Chapter 22

N O E L L E

I place the tray of food on the table and grab the thermometer. I put it on his underarm to check his temperature. “You don’t have to do this.” He said. I turned the lights on.

“I agree.” I get the porridge and mix it to let it cool a bit. “Eat this. I did not put poison on it.” I said, and he chuckled. His temperature is 39.6 degrees. “You have a high fever, Levi. What did you do?” I asked as I fed him the porridge.

“I barely get sleep and eat these past few days.” He said while staring at the ceiling.

“Are you busy with work?” I asked as I offered him another spoon of porridge. He ate it before answering me.

“I was busy as usual.” He said.

“Is there any other reason why did you drown yourself with work?” I think he got a fever because of over fatigue. I studied his facial expression, and it shows sorrow and sadness. I sigh. I can’t keep looking at that kind of facial expression. We both long for our mothers, and I don’t think I can give him comforting words.

“I always ended up in this kind of state every time mom’s death anniversary came. Perhaps, I want to forget how I felt when she died. Remembering her death still pains me. I want to stop remembering how she died, so I decided to work 24 hours a day.” He explained before chuckling.

“So, why did you go here instead of going home to your dad’s house?” I asked.

“I don’t want him to see me like this. I know he feels worse already. I don’t want to add more anguish in his heart.” He said, and I nodded. I agree with his decision.

Levi finished his bowl of porridge. He drinks the medicine I give him before lying on the bed again. “You need a long rest. Don’t go to work tomorrow.” I suggested while fixing his comforter.

“But—“

“No buts, Levi. If you want to go back to work immediately, you have to rest.” I said, and he sighed in defeat. “I will let Allen know about your condition. Your secretary is worried about you.” I said.

He chuckles. “He is probably taking care of the things in the office on my behalf. Please ask him to contact me if ever—“

“No. You sleep there. The president can do it while you are not available, Levi. I will tell Allen to direct all the urgent concerns and meetings to the president.” I stated firmly.

“Seriously? I thought you don’t know anything about business?” He asked while smiling.

“I learned about it from reading novels and watching series,” I said while chuckling.

“Oh! Watching and reading boring novels has a good benefit, huh.” He said while chuckling.

“I don’t think I can forget mom,” I said while looking intently at him. “I never tried to forget anything about her. She’s the reason I am alive, and she’s the reason why I am eager to become a surgeon. I think we have different ways of dealing with our pain. Why don’t you try to remember only the good things about your mom? Try to think how happy you were when she was still alive. Perhaps it will help you overcome the sadness and loneliness in your heart.” I returned the bowl and glass of water to the tray before carrying it. “Have a good rest, Levi,” I said while smiling at him.

“Thank you, Noelle.” He said. I leave the room and walk directly to the kitchen. I wash the dishes and put everything back in its original place. I don’t want him to get mad at me for messing up his flat.

I went downstairs to buy more ingredients, fruits, vegetables, and vitamins for Levi. It’s getting dark, and I need to make him dinner. I also called Allen to let him know Levi’s condition and instructions regarding his pending work. I called the chairman and told him about Levi. His voice sounds sad and worried, but I assure him that Levi is fine.

I returned to Levi’s flat, and I immediately cooked a healthy dinner for him. I also squeezed a fresh orange juice for his drinks. After cooking, I checked his condition, and his temperature dropped to 38.5 degrees. I sighed in relief.

I let him sleep while I spend the time reading a book about the human brain. I woke him up at around 8 in the evening to eat lunch and drink his medicine. “I am surprised you are still here.” He said while eating.

“Well, I can’t leave you at your current state,” I said while smiling at him. “Get well quickly, so I can leave.” I joked.

“I think my fever will last in three more days.”

I shake my head. “I will take you to the nearest hospital if that happens,” I said. Having a fever for more than three days is something that cannot take easily.

He finished his food and drank his orange juice. “I’m lucky to have a fiancée who can cook and take care of a sick person.” He stated while smiling at me.

“Oh! Stop flattering me. Don’t forget to drink your meds.” I said while washing the dishes.

“Your back view is beautiful.” He said, and that made my cheek feel hot.

“You are definitely sick,” I said while shaking my head. “Go to bed already.” He’s making me uncomfortable.

“Do you want to live in a flat or a house?” He suddenly asked. “This view of yours suddenly makes me realize that you are an idle woman.” Shit! I almost drop the plate! OMG! What is he saying?!

“What my back view has something to do with an idle woman?!” I shouted in embarrassment.

He shrugs his shoulder. “I don’t know. You give me this strange feeling that you can take care of me and our future children.” The glass slipped from my grip while I looked at him in awe.

“Are you alright?!” He walked towards me and grabbed my hands.

I stare at him as I process the things he said, and I can feel my heart will burst into so many emotions. I feel happiness, fear, excitement, and anxiety.

“I-I’m fine,” I said before pulling my hands back. I wore gloves before picking up every piece of broken glass. “Go to your bed, Levi,” I said.

“Sleep with me.” I quickly look at him in shock.

“What the hell are you saying?!” I shouted at him.

“I mean literally, Noelle. Don’t think anything suspicious about it. I can’t let you sleep on the couch. My bed is big enough for two people.” He explained his side and I diverted my gaze away from him in embarrassment.

Shit! What am I thinking?! Get hold of yourself, Noelle! Don’t think anything dirty!

I nod at him just to stop him nagging me, but at the back of my mind, I will still sleep on the couch. “I’ll follow you after cleaning the dishes,” I said, and he smiled widely at me. I sigh in relief the moment he walks into his room.

I watch TV in the living room while lying on the couch. After a few hours, I found myself drifting to slumber. But before I totally fell asleep, I heard Levi’s voice.

“I knew you would not follow me.” He said, and that’s the last thing I know.

The next day, I freaked out when I woke up and found Levi’s hugging me from behind. What the hell happened?! His arm wrapped around my waist, and I could feel my heart beating triple fast in nervousness.

How did we end up like this?! This is very intimate, and I feel like my cheeks are burning up! His chest touching my back! OMG! We are too close! Shit Levi! How dare you do this to me?!

I slowly slipped out from his embrace and let out a deep sigh as a sign of relief. So, he carried me from his living room to his room. I couldn’t believe I slept with him… literally.

I suddenly remember his fever. I grab the thermometer and put it in his underarm. I sigh in relief when his temperature drops to 37.5 degrees. His temperature is back to normal, but his body still needs rest.

I quickly cooked breakfast for him. I prepared scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, and a hot coffee. I placed a note on the tray saying that I needed to leave for school, and I instructed Allen to bring him lunch and dinner.

I spent the whole day at school, trying my best in every subject to get a high grade. Levi sent me a chat with a crying emoji. I sighed and ignored his way of telling me to come back and take care of him instead.

I still want to take care of him and spend the whole day with him, but I have to prioritize my studies. I already missed a few subjects yesterday, and I couldn’t let it happen again.

“See you tomorrow, Noelle.” He sent a voicemail, and I smiled at his deep voice.