Chloe was startled when she opened her eyes and found Edward fast asleep right beside her. Not lying down, but sitting beside the nightstand, his head resting on his left hand while his right hand tightly held Chloe’s fingers.
Slowly, she tried to release Edward’s grip on her hand. But instead of letting go, he woke up sensing Chloe’s movements.
“Are you awake?” he asked. “How do you feel now?” There was a hint of concern in Edward’s question.
“I’m fine,” Chloe replied with a cold expression. She might still feel dizzy due to the side effects of the injected medication. But not long after, her eyes flashed sharply as she looked at Edward with a questioning gaze. “Who changed my clothes?”
Edward casually responded, “Of course, it was me. Who else? It’s not like I asked Samuel or my driver at home to do it.”
“You!” Chloe exclaimed loudly. “How dare you open my clothes!”
Edward shook his head. He actually felt sorry for his wife’s condition, but refrained from laughing, especially when seeing Chloe angry like this, was quite challenging.
“Chloe, my dear… What’s the matter if I changed your clothes? I’ve seen your innocent body more than once. I’ve even touched it. So, what’s the problem? Besides, I am your husband.”
What Edward said was true. Chloe herself deliberately showed every inch of her body to him multiple times. So why was it an issue now?
Chloe could only grumble in annoyance. Avoiding prolonging the argument, she changed the topic of conversation.
“Then, why are you still at home? Aren’t you supposed to go to work?” She asked, slightly puzzled. Her eyes shifted to the digital clock neatly displayed on the nightstand. “It’s already eight o’clock. By this time, you should be at the office, right?”
Edward straightened up and stretched his muscles before getting up from his seat.
“I decided not to go to work today. I want to make sure that your health is fully recovered,” he explained.
“Tch! You’re overdoing it.” Chloe smiled bitterly, almost belittling. “I’m fine. Besides, whether you go to work or not doesn’t affect me at all, Ed.”
Edward approached her. As usual, he kissed Chloe’s forehead briefly without asking for permission, as if it had become a habit now.
“I’ll take a shower first. After that, I’ll prepare breakfast for you. Whether it affects you or not, I’ll take care of you today.”
“No, you-” Chloe tried to protest, but Edward turned around and entered the bathroom, ignoring her attempts to complain.
Arghhh. What does this man want, actually?
To banish the boredom that struck her, Chloe chose to watch TV. Ignoring Edward, who had come out of the bathroom not long ago and headed straight for the first floor. Who knows what that guy will do down there.
30 minutes passed, and Edward returned, carrying a portable tray filled with various foods. From snacks, fruits, cakes, to heavy meals specially prepared for Chloe.
“You should have breakfast first. After that, take your medicine and rest again,” Edward ordered. He then placed the portable tray he brought on the bed. Grabbing a plate and a spoon, intending to help feed her.
“I can do it myself!” Chloe refused.
“Shh…” Edward immediately hissed. “Can’t you just obey for once? Be a submissive woman. Or I’ll kiss you.”
Chloe pursed her lips, restraining herself from openly cursing the man in front of her. She chose to succumb and accepted each spoonful Edward offered until all the food was gone.
“Now it’s time to take your medicine.” Edward handed Chloe some tablets to drink. “After this, you have to rest again.”
“Ed…” Chloe protested. “I’m just having a fever, not a serious illness. No need to exaggerate. You’re treating me like I’m dying!”
Edward chuckled softly. But before he could respond, someone knocked on the bedroom door. Quickly, he asked whoever was outside to come in.
“Sorry, Mr. Edward. Your assistant wants to see you. Seems to be very important.”
“Just tell Nicholas to come in and meet me,” he ordered.
Leta nodded politely. Before leaving, she took the portable tray from the bed. Carrying it out and instructing Nicholas to meet Edward in his room.
“Good afternoon, Mister,” Nicholas greeted politely. “I brought some files that you need to review.”
Nicholas then handed a stack of blue-colored folders to Edward, allowing his boss to check them first.
“Earlier, the contractors confirmed your absence during the building inspection process.” Nicholas provided more information. As per the schedule he had arranged earlier, Edward was supposed to conduct an inspection of the building under construction today.
“And… have you informed them of the reason for my absence today?”
Nicholas nodded. “Yes, I have. They understand your wife’s current condition. They even sent some special gifts for Mrs. Chloe. I’ve placed them all on the living room table.”
Edward smiled in relief. It meant he didn’t need to worry as the contractors understood the circumstances preventing him from visiting today.
“And… Mister,” Nicholas continued. “Don’t forget, the day after tomorrow, you have to leave for Turkey. For this one, it can’t be delegated, let alone canceled.”
“Yes, I know. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”
Edward then handed back the received documents, signing them. After everything was done, Nicholas bid farewell and left Edward’s residence.
***
“Where are you going?” Edward asked as he saw Chloe getting up from the bed.
“Dinner,” she replied shortly, slowly standing up and dragging her feet. Intending to leave the room.
“Wait,” Edward stopped her. “You can have dinner in the room. Why bother going down to the dining area?”
Chloe didn’t care. She continued walking out, while Edward winced and decided to follow her steps until they both reached the dining room.
Quickly, Edward helped pull out a chair, inviting Chloe to sit down. “Can I help you get the food?”
“No need,” Chloe quickly refused. She chose to get her own food and started eating, savoring every bite.
After finishing her dinner, Chloe decided to return to her room. Unfortunately, while climbing the stairs, she lost her balance. Luckily, Edward was right behind her. He quickly steadied her and carried her back to the room.
“I told you. You haven’t fully recovered. Why is it so difficult for you to listen?” Edward scolded.
Chloe chose to remain silent, knowing she was in the wrong. But she was too proud to apologize and admit that Edward was right.
“Now, you’d better rest.” Edward, who was standing, pulled the blanket and covered Chloe’s entire body. Shortly after, his hand extended to touch her forehead, checking if her body temperature was still warm or not.
“Your body is still warm and cold.”
“Don’t exaggerate! I’m fine,” Chloe retorted.
Edward didn’t respond this time. After changing into his pajamas, he walked slowly towards the bed, crawled in, and invited Chloe into his arms.
“EDWARD!” Chloe protested. “What are you doing, hugging me like this!” It wasn’t Chloe if she didn’t voice her objections.
“I’m just helping you warm up. Are you numb? Your body feels cold now!”
Before Chloe could respond, Edward continued his long speech. “Now sleep. Enjoy your rest. Don’t worry; I’ll only hug you tonight.”
In Edward’s embrace, Chloe questioned, “What do you mean?”
“Did you hear it yourself? I have to leave for Turkey soon. Unfortunately, since you’re sick, I can’t take you with me.”
Unconsciously, Chloe let out a sigh of relief. Finally, she didn’t need to come up with excuses not to accompany Edward on his business trip. It meant that while he was away, she would be free to do whatever she pleased.
“Now, go to sleep quickly,” Edward ordered once again. “You know, Chloe, for God’s sake, I’m worried about your condition. I hope your health improves before I leave for Turkey, so I can be at ease leaving you here alone.”
In Edward’s embrace, Chloe took a deep breath, trying to ignore her husband’s words, but it wasn’t as easy as she thought. For some reason, Edward’s words stirred her heart and mind.
Chloe, your heart condition is alright, isn’t it?