Chapter 178: Well then, thank you.


    Though Allison said this, her exhaustion was undeniable.


    She was too drained to care about Ferdinand or anything else.


    Her mind felt sluggish, her thoughts moving like msses.


    She stood up, adding, Mr.


    Lloyd, Ill find a room to rest.


    But just as the words left her lips, her body swayed slightly.


    Ken noticed immediately, and without thinking, he reached out to steady her.


    As his hand touched her skin, he realized how hot she was feverishly hot.


    Even Allison could feel it now.


    Youve got a fever, Ken said, guiding her back to sit down.


    And its high.


    How have you not noticed? Allison smiled weakly.


    It happens all the time.


    Im used to it… I dont want you to get used to this, Allison, Ken muttered, his voice tight with frustration.


    At the very least, you need to tell someone when somethings wrong.


    His frustration bubbled up.


    Allison was burning up, yet shed been talking to him so casually, as if it were nothing.


    He remembered thest time hed seen her fridge empty, save for instant noodles.


    He couldnt help but wonder how she lived like this, so indifferent to her own health and well-being.


    Its just a fever, Allison shrugged, seemingly bewildered by his concern.


    She was no stranger to pain.


    Headaches, fevers these had be normal for her.


    During missions, shed sometimes gone ten days without medication, simply enduring.


    And after marrying into the Stevens family, she had learned to swallow her emotions; Coltons disdain had forced her to bury everything inside.


    And this was the first time someone had urged her to speak up.


    The care, the concern it felt strange, ufortable even.


    Ken immediately called for the doctor.


    Allison has a fever.


    Come take care of it.


    Though Allison was the one who was sick, Kens expression was dark, almost angry.


    Wait here, he said.


    Ill get a wet towel to cool you down.


    Allison wanted to tell him it wasnt necessary that all she needed was some medicine and rest but when she saw the hard set of his jaw, the frustration simmering beneath the surface, she said nothing.


    She let him fuss over her.


    When the doctor rushed in, he was greeted with a sight he never expected: Ken, the famously moody and distant Ken, was carefully wiping Allisons forehead with a towel.


    Not only that, but Allison was sitting in his wheelchair.


    The doctor blinked, wondering if he was still dreaming.


    He hurried over, touching Allisons forehead to confirm the fever, though her temperature was obvious without even needing a thermometer.


    As his hand moved away, his eyes caught sight of an inmed wound on the back of Allisons neck.


    His breath caught in his throat.


    It looks like a venomous insect from the forest caused an infection.


    We dont have many supplies on the yacht we need to head back to Ontdale as soon as possible.


    The doctor began rifling through his kit.


    Ill find some medicine for Ms.


    rke.


    Ken frowned.


    Ill give it to her.


    You go see if Ferdinand has any antibiotics.


    Meanwhile, Allison felt the weight of exhaustion dragging her under.


    Her eyelids were heavy, her body drained.


    It was odd when she hadnt noticed anything wrong, shed managed to push through the pain.


    But now that Ken had pointed it out, now that she could see the worry etched on his face, she felt herself rx, her body giving in to the fatigue.


    In a haze, she heard a voice.


    Open your mouth.


    But she couldnt muster the strength to respond.


    Her eyes wouldnt open; her body felt like lead.


    Then, gently, she felt her chin being lifted.


    Something cool touched her lips, followed by a warm tongue prying her mouth open.


    She swallowed, tasting the bitterness of pills mixed with liquid.


    The breath on her skin was hot, almost fevered.


    Allison felt like she was melting, burning in a furnace.


    Her lips parted instinctively, her tongue flicking out to lick them.


    There was a bittersweet taste, mingled with something fresh and familiar… something soothing.


    Kens hand loosened on her chin as he set the cup down.


    When he had fed her the medicine, Allison had unknowingly licked his lips.


    The contact had been brief, but it was enough.


    Enough to ignite something.


    Allison? Kens voice was hoarse, strained.


    But she didnt answer.


    The moment the pills had slipped down her throat, shed fallen asleep, unaware of what had transpired, oblivious to the quiet storm brewing within him.


    Kens pulse quickened, his own body growing hotter.


    He stood abruptly, retreating to the bathroom for a cold shower.


    As the freezing water cascaded over him, he closed his eyes, forcing himself to calm down, to push aside the heat coursing through him.


    I must be losing my mind.


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