Holding Noelleâs delicate fingertips, Cyrus delivered a solemn judgment in his resonant voice.
âYou were wrong nine times tonight.
I will hit you nine times as reminders.
â
What?
The punishment was hitting her palm?
Noelle was an adult.
How could he apply a disciplinary practice meant for wayward children to her?
While Noelle pondered, Cyrus raised his hand, using it as a tool for punishment and hit her palm.
Pak! Pak! Pak!
The resounding sound of their palms meeting echoed through the room.
Noelle had thought the pain wouldnât be severe, but her palm continued to burn after each strike.
âIt hurts.
Cyrus, go easy,â Noelle pleaded.
Trying to retract her hand, she found her fingertips firmly held by Cyrus.
She could only watch as her palm endured the punishment.
Cyrus, bearing his own discomfort, asserted, âIf you persist in not learning, Iâll continue using my hand for correction.
Itâll be due to my inadequate guidance, and Iâll share the pain with you.
â
Upon hearing this, Noelle ceased her resistance.
Cyrus quickly gave her all nine strikes.
This caused both their palms to turn bright red.
Cyrusâs hits werenât forceful.
The last couple of slaps were more of finesse.
Although they produced a loud sound, the impact rebounded onto his own hand, making his pain surpass NoeLleâs.
He aimed more to scare her a bit than to punish her severely.
After the punishment, Cyrus gently clasped Noelleâs hand, soothing her warm palm with tender strokes.
âDoes it hurt?â he inquired.
Noelle frowned.
âYes, Cyrus, it hurts.
Are you okay?â
He leaned in and ki*sed her palm.
âIâm fine.
Noelle, if youâre hurting, make a commitment to study diligently and achieve your goal.
Ace the exam this year, alright?â
Cyrusâ tenderness stirred a gentle pulse in Noelleâs heart.
She nodded slowly and replied, âI understand, Iâll put in the effort.
â
âNow, can we return to the room and get some rest? I promise I wonât overstep, just trust me this time, alright?â Cyrus reassured.