My consciousness snapped back, but I remained perfectly still, keeping my breathing even and my eyes shut, listening as the footsteps drew nearer. I recognized them. It was Zhen Jie. Beneath the covers, my hands clenched involuntarily, my palms slick with sweat. Even though I was lying with my back to the door, I could feel her presence with unnerving clarity. She was standing right beside my bed. I could sense her faint breathing, the subtle trace of her perfume. "Madam!" she called out softly. I didn't answer. I didn't move. The next second, she jabbed my shoulder, and she did it harder than necessary. Thank God I was braced for it, or I would have given myself away. "Sleeping like the dead!" She muttered the words, her voice barely a whisper, but they crashed into my ears like thunder. It was no compliment; I could hear the disdain lacing her tone. A sliver of clarity cut through my confusion. It really was Zhen Jie. Before I could even process that thought, the unthinkable happened, giving me no time to react. A searing pain shot through my scalp. A soft groan escaped my lips involuntarily, and I almost broke character. I fought to suppress it, shifting my head slightly as if in the discomfort of a deep sleep, but keeping my eyes closed, my breathing heavy and slow. Inside, however, I was falling apart. Betrayal, fury, and shock crashed over me like a tidal wave. A hot sting pricked the back of my eyes, and I clenched my jaw with all my might. Zhao Mingzhen, for eight years, how have I been anything but good to you? I treated you like a sister, and this is how you repay me. I finally understood. I understood why I’d been experiencing that sharp, needle-like pain so often lately—a piercing agony that would flash through my muddled consciousness and vanish, something I had always dismissed as a fragment of a nightmare. To think it was a real, vicious attack. No wonder the pain had felt so real, leaving a faint, lingering ache even after I was fully awake. Perhaps seeing that I still hadn't woken, she began to pat my face, the sound sharp and distinct. "Wake up! Time for your medicine!" Her voice was nothing like her usual gentle tone; it was utterly sinister. My mind was reeling. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that this Zhao Mingzhen would be so cruel to me. Another slap to my cheek brought me back to reality. Pushing the act any further would seem unnatural. I stirred, letting out a soft moan and a long breath before slowly opening my eyes. I gazed blankly out the window as a single, desperate thought screamed through my mind: What in God’s name was happening? How had this seemingly gentle, honest Zhen Jie transformed into a vicious monster? Zhen Jie’s voice sounded by my ear again, her tone once more reverting to its signature softness. "Madam, you're awake. It's time for your medicine!" "Mmm..." I sighed, gathering myself. I slowly turned over to face her, staring straight at the woman standing by my bed, a film of tears already welling in my eyes. Our gazes met, and her smile froze for a moment. Then, as if brushing it aside, she said softly, "Did you sleep well, Madam? Let me help you sit up." I didn't look away. Instead, I stared deeper into her eyes, holding my gaze until she grew nervous, swallowed hard, and finally broke eye contact. Only then did I let out a deliberately mournful sigh. "Zhen Jie," I began, my voice trembling slightly, "am I terribly ill? Are you all hiding something from me?" She reached out nonchalantly to straighten my blanket. "Madam, you're overthinking things again," she said dismissively. "Everyone gets sick. Your body is just a bit weak from having your children so close together. You'll be fine after some rest." "That's what you say, but why do I feel like I'm getting weaker? I'm so groggy all the time, I feel like I'm sleeping my life away. My entire day is just two things: drinking medicine and sleeping! It must be so hard on you, Zhen Jie!" "Don't say that, Madam! What 'hard'? This is my job!" She looked at me. "Rest is the best way to heal. Don't be anxious. They say getting sick is quick, but recovery takes time. I'll go get your medicine now. It's best to drink it while it's hot!" As she spun around and briskly left the room, I slowly sat up, staring blankly in the direction she had gone. I reached up and touched the spot on my scalp where she had pricked me, my mind racing. How could I get out of drinking this medicine? When I brought my hand down, I saw a smear of blood on my fingertip. It was a tiny amount, but bright red. I wiped it away without a change in expression. A moment later, Zhen Jie returned, walking quickly with the bowl of medicine. She held it out to me. "The temperature is just right. Go on, drink up!" I gave a noncommittal "Mmm," but didn't take the bowl. Instead, I raised my hand to the spot where the needle had pricked me, then lifted my head to look at Zhao Mingzhen. "Zhen Jie," I said, my voice laced with a feigned confusion, "could you take a look for me? It really hurts right here."