Chapter 482

"The food is absolutely incredible. Where did you find this chef?" Vivian Bennett couldn't contain her amazement. "This tastes even more authentic than back home. It's a shame you're not here. It's truly delicious."

Her puzzled voice traveled through the phone.

There were very few authentic Chinese restaurants in the area. Most had adapted their flavors to suit local tastes, losing their original essence.

She could hardly believe she was tasting such genuine hometown cuisine here.

"As long as it tastes good, there's no need to question its origin," Liam Sullivan chuckled softly, his tone filled with affection.

Of course, no chef of this caliber could be found locally.

He had specially arranged a private jet to bring the chef over from their homeland overnight.

"Where did you run off to again?" Vivian's voice sounded muffled. "I woke up and you were already gone."

Other new couples woke up together.

Even though they weren't married yet, they were at least in the passionate throes of a new relationship.

Yet she hadn't had a single morning waking up beside him.

It never used to bother her before, but now she felt an inexplicable sense of loss.

"Miss me? Hmm, here's a kiss for you." Liam glanced at the IV needle in his hand, his tone deliberately casual.

"Don't change the subject. Tell me where you are right now," Vivian insisted, refusing to let it go.

Liam sighed with a wry smile. "Some business matters require my attention. I need to work hard to provide for you, don't I?"

Vivian felt a sweet warmth in her heart. "That excuse is barely acceptable. When will you be back?"

"Tonight. I'll try to return as early as possible," Liam said before hurriedly ending the call.

The attending physician entered with his medical chart, shooting him a disapproving look.

"Your test results are back. There's a slight displacement in your phalanx, and the wound is severely infected."

The doctor frowned at him. "I warned you to be careful with that finger. How did it get worse in just one day? Did you get it wet?"

"No," Liam flatly denied.

"Withholding information from your doctor won't help. I need to know what you did yesterday," the doctor said, exasperated by his uncooperative patient.

"I got caught in the rain. And I threw someone into a pool. I might have injured it then," Liam stated indifferently.

The doctor inhaled sharply. "I've never seen a patient so reckless with their own health. No wonder the wound is infected and you're running a fever. Even if no one else cares about you, you should at least value yourself."

Liam smiled genuinely this time. "Who says no one cares? I'm being very careful with this finger now, which is why I came for treatment immediately. Doctor, you must use your best skills to heal my hand quickly."

The doctor was taken aback.

This proud man, who had seemed so desolate and cold just days ago, now appeared positive and lively.

Clearly, he had found happiness that reignited his hope.

The doctor wondered what kind of woman possessed such magic to warm even the coldest heart.

"If you want proper recovery, you should be hospitalized. That's the only way your hand can rest completely and avoid further damage," the doctor advised.

Liam shook his head with a smile. "I can't. I'll finish this IV drip, but I must return tonight."

"May I ask why?" the doctor asked helplessly, looking at his stubborn patient.

"She has nightmares at night. I need to be there for her," Liam said softly.

The doctor suddenly recalled his words from the other day.

He said he had twisted his own finger because the person he liked said she'd rather his finger was broken.

Understanding dawned on the doctor. "You don't want her to know because you're afraid she'll blame herself and feel guilty, right?"