+15 Points >
“Look at you,” I continued, my emerald eyes flashing. “Wallowing in self–pity, putting on this pathetic display. For what? To gain sympathy?”
Ethan tried to speak, but only managed a pained cough, flecks of blood staining his lips.
“Lily died because of you,” I said, each word a dagger. “Your grandmother died because of Victoria’s schemes. And here you are, playing the victim.”
I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “Lily and your grandmother would not be moved. They would only be disgusted by your hypocrisy.”
The pain that flashed across Ethan’s face had nothing to do with his physical injuries. Good.
Let him hurt as I had hurt.
A commotion from the opposite ward drew my attention. I turned to see Lucas Blackwood emerging from his room, still clad in a hospital gown. His normally imposing figure looked weakened, his skin flushed with fever, but his gray eyes were alert and concerned as they
found mine.
Despite his obvious illness, he moved to position himself between me and Ethan, his protective instinct overriding his physical discomfort.
“Olivia,” he said, his voice rough from fever. “Are you alright?”
My anger at Ethan instantly gave way to concern for Lucas. “What are you doing out of bed?” I scolded gently, moving to his side. “You’re burning up.”
I placed my hand on his arm, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. Without a second glance at Ethan, I guided Lucas back toward his room, supporting his weight as he leaned against
me..
“You shouldn’t be up,” I murmured, helping him through the doorway. “Thomas told me about your fever. You need to rest.”
Lucas allowed me to lead him back to his bed, but his eyes never left my face. “Were you hurt?” he asked, his fingers wrapping around mine. “I heard shouting.”
I shook my head, touched by his concern even in his weakened state. “I’m fine. It’s you I’m
worried about.”
I helped him back into bed, arranging the pillows behind him before checking his forehead. His skin burned beneath my palm, and I quickly reached for a cool cloth from the bedside table, gently wiping away the beads of sweat on his brow.
“You’re reckless,” I said softly, unable to keep the fondness from my voice. “Jumping into
315
Chapter 114 Olivia Visits the
freezing water, and now this.”
+15 Points2
Lucas caught my hand, his gray eyes intense despite the fever. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
My breath caught at his sincerity. “This is my fault,” I whispered. “You’re sick because of me.”
“No regrets,” he interrupted, a weak smile playing on his lips. “None.”
I felt my cheeks warm under his gaze, suddenly aware of how close we were. To hide my confusion, I gestured to the thermal container I’d set on his bedside table.
“I brought you something,” I said. “Healing venison stew with special herbs. It should help bring down your fever and speed your recovery.”
Lucas’s smile widened slightly. “You cooked for me?”
“It’s the least I could do,” I replied, opening the container. The rich aroma of the stew filled the room, carrying with it the subtle scent of the healing herbs I’d carefully selected. “Can you eat
something?”
“For you, I’ll try,” he said, though I could see he had little appetite.
I helped him sit up straighter, then filled a spoon with the warm stew. It felt strangely intimate, feeding him this way, but after everything he’d done for me, it seemed a small gesture of
gratitude.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Thomas Griffin watching discreetly from the doorway
before silently withdrawing, giving us privacy.
“This is delicious,” Lucas murmured after swallowing the first spoonful. “You’re talented.”
I felt my cheeks flush again at his compliment. “It’s just a simple recipe with some healing
herbs. Nothing special.”
“Everything you do is special, Olivia,” he said softly, his gray eyes never leaving mine as I
continued to feed him.
I didn’t know how to respond to such earnest praise. It had been so long since anyone had looked at me the way Lucas did–like I was something precious, something worth protecting.
“You should rest after eating,” I said, trying to maintain some composure despite the unfamiliar emotions swirling within me. “The herbs will work better if you sleep.”
Lucas nodded, but continued watching me with that intense gaze that seemed to see right through me. I reminded myself that caring for him was simply the right thing to do after all he had done for me, but the warmth spreading through my chest suggested something more
4/5
< Chapter 114. Olivia Visits the…
complicated.
+15 Points >
Meanwhile, in the opposite room, Ethan Stone had just regained consciousness after my blow, witnessing the tender scene between his mate and the rival Alpha.
