Two

VIOLET'S POV

I opened the door to my shared apartment, clutching a fancy shopping bag with a golden handle in my left hand. As I crossed the threshold, I heard Kate, my flatmate, laughing, which made me furrow my brow in intrigue.

Having shared this apartment with her for almost ten months, I had come to believe that her expressions were just limited to a vacant stare or a frown.

Making sure the door was safely locked, I turned on my heel and walked to the sitting room, only to find the mysterious man now seated, his lower half wrapped in the blanket and smiling at Kate who had her arm hooked around him with a sunny expression.

My brows knotted as confusion took its toll on my mind. 

What was going on between them? Did they know each other?

Still, I was happy the unknown man was awake.

I was exhausted from my short trip outside; I could already envision myself hugging my pillow long ago.

There was indeed no place like home.

"It's good that you're awake," I said, a tired smile lifting the corners of my mouth, "Here, I bought..."

Kate unexpectedly interrupted me, "Thank you so much, dear. Please, place the bag on the table. I'll assist him with the clothes, so you don't need to worry, Violet,"

I paused, staring at her, wondering why she was acting this way. Or had she lied to him that she was the one who saved him?

Seeing that I didn't immediately pay heed to her words, Kate stood up and took the bag from me, showing me her usual miffed look before sitting once more, this time clinging even more to the man.

"I sent her to get these clothes. I couldn't bear to leave you so I begged her to go. You know, she was quite stubborn," Kate said with a laugh that jarred my ears, making me frown.

How could she be so shameless?

"Mate?!" the man suddenly said while gazing at me and I shot him a peculiar look.

What's with that over-passionate look in his eyes?

I shook my head and turned to leave, but the man suddenly rose up from the couch, "Mate!"

Did he just growl? I turned to him with a look of slight annoyance.

"Mister, as Kate just told you, I'm called Violet not ‘mate’. Have a good night,"

With that, I pivoted, storming towards my room and slamming the door hard behind me.

How could I not feel pissed? I worked hard to save his life, only for Kate to just swoop in and claim credit for my efforts.

And that man, whatever his name was, was he stupid? Why would he call me mate? Did I look or sound like a dude to him?

True, all men were the same—total scums.

I changed into my nightgown and got into bed, hugging my cushy pillow and shutting my eyes in hopes of sleep embracing me soonest.

***

I didn't sleep well last night.

 I had disturbing dreams of being at the altar with that annoying guy I saved. And then I also dreamt of Kate showing up at the wedding to object, dressed in a wedding gown even better than mine.

When I woke up around 3am, I couldn't return to sleep and after counting too many sheep on the ceiling, I decided to read a book. Before I knew it, it was morning and I sighed defeatedly.

I was an intern at the city’s hospital, punctuality was a must.

Yet I couldn’t stop being cranky as I got off the bed and ambled to the door, wanting to head to the shared bathroom in the apartment.

I turned the doorknob and lugged the door open, only for me to find Kate interposing herself in my path.

If looks were capable of liquidating someone, I would be long gone from this world. But seriously, what’s up with her nasty mood this morning?

I tried sidestepping her but she blocked me twice!

I scowled deeply, time was ticking.

“Kate, you’re blocking my way,” I stated unhappily, gesturing for her to give way. I didn’t have time to regale her.

Arms crossed before her chest, she scoffed, "Yeah, I am. What can you do about it?" she taunted.

I facepalmed, feeling my frustration spiking, "Look I'm not in the mood for all this. Don't force me to push you," I warned, my tone betraying my irritation.

Her response was a flouting laugh as she unfolded her arms to point as me, her eyes betraying an amused glint. "You?" she pointed to herself, "Push me?"

"Yes, Kate, and I mean it," I retorted.

She sniggered, closing the gap between us and inclined her head, looking down at me with a malicious look, "How many lion hearts did you consume, Violet?" 

"I consumed none," I responded with a defiant look, "Stop blocking my way, I don't want to be late,"

"You're not going anywhere until I say so," she snapped, unanticipatedly shoving me back into my room. I didn't anticipate her actions, so I tumbled to the floor.

Quickly rising to my feet, I glared at her, "What's wrong with you, Kate? Are you out of your senses?" I upbraided her, hands fisted by my sides.

"I should be the one to ask that question, not you, Violet," 

"Why are you doing this to me?" I could barely contain my rage at this point.

"If I didn't stop you on time, were you going to reveal the truth to him?"

"That I saved his life?" I asked, a brow lifted. 

"He believes me to be his saviour. I'm sure you already figured that out last night. And I want it to stay that way,"

I frowned, "Doesn't your conscience..."

"I lack a functioning one, my dear," she walked closer to me, "Whatever I set my eyes on, whatever I want to obtain, no one in the universe can snatch from me," she held my nightgown and pulled me closer to her, "Remember what I've said. He must not know the truth, Violet. Just play along like the sweet puppy you've always been. Mind your own business and don't ruin things for me. If I ever find you acting all lovey-dovey with him, you're dead game, you hear me?"

I pried her fingers forcefully from my outfit, "You have bad breath, Kate," I said truthfully.

"How dare..."

I interrupted her outburst, "That I love peace doesn't mean I won't get rough if you corner me too much. Kate, if you don't want to get injured, don't you dare block my path again,"

With that I shouldered her, stalking out of my room.

"Make a promise," I heard her say behind me, but I didn't stop in my tracks. I had no more time for her stupid antics.

"I said make a promise!" Kate yelled, rushing towards me. I dodged her in time, but she wasn't intent on letting things be that way.

She charged at me, soon cornering me to the wall, "Promise me, now," she demanded.

For some reason, I felt she had become quite scary. I had some background in taekwondo but at this moment, Kate felt even scarier than my teacher back then. Or... maybe I was seeing things.

"Okay, I promise you," I said with a defeated sigh. 

"Swear on your life that you'll never let him know,"

"What's with you today, Kate?" I couldn't help asking, trying to push her aside to no avail. Despite her skinny build, she was as steady as a rock.

"If you don't want me to sabotage your internship, swear on your life this instant," 

"I swear on my life not to tell him ever. Are we good now?" I said, unable to hide my frustration.

Silence hovered between us for what felt like an eternity.

She soon harrumphed and stopped cornering me. "You better keep to your promise. I wouldn't hesitate to kill you if you don't," she warned and I nodded, lips pursed.

Then she whirled on her heel and sashayed towards her room. I suspired again and shook my head before heading for the bathroom.

My internship was very important, I wouldn't risk it for a man whose name I didn't even know. And Kate was just crazy.