. Not only did she film a commercial all night yesterday, but now that she has some time to rest before having to film a variety game-show, she can't."

So? If only she could reply and anger the world with her inability to care, but her life was still in these people's hands.

"A crew of stylists will dress you. You're coming with me to cheer on Selene while she films her first variety game-show as an idol. Seeing you there will ease her anxious thoughts." With that, he turned on his heels and left the room.

She forced herself out of the bed and into the bathroom. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, every step she took nearly brought her to tears.

"Miss, you should have called me to help you." June quickly supported her weight, guiding her there and fetching a stool for her to rest her leg on. "Master William has ordered a wheelchair for you. He also attached a few guards to assist with the use of stairs and such."

"Father did?" She could feel her jaw clenching tightly, grinding against each other ever so slightly, barely noticeable to June.

Is he intending to keep me in check?

A large commotion interrupted their conversation, saving Keira from the thought of having to listen to the 'good things' her father did for her.

"My! It seems they have arrived already. Let's finish washing up so that they don't think negatively of you making them wait."

Keira knew that June meant well with what she said, but her stupid heart couldn't help but feel hurt by it. It felt like she was to be blamed for something she never wanted to do.

It didn't matter how many skin care products or serums the makeup artist plastered on her face, Keira couldn't shake the sluggish and feverish feeling, she didn't even care for the minor compliments they dropped along the way. Her outfit was modest, a long wide-legged jumpsuit that looked formal and elegant.

They styled her hair in a bun, pinning it together with a hair stick made from silver. A tiny flower bloomed at the tip, showing off its glamorous diamond in the middle of the petals. A pair of earrings and a necklace with the same flower and diamond were added to the look.

"Too bad you are injured, otherwise, wearing heels would help complete the look." The stylist sighed and called for the guard to come in. "She's been transformed. You can take her now."

"Excuse me, Miss." The guard was quick with his actions, sliding his hand under her leg and picking her up from the chair.

"Please, send my regards to Young Master Matthew. Hopefully, he likes how she turned out." The stylist and their team made a quick mention to June as they headed out.

As they headed for the car, she noticed a wheelchair being folded into its trunk. Matthew glanced at her briefly, frowning ever so slightly before beckoning for them to leave. Her black outfit had been matched to his shades of black. They both look like a unit, harmonious like a family would be.

"Miss, I prepared something for you to snack on during the ride."

"What kind of snacks?" She didn't even have a chance to touch the lunch box before Matthew snatched it away.

"I made an avocado egg sandwich with a light soup on the side."

"Alright." Nodding, he handed her back the bag.

"I packed a few painkillers as well as the prescription for the fever. There is also a cold patch to help cool the fever if her temperature rises. She was hot to the touch earlier in the bathroom."

June had always been a meticulous person. Her caring actions were as Keira had remembered. It caused her heart to bloom and tighten as she said her goodbyes to June.

"Aren't you going to eat? Do you like cold soup?"

Is he really asking this question? We haven't even left the main gate yet.

"What are you frowning so ugly for?" His tone was begging for Keira to shove her foot down his throat. The raised eyebrows and cocky grin was annoying to look at. "What? Are you waiting for me to feed you?"

Right…this is why I dislike Third Brother the most.

"I'll eat, so please shut up. My head hurts."

She no longer paid him any attention. The avocado egg sandwich, paired with ginger soup was an odd combination, one filled her up, and the other warmed her from the inside. She was no longer getting goosebumps or trembles, the parched throat was thoroughly lubricated, offering relief to her sickly body.

As she sat there digesting the light meal, her eyes watched the buildings shift from one to another. Skyscrapers dominated the area, casting shadows that offered relief for the eyes. It would have been more enjoyable if her face wasn't burning from the glare sent her way.

"What are you staring at me for?" She caught a slight flinch out of the corner of her eye.

"Are you stupid?" Keira whipped her head at the sudden insult. His eyes were filled with confusion as he equally stared her down.

"What?" Seriously! Why is he so good at angering me!?

"Sickly and stupid, what a weirdo." Large hands, prettier than a woman's, reached into the box and pulled out some pills. His lips were tilted slightly as he threw them in her lap. "So much for being 18, yet you can't use that stupid brain to think about such basic things."

"Why can't you hand them to me nicely?"

"That hoarse voice is disgusting to listen to, so just keep your mouth shut."

Keira could do nothing but sigh in frustration. She complied with his demands and took the pills, sneaking a glance his way once more before leaning back to rest her eyes.

I might die of anger this time around.

The emotion 'anger' was never something she delved into. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I trusted and loved them too much, and never got angry.

It was hard for her to control this foreign emotion. As a pushover and people pleaser, just fearing other's anger was enough to consume every other emotion.

Even with her eyes closed, Keira could feel occasional glances from the side. Her closed eyelids began to feel heavy, her thoughts no longer functioned as she drifted off into dreamland for the first time since waking up to the past.

Keira had fallen asleep.

The sensation of being amongst the clouds was new to Keira. Her forehead felt a sudden chill as the wind brushed past her face, it was but a moment yet the coldness never ceased. Her body casually lifted, giving her a weird churning in the depths of her stomach. It moved awkwardly forward, bouncing gently as it went.

I know I'm dreaming.

That's right, she knew she was experiencing a weird roller coaster of a dream. No human can fly amongst the clouds, that's just weird.

The sudden drop scared her awake.

"Oh, the sleeping beast is awake." It was horrifying, waking up to the face of a person who could easily anger someone to death. "You dare look at me with disgust!? I even did all the work of bringing you in here after you were dead asleep!"

Yep, let's go back to sleep.

"Hey!" Seeing her close her eyes again made him furious. His finger pinched her cheeks, forcing Keira to open her eyes once more. "Aren't you getting cocky? Now you know how to talk back to your elders!?"

"I haven't even said a word—!"

"Brother!" A voice resembling spring made everyone's head turn. Her bright grin and sparkling eyes made everyone's heart skip a beat.

She sprung excitedly, hugging the waist of her favorite brother without a care in the world. Their intimacy caused the bystander's lips to raise uncontrollably, everyone except Keira's.

"Selene!" His equally excited tone nearly gagged Keira. He wrapped his free arm around her, gently patting her back, all the while still using his other hand to pinch Keira's cheeks.

This is annoying. Keira swatted the hand that lingered on her skin, glaring. She used her normal foot to push the wheelchair back, only to find that it was locked in place.

As if noticing her attempt to get away, Matthew's hands clasp onto her head. He was considerate enough not to use much strength, but his grip refused the budge even with her pushing it.

His attention had long shifted to Keira, failing to notice that his hand had released Selene from his embrace.

"Oh! Keira is here as well!" Selene exclaimed immediately when she noticed the person in the wheelchair. "My dear, Keira! I missed you so much!"

Her hands were soft and warm, gently embracing Keira as she whispered sweet nothings into her ear. Her love language was such. She had always been someone who preferred skinship.

Keira could feel her muscles stiffen at the sudden hug, barely stopping herself from pushing Selene harshly.

"Sorry, Selene. I am not feeling well, so you should keep your distance, lest you catch a cold." Her hands were gentle as she pushed Selene off her. She could barely smile at this person she called 'sister.'

"That's right. You have so many sponsorship events and offers you need to do. It wouldn't be good to catch a cold." Matthew had long released Keira's head once Selene hugged her. "Doesn't the show start shooting in 30 minutes? Ask the stylist to check your wardrobe and makeup again."

"Oh, I nearly forgot! I'm so glad you are both here to cheer me on! Love you lots!" Her bubbly disposition was lovely, she couldn't help but attract everyone's attention.

"You stay here for a moment, I have to talk with the producers." He stopped in his steps, turning around to squint at her. "If I come back and you're gone, I'm locking you in the house until your foot heals."

"What the heck? Why does he care?" Keira watched him disappear around the corner and complained to herself.

Her eyes glanced around, only to see the bodyguards her father sent were doing their job seriously. Not even a moment of lacking. Do they have to watch her so intently?

"Is there an issue, Miss?" Her gaze didn't go unnoticed by the men.

"I need to use the bathroom." They shared a look before nodding and switching the locked position off.

"I will take you there."

She had no complaint, merely enjoying the feeling of being wheeled around expertly. The large studio was filled with staff members moving around set pieces and equipment. Their gazes momentarily turned toward her, watching with curiosity as the stranger made her way to the bathroom.

"Knock on the door when you are finished, I will open it for you." The guard wheeled her inside and shut the door. They were lucky to have found an all-gender bathroom large enough to accommodate the wheelchair.

The click of the door locking eased the guard's mind. He leaned against the wall, watching the staff work earnestly. It wasn't until someone came up to him and asked for help moving a large wood board.

"It will only be a moment. I just need it moved into that room." Hearing this, he nodded and helped with the process, thinking, I'm just stepping away for a minute. It should be fine.

It was in actuality, not fine.

Keira knocked on the door a few times, waiting for the other person to push open the heavy door for her, but all she got was silence.

KNOCK KNOCK

She knocked again with more force. There were no movements outside, it was still unresponsive, prompting her to try and open the door herself.

Her foot was on the ground, helping her balance as she got off the chair. Her eyebrows twitched at the slight pain that climbed her leg, making her stumble forward, grabbing the door handle for support.

"Ouch." She regained her balance, remembering not to put weight on the right side of her body, and attempted to pull the door open.

With her measly strength, she managed to open it slightly before her grip slipped. Her body stumbled again, this time backward, fully applying weight to the swollen ankle.

"Careful." The closing door was pushed open by a tall figure. He instinctively reached for her, pulling the stumbling girl into his arms.

Pain was the only thing that occupied her mind. Her eyes burned and her teeth sank into her lips. Although she had been shuffling around on the ankle, it was the first time since the incident that she fully pressed down on it.

The pain was guttural, silencing any noise that wanted to escape her lips. She could only endure it in silence.

"With such an injury, you should be recuperating at home." His voice was smooth like butter, tickling her ear with every word he spoke. It was like a siren, causing her mind to go blank and reply without another thought.

"Selene wanted me to be here, otherwise, she would be sad." Keira woke from her stupor the moment she spoke that sentence. His dazzling grin nearly blinded her.

"And with a fever, too." His hands were gentle as they peeled off the cooling patch on her forehead. It felt ticklish, making her squirm uncomfortably in her seat.

When did I…? She didn't even realize that she was sitting in her wheelchair. This person…

"Keira!" The door shot open with the strength of a wild boar. Matthew nearly choked at the sight in front of him.

How could his sister be in the bathroom alone with a man? Unacceptable!