Chapter 15

15

“Lucas…”

I looked at him as he gently pressed a warm towel against my forehead.

“Hm?” he responded without looking up, his attention fixed on me.

“I’m not feeling that bad,” I said softly. “Please, this really isn’t—”

“Hey, Junia,” he interrupted politely. He finally looked at me, his expression calm but firm. “How am I supposed to explain to Mr. and Mrs. Larson that their daughter developed a high fever under my watch?” He paused before adding, “Besides, your hair is still cold and damp. Junia… please, let me bring your fever down.”

I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips. Apart from my parents, no one had ever taken care of me like this. No one. I had always been the one taking care of everyone else.

Then my smile slowly faded as Maya crossed my mind. She had left the house because of me. She probably thought I didn’t care about her anymore.

As though he had read my thoughts, Lucas spoke quietly. “Junia.”

I looked up.

“Maya will come around.” His voice remained steady. “You weren’t wrong for asking her that question. Don’t blame yourself.”

I nodded slightly.

“And don’t worry,” he continued. “I’ll find out who’s really behind all of this.”

I nodded again. He stood up to take the bowl of water away. Before I could even whisper a thank you…

“Achoo!”

I sneezed. Then again. And again.

Lucas immediately sat back down. “Did it get worse?”

“I’m okay,” I insisted.

He placed the back of his hand gently against my forehead once more. His expression changed instantly. “Your temperature has gone up.” He stood. “I think it’s time you received proper treatment.” He looked at me reassuringly. “I’ll be right back.”

Honestly, I had no idea why I’d gotten sick. My body felt unbelievably weak. For the rest of the night, Lucas never went to bed. He kept checking my temperature. He made sure I took my medicine. He even brought me warm soup. Every time I tried to protest, he would quietly cut me off before I could finish speaking.

Eventually… I drifted off to sleep.

•••

The next morning, my headache had eased. I was still a little weak, but I felt much better. I was a strong woman. I’d recover completely soon enough.

But when I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the room, I froze. Lucas… He was sitting on the floor beside my bed. His head rested against the mattress, his eyes closed peacefully.

My heart skipped a beat. Had… had he slept there the entire night? How did this man even think? He hadn’t changed his clothes. His hair was messy, falling across his forehead. For some reason… he always looked warmer whenever his hair was like that.

Without thinking, I slowly reached out and gently brushed the strands away from his face. The moment my fingers touched his hair, he stirred. Panicking, I immediately pulled my hand back and quickly closed my eyes, pretending to still be asleep.

A second later, I felt his hand gently touch my forehead. This time… heat spread across my cheeks. Satisfied that my fever had gone down, he quietly stood and left the room.

By the time I finished freshening up, I had spent almost the entire time trying to figure out how I was going to thank him. I even stood in front of the mirror practicing. “Uh… thank you, Lucas…” “No…” “Thank you for staying with me…” “No, that’s awkward…” Nothing sounded right.

Just then, there was a knock on my door. I hurried over and opened it. It was Lucas.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

“G-good morning,” I replied, avoiding his eyes.

“The photographers are here,” he said. “Mother wants our wedding portrait taken.” He studied me carefully. “I don’t know if you’re feeling any better. Besides, you still haven’t eaten much. If you’re not well enough, I can postpone—”

“No,” I interrupted quickly. “I’ll take the photos.”

A hint of relief crossed his face. “Really?”

“Yes.”

He stepped aside to let me out before quietly closing the bedroom door behind us.

When we reached the garden, the photographers were already waiting. They greeted us politely before asking us to sit together on a wooden bench.

“Alright,” one of them said cheerfully. “Move a little closer.”

I shifted barely an inch. Lucas did the same.

The photographers exchanged amused looks. “Are you two still shy?” one of them laughed. “You’re such a cute couple.”

I felt my heart flutter at the unexpected compliment. It was a bit ironic… for a man I had once refused to marry .

“Just a little closer,” another photographer encouraged.

This time, we both obeyed.

“Are you alright?” Lucas asked quietly.

I nodded.

Slowly, he lifted his arm and rested it lightly behind my shoulders, careful not to actually touch me, as though he didn’t want to make me uncomfortable. My heart softened at the thoughtful gesture.

“Perfect,” the photographer said with a grin. “Smile.”

Click.