Chapter 7

The next day, Tamara only mustered the strength to get out of bed at noon. When she went downstairs, she found Braxton busy in the kitchen.

Lunch had been laid out on the table. An untouched breakfast had been pushed to the side.

Tamara didn't know when Braxton returned, nor did she care.

"Why have the nutritionists all left? If you can't decide, just hire them all. I can afford it." Braxton took her hand. His tone was fond, as though the man who'd scolded her yesterday wasn't him at all.

Tamara didn't move. She asked dispassionately, "Including the one Annalise took?"

Braxton released her hand immediately and turned to her angrily.

"How long are you going to keep this up? My patience is limited, Tamara Winslow."

In the 20 years they'd known each other, this was the first time Braxton had ever addressed her by her full name, apart from their first meeting.

The last time he'd told her that his patience was limited was when she was learning how to ride a bicycle. Back then, she kept falling into his arms. Braxton would tease her, but never once did he let go of her.

Now, anything related to Annalise could set him off at a moment's notice. He could accept Annalise's spoiled behavior, but wouldn't tolerate her questions.

Suddenly, Tamara didn't want to see him. Taking her bag, she left. As she shut the car door, she heard the sound of plates crashing onto the floor.

Tamara only went home in the middle of the night, only to find Annalise on the couch. She explained, "Mr. Merrick's going on a business trip. I'm here for work."

Ignoring her, Tamara went upstairs.

After a while, Annalise knocked on the door. "Mr. Merrick sent me to pack his bags."

Tamara flipped through her magazine. She pointed at their walk-in closet, but Annalise had already gone in.

She ran her fingers through Braxton's clothes and studied the shining jewelry in the glass cabinet, greed shining in her eyes.

Tamara acted as though she saw nothing.

When Annalise left the closet, Braxton walked in. He said coldly, "I'm heading to an island for this business trip for a few days. You can come if you'd like to."

There was a twisted expression on Annalise's face. Suddenly, the luggage by her side fell onto her legs.

"Careful!" Braxton rushed over and picked her up. He even wanted to pull her dress aside to check whether she'd been hurt.

Annalise shyly held his hand still, simpering, "Mr. Merrick, Ms. Winslow's still here."

Braxton let her go.

Without looking up, Tamara replied, "Have fun."

Annalise sighed, her relief apparent. "Ms. Winslow, don't read too much into this. Mr. Merrick and I are travelling for work."

"Hope it goes well." Her tone was not laced with any animosity, but Annalise still pouted, as though she'd gotten a scolding.

As expected, Braxton looked displeased. Grabbing the luggage, he dragged Annalise downstairs.

"We're leaving tonight."

As they drove away, Tamara took her pills and went to sleep. She dreamed of Braxton and what he was like when they'd first met.

"I don't like you anymore, Tamara. You didn't wait for me to leave school yesterday. Tamara, why did you ask him to help you get your kite? Why didn't you ask for my help? Are we going to play together tomorrow too?"

Tamara's pillowcase was soaked by her tears. In the darkness, Tamara opened her eyes.

Did Braxton dream of her too? Could he see her in his mind's eye as clearly as she did him?