Es nodded, her body moving on autopilot as she rose from her chair. "I will," she promised, her tone light. She turned, forcing herself not to stumble as she made her way toward her room, the familiar ache in her head growing heavier with each step.
The mont she closed the door behind her, her facade dropped. Es leaned against the door, pressing her palm to her forehead, her breathing shallow. The dizziness hadn’t passed, and she felt the exhaustion tugging at her limbs, stronger than ever before.
**It’s getting worse**, she thought. But even now, alone in her room, she couldn’t let herself crumble. There was no space for weakness—no matter how much she needed rest.
After retreating to her room, Es barely made it to the sofa before exhaustion overtook her, pulling her into a deep, restless sleep. The weight of her weariness pressed down on her, and despite the swirling thoughts in her head, her body succumbed to the much-needed rest almost instantly.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the window, casting soft beams across the room. Es stirred slowly, her body feeling stiff from sleeping in an uncomfortable position on the sofa. She rubbed her temples, the headache from the previous night lingering like a dull hum in the back of her mind. **I can’t let them see**—that thought pushed her up to her feet.
She freshened up quickly and headed to the dining area, where the Aron brothers were already seated around the table, enjoying their breakfast. As always, their presence filled the room with warmth and familiarity. Es forced a smile onto her face, making her way toward them.
Without missing a beat, she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on Aron Ray’s forehead, her usual morning greeting. He smiled up at her, though his eyes held a glint of concern that she couldn’t ignore. As Es straightened, she grabbed the newspaper from the side and walked over to the nearest seat, unfolding it carefully. She skimd the headlines, trying to distract herself, though the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her lack of rest.
Aron Ray’s voice broke through her thoughts, his tone soft but probing. "Are you really fine?"
Es didn’t look up from the paper imdiately, steeling herself before giving him a quick nod. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired."
Ray exchanged a glance with his brothers before returning his gaze to her. "Yeah, the workload must’ve been heavy, right?"
She felt his eyes on her, searching for the truth beneath her casual words. She t his gaze this ti, her expression calm and controlled. "It was," she said, offering a small nod of agreent. "But nothing I can’t handle."
The brothers watched her, their concern lingering in the air, but Es kept her focus on the newspaper in front of her, trying to shake the unease that gnawed at her. She could feel the weight of their attention, the silent worry that mirrored her own doubts. But she had to push through, just like she always did.
After a refreshing bath, Es joined the Aron brothers at the breakfast table. The morning light cast a warm glow over the room, contrasting sharply with the unease she felt inside. As Ray busied himself with buttering his bread, Es was absorbed in her olette, her movents automatic despite the fatigue that weighed heavily on her.
Ray glanced up from his task, noticing the pause in her eating. "Oh, I forgot to tell you," Es said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I’m going on a business trip this evening."
The room fell silent, all attention shifting to her announcent. The brothers exchanged looks of surprise and concern. Jay’s brow furrowed slightly, and Ray’s expression softened with worry. "You’re going on a business trip?" Ray asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Es nodded, attempting to project calm. "Yes, it will take at least three days, but I will try to co back as soon as possible."
Ray’s gaze fixed on her with increased worry. "Are you sure? You don’t look very healthy."
Es waved off his concern with a reassuring smile, though it felt more forced than genuine. "No, no, it’s okay. I’m fine."
Ray wasn’t entirely convinced but decided not to press further. The conversation shifted, but the tension lingered as Es continued with her al, her mind already preoccupied with the tasks ahead.
As evening approached, the mood at the Aron household grew somber. Es, dressed in a tailored suit, packed the last of her items into a sleek travel bag. Her movents were thodical, yet a trace of weariness clung to her every step. Despite her best efforts to appear composed, the fatigue was evident in her tired eyes and the occasional falter in her otherwise brisk movents.
Ray and Jay stood by the doorway of the foyer, exchanging glances that spoke volus. Jay’s face was a mask of frustration mixed with concern, while Ray’s expression was more subtle but equally troubled. They had tried to convince Es to take a break, but she had insisted on going, citing pressing matters that required her attention.
Es zipped up her bag and turned to face them. "I’ll be fine, really. The etings are important, but I promise I’ll rest as soon as I can."
Ray stepped forward, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Just... be careful, okay? If you need anything, call us."
Es nodded, offering a small, appreciative smile. "I will. Thank you."
Jay, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "Es, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here if you need us."
Es t his gaze, her smile growing a bit more genuine. "I know. I appreciate it. I just need to handle this for now."
With final goodbyes exchanged, Es walked out the front door. The cool evening air greeted her as she made her way to the car waiting for her outside. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself for the journey ahead.
As the car pulled away from the house, Ray and Jay watched from the doorstep. Ray sighed deeply, a frown creasing his forehead. "Sothing’s not right," he said quietly.
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