HAUGHTY-To Love ✔

CHAPTER 21

FEW WEEKS LATER

AUN POV

"Try to raise your hand a little, Aun," Lily said gently, her voice filled with care and concern. She delicately pulled my dress from the bottom to cover up my naked chest. Following her instructions, I lifted my arms slightly, allowing her to pull the dress up until it reached my armpit.

Lily was considerate, helping me lower my hand slowly to minimize any discomfort.

"There, done," she announced, tying the knots on my shoulders before proceeding to brush my hair.

Over the past three weeks, my life had become akin to that of a baby. I had two caretakers, Lily to assist with changing and washing, and JungYun to feed and look after me constantly. Their presence and support were invaluable during my recovery.

Despite my injury, I made an effort to regain some independence by attempting small tasks on my own. While moving my arm still caused me pain, it was bearable, especially when JungYun was by my side. His presence provided me with comfort, making the pain easier to bear.

As I thought about JungYun, I couldn't help but see him in a different light from our university days. He had transformed into someone calm and gentle, even when I would occasionally provoke him. Despite my behavior, he endured it and remained a source of solace for me.

Every day, JungYun would diligently change my bandages, ensuring proper treatment and providing various comforts to aid in my quick recovery. Yet, in return, I continued to give him the silent treatment, unable to let go of the hurtful words he had spoken to me three weeks prior.

Witnessing his caring nature and the effort he put into taking care of me, I began to soften towards him. However, I still wasn't ready to engage in conversation. Our interactions consisted of short responses like "yes," "no," and "okay," with little else spoken.

JungYun, being impatient and stubborn, eventually confronted me about my silence. But all he received was a brief reply of "no." He knew the reason behind my silence, yet he never took the initiative to apologize for his harsh words.

Perhaps hearing a genuine apology from JungYun would help me lower my guard and be more willing to forgive him. I was ready and willing to move past this if he could only offer a sincere apology.

Despite the fact that some may view me as easily forgiving the man who insulted me in front of others, hearing a simple apology from him hasn't erased the lingering resentment I feel. However, his recent actions and gestures have stirred unfamiliar emotions within me.

There are moments when I find myself longing for his presence. Yet, I am aware that it is unhealthy to develop such feelings for someone who is only fulfilling his duty as assigned by my father.

If my father were to discover my sentiments towards JungYun, he would undoubtedly be disappointed in me. He wouldn't approve of his daughter falling in love with a man whom he entrusted with my safety.

Furthermore, I understand that JungYun sees me solely as a junior, and it's unlikely that he reciprocates any romantic feelings. Considering all these thoughts racing through my mind, it would be wiser for me to suppress my emotions towards

JungYun and regard him solely as a good friend or a helpful senior in my studies.

"I cannot allow myself to have feelings for him, as it would disappoint both my father and JungYun."

"You seem to be lost in thought, Aun," Lily's words snapped me out of my daze. I looked at her, realizing she had been staring back at me. "Nothing, I just..." I trailed off, searching for answers. But before I could find any, Lily spoke up. "You've been like this for the past two weeks, Aun. What has happened to you?"