Chapter 5 A Terrifying Stabbing Pain

• I suddenly regained consciousness, but I remained still. I focused on regulating my breathing while keeping my eyes closed, listening to the footsteps approaching from a distance. I could tell that it was Tania.
• My hand beneath the blanket involuntarily clenched, and my palm grew sweaty.
• Even though I lay with my back to the door, I could unmistakably sense her presence by my bedside. I could feel her subtle breath and catch the faintest whiff of her perfume.
• "Mrs. Diaz," she whispered softly.
• I didn't respond, nor did I move.
• In the next moment, she forcefully pushed my shoulder, surprising me with her strong grip. Thankfully, I had mentally prepared myself, or the situation could have turned dangerous.
• "You're sleeping so soundly!" she muttered in a barely audible voice. Yet, her words echoed in my ears. It was far from a compliment, and I could clearly detect the disdain in her tone.
• My thoughts began to clear. It seemed to be Tania indeed.
• Before I could confirm this thought, a terrifying scene unfolded, leaving me no time to react. A stabbing pain shot through my scalp, and I instinctively made a sound. It nearly caused me to break my cover.
• I tried my best to suppress it by slightly moving my head to show discomfort, but I remained in a drowsy state and didn't fully awaken.
• However, my inner turmoil reached its peak. I felt wronged, angry, and shocked. These emotions overwhelmed me. My tear ducts warmed up, and I clenched my teeth desperately.
• Tania Lode, when have I mistreated you in these eight years? I treat you like a sister, yet you treat me like this.
• I finally understood why I had been experiencing this stabbing pain so frequently during this period. It felt like a sharp and unbearable pain that vanished in an instant in my hazy consciousness. Initially, I had believed it to be a dream.
• Little did I know that it was a malicious act happening to me in reality. No wonder the pain felt so real. Even after fully regaining consciousness, a lingering ache remained.
• Perhaps realizing that I still hadn't awakened, she spoke again. Her voice now cold and sinister. "Wake up! It's time to take your medicine!"
• Her shout was a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor.
• At this point, I was utterly bewildered and found it difficult to believe that this seemingly kind and honest person had transformed into such a venomous figure.
• Only when my face was slapped once more did I realize that I couldn't pretend any longer.
• I shifted my body slightly, groaned, and slowly opened my eyes before gazing out the window in a daze. Deep down, I despaired over what had transpired. How could the seemingly gentle Tania become such a wicked nursemaid?
• Once again, I heard her gentle voice by my ear, and her tone returned to its original utmost tenderness. "Mrs. Diaz, wake up. It's time to take your medicine."
• "Mmm..." I sighed softly, gathered my senses, and slowly turned over before staring blankly at her, standing by the bedside with my slightly misty eyes.
• As our gazes met, her smile froze for a moment, and then she spoke calmly and gently. "Mrs. Diaz, did you sleep well? Shall I help you sit up?"
• I maintained eye contact and continued to stare at her until she grew visibly nervous and swallowed. Only then did I avert my gaze. I sighed with feigned sorrow and said, "Tania, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if I have some kind of illness, and you all are keeping it from me."
• She nonchalantly adjusted my blanket and replied, "Mrs. Diaz, you're overthinking it. People get sick sometimes, and you've just given birth. Your body is a bit weak, but with some rest and care, you'll be fine."
• "While that may be true, why do I feel like I'm growing weaker day by day? I've been sleeping so much, and it's as if I've slept my life away. All I do day in and day out is take medicine and sleep! Tania, it must be hard on you!"
• "Mrs. Diaz, please don't say that. What's so hard about it? Taking care of your health is my job!" She looked at me and continued, "Sleeping is the best way to recover from an illness. You just need to be patient. They say illness comes like a landslide, but it goes slowly like spinning silk. Let me get your medicine. It's still warm. You should drink it while it's hot for it to be effective."
• She quickly turned to leave, and I slowly sat up while staring blankly in the direction she had gone. I touched the spot where the needle had pricked me earlier, contemplating how to avoid taking the medicine.
• When I withdrew my hand, I noticed a faint trace of blood on my fingertips. It was minimal but bright red.
• I discreetly wiped it away.
• Before long, Tania hurriedly returned with the medicine and handed it to me. "The temperature is just right. Please drink it."
• I responded with a faint hum, but I didn't reach for the bowl. Instead, I brought my hand to the spot where I had just been pricked and then lifted my head to look at her. "Tania, could you help me check why this area feels so painful?"