Chapter 5

Joel put away his phone and calmly replied, "It's nothing."

He turned to leave, but Rachel ran after him and blocked his way.

She asked, "Tell me what exactly is going on. Are you donating your body? Why would you do that when everything is fine with you?"

Joel looked up at her and said, "I'm about to die. Are you happy now?"

Rachel's gaze grew angrily cold. "How could you possibly die when you don't have depression?"

Joel spat, "Depression is not the only condition that will cause death!"

Rachel retorted, "You're probably just dealing with a slight cold. Don't act as if it's some terminal illness!"

Joel felt a sharp pang in his heart. He struggled to maintain his composure.

"That's right. It's just a slight cold." He continued, "A friend of mine recently started working in the body donation department. I'm just bringing something for her."

Rachel asked, "Which friend of yours is that?"

"You don't know her," Joel replied.

"Rach!" Christopher was calling for Rachel.

She hurriedly ran back. "What's wrong, Chris?"

Christopher replied, "It hurts."

"You shouldn't have cut yourself then. I'll go get the first aid kit and patch you up," Rachel said.

Christopher said, "Hurry back, okay? I feel anxious when I don't see you."

"Alright, I'll come back soon," she replied.

Rachel frowned at Joel when she stepped out of the bedroom to retrieve the first aid kit. "Why are you still here? Chris might relapse again if he hears your voice."

Luck seemed to be against him as well. It was pouring outside.

Rachel had slammed the door after Joel as he walked out of the villa, leaving him without even an umbrella.

He was drenched completely in just a thin set of pajamas. Then, Tina Ziegler, their housekeeper, returned from grocery shopping.

"Why are you out in the rain, Mr. Lewis? Where's Ms. Rachel?" Tina dropped the groceries in favor of getting him indoors.

Joel replied, "I'm fine, Tina."

"You'll catch a cold and fall sick if you're in the rain!" Tina exclaimed.

Joel would be donating his body in three days' time. He wouldn't be worrying about catching a cold or falling sick now.

Tina asked, "Did you have an argument with Ms. Rachel, Mr. Lewis? Is it because of that Mr. Scott again?"

Joel smiled and comforted her, "No. Rachel and I are fine."

"But your complexion is looking off! You've always called her "Rach," but now you're calling her by her proper name. Should I inform Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and get them to talk to Ms. Rachel? They're still very fond of you. Surely they'll help you out!" Tina said.

Joel stopped her. "There's no need to alert them. I just like the feeling of being in the rain. I'll always remember this moment."

Rachel was the one who kicked him out in the rain. She wanted him to snap out of it.

Joel smiled. He had never been so clear-headed after all these years.

He finally understood that she no longer loved him. The love and care from the past would eventually dry up—just like this rain.

Joel said, "You should be more respectful and accommodating to Christopher from now on, Tina. Don't offend him, or Rachel will take it out on you."

Tina was shocked. "Are you getting a divorce with Ms. Rachel, Mr. Lewis?"

Joel shook his head. "I'm not."

It was too much of a hassle to get a divorce. Rachel would become a widow in three days' time. She'd be able to marry Christopher right away.

Joel was only worried about Tina.

She had served their household for the past five years. He had always respected her as his elder, and she cared for him like her own child, though she would occasionally nag.

Joel feared that Christopher wouldn't even tolerate Tina after he passed.

…

Joel stood in the rain for the entire day. Rachel finally opened the door when it was nighttime.

He had long since collapsed from exhaustion in the rain. He was soaked and covered in mud.

Tina was aghast. She hurried out and said, "Mr. Lewis has passed out! Hurry and send him to the hospital, Ms. Rachel!"

Rachel held an umbrella and walked up to Joel. She nudged him with the tip of her heels. "Stop pretending. You've only been out in the rain for a little while. Get up and prepare a guest room for Chris."

Tina felt for his arm and forehead. She gasped. "Why is he burning up? He has a fever!"

Rachel refused to believe it and kicked him harder. "Go back and take some medication if you're sick. Do you think I'll help you up if you stay on the ground like that?"

Tina couldn't bear watching anymore. She cried out, "Mr. Lewis had passed out, Ms. Rachel!"

Joel was jolted awake by the sharp pain in his calf. He opened his eyes weakly, and the first thing he saw was Rachel's high heels.

He was the one who gave her the pair of leather heels, but she was now kicking at his calf mercilessly in it.

Joel struggled to get up, but he failed to support himself.

Tina was the one who helped him up, letting him lean heavily against her body. "Thank goodness you're awake, Mr. Lewis! I was so worried!"

Rachel said, "I knew you were pretending all along. Did you think you'd get my attention by being sick? Stop with your tricks, Joel. Chris was truly sick, unlike you. You're acting."

Joel let out a bitter laugh.

Rachel was now accusing him of pretending to be sick, while Christopher was truly sick. What had his world become?

"Alright, I got it." He replied, "I'll never pretend to be sick again."