Bastien kept walking slowly with Kate leaning on him. They reached the apartment, and Bastien took Kate to her room.

—Freshen up. I'll go prepare dinner.

—Thank you.

Bastien went to prepare everything while Kate stepped into the shower. The water calmed her, but Aracely’s words were still etched in her mind. Her heart wanted to run to Bastien, but her mind said no—she shouldn’t. Bastien had humiliated her, and she wouldn’t forgive that. She got out of the shower and put on her pajamas, wrapping her hair in a towel so it wouldn't wet her back. When she went into the kitchen, Bastien was cooking a healthy dinner. He turned around to look at her.

—Kate, you can’t keep your hair wet, you’ll catch a cold.

Bastien walked over to her and led her to the bathroom.

—Let me help you.

He sat her down and began brushing and drying her hair carefully. Kate could see in the mirror how focused Bastien was, trying not to pull or hurt her. Once it was dry, he braided it gently.

—All done.

During the wh