"Getting cold?" he asked with concern.
"Let's walk a bit more. It's such beautiful weather."
When we passed in front of Kholod, Lorenzo naturally put his arm around my shoulders. "Watch out for the rocks."
I could feel that burning gaze following us until his figure gradually blurred in the distance.
That evening, I was feeding Leo when the doorbell rang.
"Who is it?" I called out.
"It's me."
Kholod's voice made my hand tremble slightly, and I nearly dropped the bottle.
"I don't want to see you," I said. "Go away."
"Noelle, I want to talk to you."
"We have nothing to talk about."
"Just five minutes." His voice sounded almost pleading from outside the door.
I bit my lip, then finally stood up, carrying Leo to the door.
After a moment's hesitation, I opened it while still holding Leo.
Kholod stood outside, his face still bearing bruises from his altercation with Lorenzo.
"Five minutes only." I stepped aside to let him in.
He walked in, his gaze immediately falling on Leo in my arms.
"He..."
"Has nothing to do with you." I cut him off. "Kholod, say what you came to say."
He held out a first aid kit in his hands. "I noticed your inhaler is nearly empty. This is a new one."
"I don't need it."
"Noelle, this is about your safety." He insisted. "You can hate me,you can refuse to forgive me, but please don't gamble with your own life."
I bit my lip, then finally accepted the first aid kit.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes." He took a deep breath. "Noelle, give me a chance to make amends."
"No."
"Please." His voice was almost humble. "Let me do something for you."
Looking at this man who had once been so arrogant now humbling himself before me, complex emotions churned in my chest. I should have refused outright, but instead I heard myself saying:
"You really want to make amends?"
"Yes."
