Because Edward’s body temperature kept fluctuating, Bella had no choice but to stay with him overnight. Even when Bella woke up in the morning, Edward still held her wrist tightly.
For whatever reason, Bella was taken aback last night. When she was about to leave, Edward suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled it to prevent her from leaving the room.
“Don’t go anywhere. I want you to stay here with me tonight.”
“But, Sir—”
“Don’t protest too much.”
Initially, Bella wanted to refuse. But, seeing Edward so weak, she became worried that his condition might worsen without anyone in the house knowing. Eventually, Bella decided to stay and accompany him.
And now, seeing Edward’s much better condition and his body temperature stabilizing, Bella slowly intended to leave the room. When she finally succeeded, Bella decided to quickly freshen up.
Having been accustomed to taking care of her sick mother, Bella knew what to do. She headed to the kitchen, intending to make warm soup for Edward.
“What are you planning to do, Miss?”
As usual, Clara immediately asked. She saw how busy Bella was, taking some ingredients from the fridge to the kitchen.
“I want to make warm soup for Mr. Edward. Usually, people with fever accompanied by nausea and vomiting prefer to consume warm broth.”
Clara nodded in understanding. This time, she didn’t object to Bella cooking. Clara was sure that Bella would still insist on cooking even if she had been forbidden.
That’s why Clara chose to help. She washed and prepared all the ingredients Bella had chosen. Washing them clean, then handing them over to Bella to process.
“Clara… try this. What do you think, is it already the right taste?”
Clara nodded. She took a spoon and a small bowl. Pouring some broth along with pieces of chicken and some vegetables, then tasting them one by one.
“Hmmm…” Clara murmured. “The taste is just right. It even makes my stomach feel warm immediately.” Then, she seemed to taste the remaining broth in the bowl. Finishing it without leaving any, with a joyful expression. “It would be great if in the future you open a shop or restaurant. I admit that everything you cook is always delicious. I even envy your ability, Miss.”
Bella blushed in embarrassment.
“Don’t exaggerate.”
“I’m serious,” Clara assured her. “Of all the dishes you make. Whether it’s a main course or just cakes and snacks, I haven’t found any that don’t taste good, let alone unpleasant. Truly, your future husband will be happy because he’ll be served delicious and tasty dishes every day.”
Believing her cooking was perfectly cooked and ready to be served, Bella moved the soup she had cooked into a bowl. Placing it on a tray along with a glass of water, intending to take it to Edward’s room.
“Let me help you take it to Mr. Edward’s room.”
Bella shook her head.
“No need. Let me do it. Didn’t Brigitta call for your help earlier?”
“That’s true,” Clara said, remembering that she had been called by the head housekeeper who needed her help. “But are you sure you can handle it on your own?”
“Oh my. This isn’t heavy, Clara. Stop treating me like a child or an elderly person who can’t do anything.”
Clara laughed at Bella’s pouty expression. Then, she asked the young lady to immediately take the food to Edward’s room.
It was still around eight in the morning. When she entered the room, Bella found Edward just waking up from sleep.
Approaching him, Bella first placed the food she brought on the bedside table. Then she turned to Edward to help him sit up.
“Let me help.”
Edward didn’t refuse. He leaned against the headboard, then tried to sit comfortably.
“Thank you.”
Then, without much ado, Bella took a seat right on the edge of the bed. Taking the bowl of soup that she had placed on the bedside table, she then took the initiative to spoon-feed Edward.
“Let me help you.”
Edward enjoyed each spoonful of food that Bella fed him. He savored the delicious taste that emerged while chewing slowly.
“Did you cook all of this?”
Bella nodded repeatedly. She was proud of herself for having the skill in the kitchen to cook and make any food.
“Yes, Sir. Is there something wrong? Is it not delicious?”
Edward hurriedly shook his head.
“I’m not exaggerating, but this soup is indeed delicious. The taste is just right, and it immediately warms my stomach.”
“Thank goodness if you like it.”
Bella continued to spoon-feed the soup until it was finished without any leftovers. Initially, she intended to leave immediately after finishing feeding him. However, as she took a few steps to open the door, Bella found Edward standing and almost falling when he tried to take a step.
“Oh my God, Sir Edward.”
Bella quickly approached him. She helped him back to sit on the bed.
“It seems your condition is not yet stable. What do you actually want to do?”
“I want to take a shower.”
“A shower?” Bella frowned. “Why don’t you wait until your condition is much better?”
Edward shook his head.
“Since yesterday afternoon, I haven’t even showered. My body feels sticky and uncomfortable.”
“But, what if you suddenly fall in the bathroom? That would be very dangerous.” Then Bella thought for a moment until she found a much better idea. “Instead of showering, how about just wiping yourself with warm water? I think that would be much better.”
Although Edward didn’t say he agreed, Bella immediately went to the bathroom, then returned with a small towel soaked in warm water.
“Here’s a towel you can use to wipe yourself. Instead of going to the bathroom, you can clean yourself from the bed.”
“It’s definitely not as clean as taking a shower,” Edward debated, still sticking to his argument.
“Who says?” Bella raised an eyebrow. “Your body will still feel clean and comfortable as long as you wipe it properly.”
Putting on a flat expression, Edward nodded.
“In that case, please help me wipe until clean.”
“W-what?”
Bella was taken aback. Blinking, she was sure she didn’t mishear.
“Yes. You help me wipe.”
Without further ado, the man even opened the thin shirt covering his body. Displaying his muscular arms and tight, athletic stomach, then inviting Bella to clean his body with the warm towel.
“Come on!” Edward urged. “Don’t say you’re admiring my body.”
Bella was startled and immediately embarrassed. She hurriedly took the warm towel, then wiped it on Edward’s back. Cleaning it gently while occasionally massaging it.
While Edward, who had been quite indifferent at first, gradually became awkward himself. Undeniably, there was a strange flutter that suddenly disturbed his mind.