"No, I’m staying here,"I said coolly, adjusting my posture with a sense of determination.
**"No! Don't be so stubborn!"** Venn insisted, his tone laced with desperation.
**"Mahal! Do you actually care about that b*tch?"** Cheska shouted, her anger boiling over.
**"As I've said, she’s my responsibility. Please don’t misunderstand me, Mahal; I am being responsible here,"** Venn explained, trying to keep his composure amid the rising tensions.
**"Please, just shut up!"** I snapped at them, unable to contain my frustration any longer. I stormed out of the room, needing some air, needing space to think.
With hurried steps, I made my way to the faculty office of Professor Bernal, intending to plead with him to let me take my test early so I could escape this suffocating situation back home.
---
**VENN'S POV**
Damn it! She's so inflexible. The royal empress, her status comes with privileges—including a private doctor. She’s forbidden from going to the hospital for her safety, especially after Mami La just informed me that they would be looking for her mother.
I was just about to follow her, but then Cheska stopped me. I can’t afford to lose her; she’s my bait. Yes, she’s just a bait. Her family is my target; this is all part of a larger mission—hence, my agreement to be her boyfriend. I don’t love her. However, when it comes to Rhaj? Well, that’s a different matter entirely. I care for her, but let’s not confuse that with love. I know my feelings towards Rhajie are complicated; she's my wife, therefore, my responsibility.
**"Mahal?"** I was pulled back to reality when she suddenly kissed me.
Aisshh! If only I could teleport to Rhaj’s side right now, I would do it in a heartbeat. But this girl wouldn’t let me go; I’m embarrassingly torn between them.
**"Hmm, Mahal, I need to head to the SSG office for a meeting. I’m really sorry,"** I muttered, trying to evade the situation as I left her and made my way to search for my true priority.
I affectionately called Rhaj a "minion" in my mind, a playful jab that made me smile despite the chaos.
I went to the clinic, but she wasn't there. Next up, the gazebo—empty. I then checked the gym, hoping against hope that she might be there, but no such luck. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
**"Someone collapsed over there!"** I overheard a student shout, rushing past me.
My heart raced as I dashed toward the commotion, worried that it might be her. Why must that minion be so reckless! Deymn!
I found a girl surrounded by a small crowd—her face was turned away from me. Panic surged through me, but I steeled myself and approached the unconscious girl.
**"Chian!"** I called out, dropping down to assist in carrying her.
I instructed Jeremiah to go retrieve my car, and with some effort, we managed to get her inside. I was grateful Jeremiah was there; his quick thinking helped us act promptly. I also called Chian's personal doctor, urging them to meet us at home.
Once we arrived, I lifted Chian out of the car and carried her straight into her room. Of all the unfortunate timing, Manang had decided to head home just before this chaos. What am I supposed to do? I certainly couldn't change her clothes; how embarrassing would that be?
Just then, I heard the doorbell ring—Chian’s private doctor had arrived. I rushed to open the door and led them to Chian’s room.
**"M-Mommy, Chian is sick! I don’t know what to do! Can you come?"** I asked frantically, glancing back at the doctor as they checked Chian’s condition.
**"I’m sorry, baby. We're currently in Paris, so how can I get there?"** she chuckled lightly, seeming amused by the situation.
**"Mommy! Why on earth are you laughing? I can’t even change her clothes, and Manang isn't here! What am I supposed to do?"** I exclaimed, my frustration boiling over.
**"Well, it's time for you to take care of your wife! Change her clothes and give us some grandchildren already,"** she teased.
**"MOMMY!"** I blushed furiously at her words, totally thrown off guard.
Without warning, she hung up on me, leaving me to slap my forehead in disbelief.
**"Don't worry, Mr. Valorous, she’s fine now. Just give this to her and make sure she eats. If she can't change herself, it’s best to help her—this will help freshen her up,"** the doctor instructed before adding, **"Also, you need warm water and a towel to wipe her down, okay?"** I merely nodded, feeling a lump in my throat.
In a daze, I led the doctor to the door and slowly entered the house again.
I felt completely lost. How could I possibly dress her? I didn’t want her to misinterpret my actions. And while I knew I had needs, I was still a virgin and had no idea how to handle a naked girl.
I decided that perhaps cooking would be the best course of action. Yes, that's it! I would whip up something warm to eat, hoping it might help her regain consciousness and take care of herself.
After preparing some comforting porridge, I carefully placed it in a bowl and gathered the necessary medicine and tubing to take to Chian. I also filled a basin with warm water and fetched a white towel to gently clean her.
---
**RHAJIE'S POV**
I suddenly woke up, the sunlight pouring in through the window. Instinctively, I raised my hand against the brilliant rays. Sitting up, I quickly checked the clock—7 A.M. I was late! In a rush, I dashed to the bathroom to shower.
Wait! If my memory served correctly, I was at school earlier. If I was at school, then I should be wearing my uniform. But why was I in a nightdress instead? Who would have changed my clothes?
Could it possibly have been... OMYGHAD! Venn?! AHHHHHHHH! PERVERT!
Panicked, I hurried through my shower and got dressed as fast as I could. Once I was ready, I raced down the stairs to confront that PERVERT!
I shot him a sharp glare when I found him lounging on the sofa and began hurling throw pillows in his direction.
**"YOU JERK! PERVERT!"** I screamed, my voice echoing angrily through the room.
**"W-What? Are you out of your mind?!"** he retorted, dodging the pillows as they flew past him.
**"YOU CHANGED MY CLOTHES, YOU JERK! I WON'T—"** I couldn't finish my sentence because his mischievous smile caught me off guard.
**"So, is that why you’re pelting pillows at me? Don’t worry, I closed my eyes while undressing you,"** he laughed, making his way closer to me.
I stumbled back against the staircase railing, and instinctively fell into his arms.
**"We're married, so it's fine if I've seen you naked, right?"** he said, the scent of fresh mint mouthwash wafting my way. 
**"PERV—"**
"WOAH!" Suddenly, a surprised voice echoed from the doorway.
In a flash, I pushed Venn away, trying to regain my composure.
"E-excuse us! Don’t think anything weird! We weren’t doing anything! I just stumbled when he caught me," I stammered, my cheeks turning crimson from embarrassment.
**"Bessy! It’s totally fine. You’re married, so I can’t criticize what I just witnessed. Besides, it’s a normal thing for both of you,"** Joy remarked with a teasing smile before slipping out of the room.
**"ITS YOUR FAULT! AARGGHH!"** I yelled at the top of my lungs before retreating upstairs, my mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions.