Chapter 136

Sunlight filtered through the gap in the curtains.

Vivian Bennett slowly opened her eyes.

The bedroom was quiet.

She instinctively reached for the space beside her.

The sheets were cold.

Liam Sullivan must have gone to the office long ago.

She propped herself up on her elbows, trying to sit.

The door opened at that moment.

Liam entered carrying a tray.

It held plain congee and small side dishes.

"Awake?" His deep voice held concern. "Still feeling unwell?"

Vivian was stunned. "You didn't go to work?"

Liam placed the tray on the nightstand.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "You're sick. How could I leave?"

Vivian turned her face away. "It's just a fever."

Liam sat on the edge of the bed.

His gaze was intense. "A fever is still an illness."

He reached out to feel her forehead.

His palm was warm.

Vivian instinctively flinched away.

"Don't move." His tone was commanding. "Let me check if the fever is gone."

His fingertips gently brushed her skin.

Vivian held her breath.

"Good. The fever broke." Liam sighed in relief.

He picked up the bowl of congee. "Eat something."

Vivian reached for the bowl. "I can do it myself."

Liam moved it out of her reach. "I'll feed you."

"No need..." Vivian frowned. "I'm not incapacitated."

Liam looked at her intently. "I want to take care of you."

His gaze was too focused.

Vivian's heart skipped a beat.

She averted her eyes. "Suit yourself."

Liam gently blew on a spoonful of congee.

He brought it to her lips.

Vivian hesitated for a moment.

She finally opened her mouth.

The warm congee slid down her throat.

Her stomach immediately felt more comfortable.

Liam picked up some side dishes with chopsticks. "Eat slowly."

His movements were gentle.

It was as if he was handling a fragile treasure.

Vivian couldn't help but look up at him.

Liam was focused on blowing on the next spoonful.

The lines of his profile were sharp.

"Looking at something?" He suddenly turned his head.

His eyes met hers.

Vivian hurriedly looked down. "Nothing."

The tips of her ears turned red.

Liam chuckled softly.

He continued feeding her.

The bowl was soon empty.

"More?" he asked.

Vivian shook her head. "I'm full."

Liam put down the bowl.

His fingertips gently brushed the corner of her mouth. "You had something there."

Vivian shuddered.

His fingertips carried a scorching heat.

"You..." She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

Liam leaned closer.

His voice was low. "Tell me whenever you're sick from now on."

His breath brushed her cheek.

Vivian's heart raced.

She instinctively shrank back.

Liam caught her hand. "Don't hide."

His palm was warm.

It firmly enveloped her fingers.

Vivian lowered her eyelids.

She gave a soft "Mm" in agreement.

A smile appeared in Liam's eyes.

He bent down and placed a light kiss on her forehead.

"Rest well." His voice was soft. "I'll stay with you."

Vivian looked into his deep eyes.

A corner of her heart quietly softened.

Perhaps this wasn't so bad.