The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Khai's POV

I woke up feeling heavy, my body aching as if I had been hit by a truck. The air in Chicago was colder than I expected, and the sudden change in climate must have triggered my allergies. My nose was stuffy, my throat scratchy, and a dull headache pulsed behind my eyes.

With a groan, I forced myself to sit up, rubbing my temples. There was no way I could let this get in the way of today's presentation. The Azotea project was too important, and I needed to be at my best.

Grabbing my phone, I dialed Jane's number. She picked up after a few rings.

"Boss?" she answered, sounding alert.

"Can you grab me some meds on your way to the office? Allergy pills, cold medicine—anything that'll get me through the day."

"Noted. You sure you're good to go? You sound terrible."

I let out a dry chuckle. "Flattering, Jane. Just get the meds, I'll be fine."

"Alright, I'll be there soon."

Hanging up, I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in hopes of shaking off the sluggishness. It helped a little, but I still felt like crap.

I threw on a fitted blazer and trousers, tying my hair back in a low ponytail. My reflection in the mirror looked exhausted, but I didn't have time to care.

By the time I reached the office, Jane was already there with a brown paper bag.

"You're a lifesaver," I muttered, taking the meds and downing them with a sip of water.

"You owe me coffee for this," she smirked.

I gave her a weak thumbs-up before heading to the conference room, where the engineering and design teams were already setting up. Rain was standing at the head of the table, flipping through her notes. She looked fresh and focused, as if she had a full night's rest—unlike me.

She glanced up, her eyes briefly scanning my face before she spoke.

"You look like hell, Khai."

"Thanks. Good morning to you too."

She smirked but didn't push further. Instead, she gestured toward the screen where the initial blueprints were displayed.

"Ready?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, straightened my posture, and nodded. "Always."

Khai's POV

The meeting was in full swing, with Rain leading the presentation. I tried my best to focus, but the sneezing was relentless. My nose was running, my throat felt raw, and my head was pounding. I was doing everything I could to keep from disrupting the discussion, but the moment Rain flipped to the next slide, another loud sneeze escaped me.

"I'm sorry, please continue," I muttered, embarrassed.

To my surprise, Rain stopped mid-sentence and turned toward me. She studied me for a moment, then without a word, she stepped away from the screen.

"Wait a second," she told the group before walking out of the conference room.

Everyone exchanged confused glances, but I didn't dwell on it. I was too busy trying not to sneeze again.

A few minutes later, Rain returned, walking straight toward me. Without a word, she placed a small medicine bag and a bottle of water in front of me. I stared at it, caught off guard.

I glanced up at her, but she had already turned back to the screen, resuming her presentation as if nothing had happened.

I swallowed hard.