When she woke up again, the sky outside was dark once more.

It had been dark when she went to sleep, and it was still dark now.

"Hiss-"

Juniper shifted slightly. Her limbs felt like jelly, and her back ached as if it had been broken.

How could her martial-arts-trained body be this fragile?

It had to be the alcohol's fault.

Recalling the scenes from the night before, Juniper buried her face in her hands, muttering through gritted teeth, "Bastard!"

The bedroom door opened.

Shanley, dressed in a robe, walked in carrying a bowl of light soup. "You're awake?" he asked softly.

Juniper pulled the blanket over her head, turning her back to him, refusing to engage.

"Are you mad?"

Shanley set the tray down, gently tugged the blanket lower, and wrapped his arms tightly around both her and the quilt.

Juniper kept her eyes closed, remaining silent.

Damn right.

She was furious.

"I apologize, okay?" Shanley kissed her forehead, murmuring close to her ear. "Next time you tell me to stop, I'll-"

"Get out!"

Juniper elbowed him hard. She wore a fierce expression, but her voice was incredibly raspy.

"Alright, alright."

Shanley refused to let go, coaxing her patiently. "You've had a fever all day, and you've finally recovered. You must be hungry, right? I made some seafood bisque. Eat a little to warm your stomach."

Juniper actually was starving.

She sat up, the blanket slipping down to reveal the disastrous state of her neck. And other unmentionable places.

"Are you part dog or something?" Juniper grew even angrier, kicking him hard.

"Didn't you say I was incapable..." Shanley was feeling exceptionally brazen, deliberately bringing up last night. "Mrs. Schwartz inspected the merchandise herself. The verdict?"

"*Cough, cough...*"

Juniper nearly choked, glaring at him intensely. "Can you shut up?" "Okay."

Shanley obediently closed his mouth, carefully feeding her the soup.

Looking at the marks on her skin, Shanley's heart ached, and he couldn't help speaking up again. "Juniper, I'm sorry. I won't do this next time."

Juniper gave him a side-eye. He thought there would be a next time?

In his dreams!

...

After breakfast.

Juniper received a call from Jimmie: "You left early yesterday and we

forgot to give you the engagement

gifts. We're bringing

them over."

"Okay."

"What happened to your voice?" Jimmie asked sharply. "Catch a cold?"

"A little."

Juniper glared at the incredibly

energetic man sitting across net

her, grinding her teeth.

"Get some rest, we'll be right there."

Half an hour later.

The siblings showed up at Cloudscape Community.

They were rather curious to see their sister lounging on the sofa in a turtleneck. "You don't need to wear a turtleneck for a cold in this weather, do you?"

Melvin leaned in curiously. "Harold said you were sick. You do look a bit pale." Harold glanced at Shanley, sneered twice, and sat to the side without a word. "Are you okay?"

Ebony Fox and Coralie immediately rushed over, grabbing her for an inspection.

"I'm fine."

Juniper clutched her small blanket, feeling incredibly guilty.

If Ebony Fox found out, she'd probably beat Shanley up right there and then.

"Ebony Fox, what gift did you bring me?" Juniper changed the subject.

"Oh."

Ebony Fox obediently went to fetch the gift, and the turtleneck issue blew over.

After a lively visit, everyone stayed for dinner at Cloudscape before leaving one by

one.

Jimmie was the last to leave.

He opened the door, and before he could step out, Luella suddenly came rushing in.

Her face was pale, her eyes red.

She had clearly been crying.

Not expecting to bump into Jimmie, Luella froze.

Seeing Luella 'crying' for the first time left Jimmie stunned.

After making eye contact, Luella frantically wiped away her tears, forcing a carefree smile "Well,

isn't immie Fancy seeing you here."