Episode 145

They faced away from each other, the air between them charged with an awkward tension that neither seemed willing to address.

Exiting the elevator and opening the door to her apartment, Elizabeth paused momentarily, shifting aside to allow room. “Thank you. Just place them by the door,” she instructed, her tone polite yet distant.
While she mulled over the best way to suggest Elijah should leave, he had already settled the items and sprawled out on the sofa with ease.
Glancing back at her lingering near the entrance, he remarked casually, “I’m thirsty.”
His tone carried a hint of entitlement as he continued, “Considering all the effort I’ve put in today, you wouldn’t refuse me a drink, would you?”
With a frosty expression, Elizabeth slowly shut the door and moved toward the kitchen, intent on boiling some water.
However, her hand paused as it grazed the kettle. A realization struck her—she was no longer obliged to cater to him.

On days when cramps tormented her, she didn’t even pamper herself with a warm drink. Why would she extend this courtesy to a man who was practically a stranger now?
Reconsidering, she pivoted and grabbed a cola and a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator.
Approaching Elijah, she extended the mineral water with evident reluctance.
He scowled, making no move to accept it. “Cold drinks upset my stomach,” he grumbled.
Elizabeth’s shoulders lifted in a dismissive shrug. “That’s all I have,” she retorted, her voice tinged with impatience.

His sudden fussiness was a stark contrast to his old self, who thrived on iced coffee during grueling workdays. Elizabeth’s frequent reminders, meant to be helpful, only grated on his nerves.
With a nonchalant gaze fixed on the cola in her grasp, Elijah spoke with a light, teasing tone. “I think I’ll help myself to that.”
Unwilling to cater to his whims, Elizabeth tossed the bottle of mineral water his way before indulging in the cola herself.