CHAPTER 5: Awkward Moment

-=Ang's Point of View=-

I'm experiencing an excruciating pain that feels like my head might shatter. I tried to recollect the events that led to this agony, but the more I forced myself to remember, the more intense the pain became.

In a desperate attempt for relief, I shut my eyes momentarily, longing for the pain to dissipate. However, I soon realized that it wouldn't be that simple. After taking a few calming breaths, the throbbing in my head slightly subsided. As I opened my eyes, my gaze fell upon a pitcher of water within reach, accompanied by a comforting pain reliever.

"Thank you, mom," I murmured gratefully. I was certain that my mother had prepared the medication for me. Her support and care have always been unwavering. I patiently waited for a little while longer until the pain in my head completely vanished.

As the anguish in my head gradually faded away, the memories of yesterday and the events that unfolded throughout the evening started to resurface.

"I kissed her." That thought suddenly came to mind, but instead of feeling guilty for what I had done, I felt like it was the right thing to do, like it was meant to be, even though she's my sister-in-law.

I reminisced about the moment I crossed paths with Atilla once more, still exuding a captivating beauty that seemed to transcend time. However, my heart sank when I discovered she was carrying a child. The news tempted me to seek solace in alcohol, but surprisingly, encountering her again didn't inflict as much pain as our previous encounter.

"Is it because..." I halted my train of thought abruptly, refusing to entertain the idea that I harbored feelings for Miranda.

As soon as my headache dissipated completely, I swiftly retreated to the bathroom, yearning to wash away the intrusive thoughts swirling in my mind. Standing before the shower, as the water cascaded over my body, my right hand instinctively gravitated toward my lips, as if seeking the lingering warmth of Miranda's tender kiss. The memory ignited an all-encompassing warmth within me, a testament to my audacious claim to her crimson lips. Unbeknownst to me, my left hand began to venture southward, but thankfully, I managed to halt myself before succumbing to temptation.

Shit, Ang! You're not a teenager anymore, who can't control his libido!" I reprimanded myself.

I swiftly completed my shower, refraining from engaging in juvenile behavior, which is out of character for me.

Even during my time with Atilla, such thoughts never crossed my mind, and I refuse to entertain them in relation to Miranda, whom I should hold disdain for due to her unsuitability for my brother.

"Who, then, would be a suitable match for her?" It felt as though my subconscious was teasing me with that question.

I shook my head and proceeded to exit my room. Originally intending to head directly to the kitchen, I decided to make a detour past Anthony's room. As I approached, I caught a glimpse of Miranda's soft voice, which caught me off guard.

"I miss you so much, Anthony. You know you're the only one who supports me in this house, so please wake up." Miranda's words reverberated through me, and I couldn't help but feel foolish. What if I had misjudged her, and her intentions towards Anthony were not driven by money? What if she married him out of genuine love for my younger brother? And why did it hurt me to accept that she loved him? Who am I to feel that way?

I abandoned my visit to Anthony and headed directly to the kitchen, where Mommy and her husband awaited.

"Good morning, Ang. Once again, you're running late," Mommy greeted me.

"Apologies, I was simply savoring the moment," I explained as I prepared to take my seat. Then, a thought struck me, and I remembered to express my gratitude.

"Oh, by the way, Mom, thank you for the medication," I said, offering a warm smile.

"Medication? What medication?" Mommy asked, clearly puzzled.

"The headache medication you left on the table next to my bed," I clarified.

"Ah, that one? I didn't prepare for it. Miranda asked me earlier if I had any headache medicine," she casually explained.

I couldn't help but be touched by what I learned about Miranda's actions because, no matter how badly I treated her, she still showed concern for me.

 "Good morning," I was surprised to hear Miranda's voice. I couldn't help but turn to look at her, and our eyes met for a moment before she looked away.

 "Good morning; come join us for breakfast," my mom invited her, smiling.

I couldn't help but subtly gaze at her, while she was busy eating, as if she were completely focused on her food. But I was sure she also felt the awkwardness, especially after what happened between us.

"Is it delicious?" I was taken aback when my mom asked that because the table had been silent until now.

"What do you mean? Is something delicious?" I nervously asked, feeling sweat beads form on my forehead, afraid that she might have caught us last night.

"I mean, is the breakfast delicious? I prepared it for a change," she explained with a laugh. I felt relieved upon realizing that she was referring to the food and not what happened last night.

"It's... it's delicious," I felt like an idiot for getting so worked up while answering her question.

"Why don't you accompany Miranda for a stroll? Miranda must have been so bored here. I mean, you're always at home, Ang, so you should spend time with Miranda," my mom ordered, which went against my will.

But luckily, Miranda herself declined. "I'm okay, I'm happy to be able to watch over Anthony, but I'd like to ask for permission because I have something I need to do," she said with a smile.

She didn't linger any longer after finishing her meal and quickly went to her room to get ready. I couldn't help but continue to gaze at her as she left the kitchen.

I needed to fight the urge to follow her, but the desire to approach her prevailed.

"Ang! Where are you going?" I heard my mom calling. "I just forgot to do something," I replied, not waiting for her to respond.

I immediately headed towards Miranda's room, about to knock, when I suddenly stopped. "What am I going to say to her?"

That's what was going through my mind at that moment, but before I could decide, her room door suddenly opened, and I saw surprise in her eyes when she saw me standing outside her room.

 "W... what are you doing here?" She asked awkwardly, which was expected considering what happened last night.

"I just... I just... what happened..." I felt like a loony for not being able to complete one sentence.

"Don't worry about it, Ang. You were just drunk," she said, and I couldn't speak anymore, left behind as I watched her receding figure.

"Was I really just drunk?"