Liesa once read a story online about a couple who only fought twice in their entire marriage. Years later, someone asked the husband how they stayed so harmonious. He shared a memory from when they were dating.
Back then, his wife owned a donkey. One day, it threw her off. She stood up calmly and said, "First time."
The donkey threw her again. She dusted herself off and said, "Second time."
When it threw her a third time, she didn't speak. She simply pulled out a gun and shot it.
After every argument in their marriage, she would say the same words. The husband never let there be a third time.
Thinking about it now, Liesa almost laughed. She saw the pattern. But when her eyes met Angus's, she suddenly realized something.
She wasn't the husband.
She was the donkey.
Angus's indifferent gaze swept over her pale ears, still faintly pink from embarrassment. After a long pause, he said slowly, "Next time someone like that bothers me, you handle it."
Liesa blinked. She hadn't expected her little performance to earn her extra duties. Still, she understood what it meant.
Acceptance.
The more he involved her, the closer she could get.
She smiled gently. "If it makes you happy, Mr. Romano."
Angus studied her without speaking.
Liesa's smile almost cracked.
After a short pause, she added casually, "But that would count as additional services. I'd need extra pay."
Angus's eyes cooled instantly. "How much?"
"At least three times the usual rate," Liesa replied without hesitation. She thought,
Silence stretched between them.
"Forget it," Angus said coldly. Letting her stay had already been generosity. Now she was testing him.
Liesa raised an eyebrow.
Angus pressed the control on his wheelchair and moved toward the stairs. His presence felt sharp, almost cutting through the air.
When he reached the stairway, he glanced back at her. "Also, half of the therapist's pay."
Liesa almost choked.
She forced a sweet smile. "Of course, Mr. Romano. Even without pay, I'd still be happy to help." she said softly.
She wasn't about to let this opportunity slip through her fingers.
Seeing that she was still standing in place, Angus's voice came again, colder than before. "Oh."
They walked in silence. Liesa opened the door, waiting until Angus entered before shutting it behind her.
He sank onto the couch without a word. "What now?" His expression remained unreadable.
"You?" Liesa smiled. "Mr. Romano, you don't need to do anything. Just leave it to me."
Angus raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear. Memories of her earlier clumsy antics—choking on toothpaste, flaring her nose—flickered in his mind.
Liesa kept her smile. "Yes. Sit and let me give you a massage."
He stayed silent, his injured leg still a source of shame. Once he knew it wouldn't heal, he hid it from view—and from therapists alike.
"Mr. Romano?" Liesa perched on the stool before him, tilting her head.
Slowly, Angus rolled up his pant leg, revealing the scarred calf. Liesa felt a twinge of pity and determination. She clenched her fists, warming her hands before holding his leg gently. He tensed slightly.
"Is this okay?" she asked softly.
He didn't reply, only watched. Liesa removed his shoe, placing his foot on her lap. Her hands moved, firm but gentle.
Angus froze at first. His fingers twitched. Warmth seeped slowly into the cold, stiff leg. For the first time, he felt it alive again. His lips pressed together, and drowsiness crept in.
After a long moment, his body relaxed. "You're not completely useless," he murmured.