?<strong>Chapter 297:</strong>


    Joelle felt a momentarypse of confusion. When she moved out, she didn’t bother taking all her personal items because she could easily rece them. She had assumed that Adrian would have tossed out anything associated with her without a second thought. Yet, it appeared he hadn’t.


    She looked around the house. It was preserved just as she had left it, as if intentionally kept unchanged.


    “Ms. Watson?” Leah’s voice snapped her back to reality.


    Joelle slipped into her slippers. “I’ll go upstairs to check on him.”


    “Alright.”


    She entered the bedroom she had once shared with Adrian. During their three years of marriage, they hardly ever slept together. Back then, he truly resented her, seldoming home, and even more rarely, to their shared bed.


    She knocked on the door, and a raspy voice responded, “Come in.”


    Joelle opened the door and stepped inside. Adrian likely didn’t realize it was her. She hadn’t gotten far when Adrian’s voice grumbled from the bed, “Leah, I told you, I don’t need any medicine. Some sleep will do.”


    Joelle inhaled deeply and replied calmly, “How do you expect to recover without your medication?”


    Adrian sat up abruptly. The nket fell away slightly, revealing his ck silk pajamas against the ck sheets. The curtains were closed, casting the room in shadows, but as Joelle drew closer, she could make out Adrian’s flushed face and bewildered gaze.


    She knew her presence would stun Adrian. Before she could speak further, he pulled her to sit beside him on the bed. “Joelle? Is it really you?” Joelle could feel the warmth from his hand. Was this man delirious? Feverish yet still refusing hospital care—did he wish to worsen his condition?


    “It’s me. You should lie down and rest.”


    Adrian held her tightly, needing the contact to prove he wasn’t just seeing things due to his fever. Feeling Joelle’s resistance, he felt a mix of joy and helplessness. He was joyful that Joelle returned but helpless knowing she might leave again. “Joelle, I feel awful.”


    “Of course you do. How could you not?” Joelle didn’t argue with him, knowing he was unwell. She was here to return a favor and didn’t mind offering somefort. “Adrian, try to lie down properly.”


    His voice was hoarse and faint. “Don’t leave.”


    “I won’t leave. Not until you’re better.”


    Adrian thought he must be very sick. At that moment, he wished he could stay this way forever if it meant she would remain by his side. Joelle adjusted his position and made sure he wasfortable. “Are you hungry? Leah mentioned you haven’t eaten much. Would you like me to cook for you?”


    Adrian didn’t want her to fuss. He wished for Joelle to sit nearby, finding satisfaction in just watching her. For him, that alone was a luxury.


    “It’s not necessary.”


    “Why? Skipping meals and just taking medicine could upset your stomach. Rest for a bit, and I’ll prepare something for you to eat.”


    Adrian’s hand moved too slowly. He reached for her but only grazed her clothing before his arm dropped weakly. Downstairs, Leah was making a pot of soup. Joelle rummaged through the ingredients she had brought. Having cared for Adrian during past illnesses, she knew exactly what he liked.


    Leah stood by her side, smiling. “Ms. Watson, you really know Mr. Miller well. I asked him what he wanted to eat, but he wouldn’t say.”


    Joelle thought it wasn’t right to hear that now, given she was no longer Adrian’s wife.


    “Leah, when Adrian is ill, he prefers his food with a bit more salt. He enjoys stronger vors and doesn’t like his meals too hot. Remember that for the future. I won’t always be here to look after him.”


    Joelle went on to detail Adrian’s preferences. She shared these details because she wanted to ensure someone would be there to care for Adrian meticulously. At some point during her exnation, Adrian showed up at the kitchen doorway.


    He leaned against the frame, breathing hard, his gaze locked on Joelle. He had overheard everything Joelle said. The words made him feel both moved and regretful. He regretted ever causing pain to someone who cared so deeply for him.


    Leah was the first to spot him, and she blurted out, “Oh my! Mr. Miller, shouldn’t you be resting?”


    With Joelle right there, how could Adrian think of sleep? “I… I just came to check.”


    Joelle frowned. “What is there to check? You should be in bed resting!”


    “I’m fine,” Adrian said, struggling to maintain hisposure. However, his face told apletely different story.


    Luckily, Leah was sharp. She silently went upstairs and fetched Adrian’s coat, draping it over him. “Um, I just remembered the doctor has prescribed additional medication. I need to get it. I’ll be heading out now!” Before they could reply, she had left.


    Suddenly, it was just Joelle and Adrian alone in the house. Their eyes met, and Adrian felt noticeably uneasy, his cheeks reddening and his heart beating fast, unsure where to direct his gaze.


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