I woke up snuggled close to Daniel again. But this time he was awake, pulling my fringe back only for it to bounce back onto my face. I looked up at him as he peered into mine, waiting for a reaction out from me. " Good morning," I wished him, my voice slightly deeper after not using it for more than eight hours. His lips tipped up as his eyes glowed. "Good morning, how are you feeling?" He asked, his palm resting against my head.

" Fine, I guess." I replied, rubbing my eyes with my fists. I looked back at him to see a smile shining back at me. But then I realized that it was a sad smile. " I am going to have to tell you everything today right?" I asked, hoping that I had woken up a little later. Daniel gave me slow nod, showing his hesitation. I let out a small sigh, pulling away from his warm embrace and sitting up. " Well how about we talk after work, outside? At a cafe or a park? We don't have to talk now." Daniel assured, searching my face for a reaction.

" That would be nice. But do not say that I did not warn you, my story is sad and time-consuming." I warned, worried that he will back out. He shook his head fast, shooting me with a sincere glare. " I don't care. This has been haunting you and I want you to talk to me about it." He stated, earning a smile from me. " Well, we should get ready for work, shouldn't we?" I asked, stretching my body. " I should but I'm the boss of my company so I can take my time." He replied, looking at my jealous face with a serious one.

" That is very unfair in many ways. I mean, how are you not entitled to reach work on time?" I asked, crossing my arms. Daniel chuckled before sitting up as well. He pulled me into his embrace again and replied, " Well wifey, since I'm the boss I can decide what time I am entitled to reach work. But just one word from you and I will be at work when you want me to." I rolled my eyes and huffed. Daniel laughed out loud, hugging me close to his chest. " I am not the boss of my hospital so I have to get ready for work. So if you could kindly remove your arms?" I asked, looking up at him.

" Just a while longer?" He questioned, holding me tighter. I nodded as I rested my head against his chest. We huddled close for a while before Daniel let go off me. " I will just go and shower," I informed him as I got off the bed. I walked back to my room and got ready for work. After donning my robe, I walked to my wardrobe and took out a red and black flannel shirt and blue jeans. After I wore them, I stuffed my feet into a pair of sneakers and got my backpack ready. I tied my hair into a bun and wore my watch.

I walked back into Daniel's to see him wearing his watch. " I will get going then," I mentioned, hiking my bag higher. " I can drop you off at the hospital?" He asked, walking to me. Should I go with him? I contemplated for a while, before nodding. " Come, let's go," Daniel pointed towards his door. He opened the door for me like a gentleman, flashing me his gorgeous smile. I smiled, shaking my head and exited the room. He closed the door behind and walked me down the stairs with his palm against my back. We walked to the dining room to see it filled.

Mother and Mom were in a girly discussion. Father and Dad were talking about politics as Brother poked at his food. Their heads tilted up as we were noticed. Mother scowled immediately and Father's jaw clenched. Mom and Dad looked relieved that we had finally arrived for breakfast. Brother's eyes softened as he looked at me. I looked away from all of them and Daniel direct me to sit down. " Good morning!" Daniel greeted, flashing everyone his warm smile. " Good morning, dear. How are the both of you this morning?" Mom asked, dragging her greeting, a smile gracing her face.

" I am starving. Let's start having breakfast, shall we?" He asked, looking at everyone. They nodded and started digging in. A plate of pancakes was placed in front of me. The pancakes were stacked in a perfect order as chocolate syrup was drizzled over it. I wanted to eat it, but Mother's eyes zeroed onto me silently warning me not to touch it. I picked up my glass of water and sipped on it slowly. " Hannah, why aren't you eating?" Mom asked, raising Daniel's gaze from his plate.

" Umm... I am not feeling hungry, Mom. I will eat later," I replied, cautiously looking between Mother and Mom. Mother's face was filled with content as she continued to eat. Mom just stared at me for some time before continuing with her breakfast. Daniel leaned into me and asked, " Why aren't you hungry?" I looked at him and just shrugged. The acids in my stomach started to claw onto the wall, causing my hunger to increase. But I sat patiently and waited for everyone to finish their breakfasts.

" I should get to work then. Have a great day ahead. Hannah," Daniel raised my attention from the plate of untouched pancakes. I shot Mom and Dad a small smile as I stood up from the table. " Wait Hannah. I can drop you off to the hospital," Brother's voice rang through my brain. Daniel's head whipped around to me, his gaze first landing on me then onto Brother. I blinked a few times and turned slowly to face him. Mother stared at him like he had grown two horns and Father's face was filled disappointment.

Brother was already up from the table and facing me. " What?" Mother gasped, unable to take the shock. My head whipped to Mother as her face turning red with all the pent up anger. Brother looked at Mother then back at me. " Hannah, I would like to drop you off at the hospital." Brother repeated. My eyebrows shot up as uncertainty filled my mind. I was thinking of a reply but Daniel's arm snaked around my waist. " I am dropping her off, you don't have to worry about it Dylan." Daniel replied, as I looked at him with gratefulness.

" Okay, how about I pick you up after work?" Brother asked again, his gaze boreing into my eyes. My mind buzzed, thinking why would Brother ask this and in front of Mother and Father. I wanted Daniel to reply for me again and he thankfully did. " I'm sorry, Dylan. I'm picking her up from the hospital. We're going out." Daniel informed smugly. Father grimaced at the use contractions as Mother's eyes widened even further. Brother eyes turned into slits as his gaze zeroed in onto Daniel. But Daniel stood uncowered, challenging Brother.

" Fine then, I will talk with you some other time then. Have a great day at work, Hannah," Brother wished before, walking out of the dining room. Daniel stared at him before turning to face me. I shrugged quickly, trying to tell him that I was no part of whatever that had just happened. He nodded slightly before facing the table. " Excuse us," Daniel asked, before pulling me away from the dining room gently. I did not dare to turn around to see Mother's and Father's faces.

But I knew I was going to have a big talk once I come back home.

❤