After completing the payment on my phone, I let out a relieved sigh, knowing that I could now focus entirely on being by her side. The nurse arrived shortly, carrying the necessary equipment for the IV. Upon seeing the medical instruments, Sophie's face drained of color, and with a soft, pleading tone, she whimpered,"Ryan, can we skip the IV? Can't I just take medicine instead?"

"No, we can't," I replied gently, attempting to soothe her."Didn't you hear what the doctor said? Your condition is serious, and we've already come here a little too late."

"But I'm scared," she whispered, her voice trembling, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Don't worry, love. It will just be a tiny prick," I reassured her with a light tone, hoping to ease her anxiety.

She clung to me, unwilling to let the nurse proceed with the IV. The nurse, with a playful smile, teased,"Are you two showing off your love in front of me, the single one? How can I give her the injection like this?"

I felt a little awkward, casting an apologetic glance at the nurse and offering a sheepish smile."Sorry, she's just a little frightened."

I gently removed one of Sophie's hands from my waist and whispered tenderly,"Darling, don't watch. It will be over soon." I passed her hand to the nurse. With practiced skill, the nurse tapped her hand, searching for a suitable vein. Sophie tried to retract her hand, but I firmly held her wrist, and she reluctantly submitted to the process. Her eyes shut tightly, her lips quivering slightly.

Soon, the nurse expertly inserted the needle, and after setting up the IV, she left the room. I leaned over to Sophie, who was nestled in my embrace, and softly murmured,"It's done now, darling. You can lie down."

Two perfect tears still lingered on her cheeks, like dew drops on petals. Gently, I brushed them away with my fingertip and whispered,"Let go of me now. Lie down, please."

Her eyes held a trace of desperation, and her voice cracked slightly as she pleaded,"Don't leave me. I want you to stay."

"I'm here, right by your bed," I responded softly, my voice full of tenderness.

She finally released her grip and slowly lay down. I carefully draped the blanket over her, positioning her IV arm outside the covers. Her condition remained dazed, but her eyes never left me, as though afraid that if she looked away, I might vanish.

"Don't worry, I won't leave," I murmured, trying to reassure her.

Her hand remained tightly clutching mine, unwilling to let go. I suspected she might be disoriented. Gradually, with my soft reassurances, her eyelids fluttered shut, and her breathing steadied as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

By this time, it was already ten in the evening. I took out my phone and saw that there were no missed calls or messages. Were her family still dining? After a brief hesitation, I decided not to disturb them. I watched the IV drip, counting the drops silently in my mind.

I, too, had been exhausted today, and before I realized it, I had dozed off by her bedside. I was awakened by the nurse, who was in the middle of changing Sophie's medication.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"You should sleep in the other bed, no one is using it tonight," the nurse suggested with a smile.

I glanced at Sophie's hand, still firmly gripping mine, and shook my head."No, I'll stay here with her."

The nurse chuckled."You and your wife have such a good relationship. She's sick, and yet she's still holding your hand." After quickly finishing the medication change, she exited the room.

I gazed at Sophie's delicate face and murmured softly to myself,"Are we truly married? I've hurt you before. How could I ever deserve to be your husband?" For a brief moment, I thought I saw a flicker of light in the corner of Sophie's eye.

I pulled out my phone again, but once more, there were no messages or missed calls. It was nearly one in the morning now, and a sense of unease began to stir in me regarding Celeste. Had she not made it home, or had her family forbidden us from being together? My thoughts spiraled, and I failed to notice that Sophie had already woken up.

She gazed at me in silence, neither speaking nor releasing my hand.

"You're awake?" I asked, a little awkwardly.

She gave a weak nod."Why don't you sleep a little longer? Rest properly, and by morning, you'll feel better," I suggested gently.

She shook her head."My head hurts... I can't sleep."

I sat at the edge of the bed, gently placing her head on my lap, massaging her temples."Does it feel any better?"

"A little, but it still hurts," she murmured, her voice tinged with frustration.

"You're a strong woman. How come today you seem like a fragile girl?" I teased.

She fell silent for a moment before replying,"I was always a fragile girl... but someone turned me into a superwoman."

I chuckled."Who's so remarkable that they could change you like that?"

Tears welled up in her eyes. I panicked immediately, reaching out to wipe them away."I'm sorry, did I say something I shouldn't? Please don't cry, you're still unwell."

Her tears flowed more freely, and I retrieved a tissue from her bag—thankfully, I had one with me. I gently wiped her tears away, murmuring,"Don't cry, darling, it's not good for your recovery."

She took my hand and placed it on her face, pressing it tightly against her skin, as if trying to convey something. Perhaps she was simply exhausted from crying, for soon, she drifted off to sleep. I attempted to pull my hand away to reposition her on the bed—surely this position couldn't be comfortable—but she held my hand tightly, not allowing me to move. I couldn't tell if she was truly asleep or still awake. I leaned down, speaking softly into her ear,"You must be uncomfortable like this; let me put you back in bed."

She didn't respond, but after a long pause, she gave a gentle shake of her head. And so, she slept on my lap, her head resting there, while my leg began to ache from the strain. Despite the discomfort, I endured it, watching over her. I leaned against the wall and eventually fell asleep myself, unaware when the nurse came to change her medication.

The first light of dawn filtered through the crack in the curtains, gently falling on the bed. I slowly opened my eyes, only to realize we had maintained the same position throughout the night. She still lay peacefully in my arms, a faint, sweet smile on her lips, and her complexion was much better than it had been the night before. I lightly touched her forehead with the back of my hand, breathing a sigh of relief—the fever had subsided.

At that moment, she stirred, her eyes fluttering open, a faint confusion in them as she saw me checking her temperature. She didn't object, but instead nuzzled her head against my leg, like a playful kitten seeking affection.

"You're awake?" I asked softly.

"I'm hungry," she said, her voice hoarse but still carrying that playful, almost childlike tone.

"I'll go get you something to eat," I said quickly, eager to make sure she didn't go hungry.

"I want you to make it for me," she suddenly said, lifting her head, her eyes filled with hope.

"Where can I go now to cook for you? Let me buy you some porridge instead," I said with a slight smile, mentally wondering where I might find an early-opening porridge shop.

"No, I want you to make it," she pouted, her gaze playful. How did Sophie, the strong woman, become this charming, spoiled little girl when she was sick?

I sighed in resignation, gently stroking her face."I'll make it for you when we get home, alright?"

"Then you're coming back to stay?" Her eyes brightened with excitement, and her voice carried a note of joy.

I didn't answer immediately. Celeste's image suddenly flashed in my mind, and I felt a twinge of unease. Why hadn't I heard from her all night? Had something happened to her?