■ Really, there''s no need," Patricia quickly said, shaking her head.


    Her health had almost fully recovered, but Eliar was still not in the clear. Since Er''s injuries were due


    to her, she felt this was the only thing she could do for him now.


    Relying on others to deliver meals would make her feel even more redundant, causing unease in her


    heart.


    "Hahaha, I''m just teasing you; look how worked up you are," Lulu chuckled, thinking, ''She clearly wants


    to cook for Er herself butes up with all these excuses.'' "No, I''m not nervous," Patricia''s cheeks


    flushed, her eyes darting away in a slight panic, avoiding Lulu''s gaze.


    Lulu patted Patricia''s shoulder, Al right, we all know you''re not nervous.”


    With a meaningful look from Lulu, Patricia felt her cheeks grow warmer.


    She quickly turned to Nicole to switch topics, saying, "Ms. Riddle, everything is going smoothly, right?"


    "It''s fine," Nicole replied with a smile.


    Taking the chance to set down the thermal container, Patricia looked at Nicole earnestly. ‘Is there


    anything I can do to help?" "You? Just take good care of Er; that''s enough," Luluughed, seeing


    through Patricia''s attempt to change the subject.


    "Lulu," Patricia said with a hint of reproach in her voice.


    Patricia burst intoughter, her mood lightening.


    "Lulu, stop teasing her. If she runs away, who will I turn to?" Er intervened, seeing Patricia getting


    ribbed,ing to her defense.


    "So, you''re already protecting your wife," Lulu teased Er, "Okay, I''ll stop."


    Nicole watched the yful banter with a soft smile. "We just came to check on you. Seeing you both


    fine puts US at ease." "Nicole, we''re doing well; you don''t have to worry," Er reassured.


    "I can see that," Nicole responded, her smile turning toward Patricia," You''ve visited Charlie?"


    Patricia nodded. "Yes, I went to see him. I thought about asking him to transfer here, but he said his


    squad members are also hospitalized and recovering, so he didn''t want to move. Besides, they will be


    discharged in a couple of days and didn''t want the hassle." "That''s good, they have each other for


    support; you don''t need to worry about them," Nicolemented.


    "Yes," Patricia agreed, nodding.


    "Lulu, let''s go," Nicole said, turning to Lulu.


    "Oh, sure,” Lulu replied, ready to leave.


    After bidding farewell to Er and Patricia, Nicole and Lulu left the hospital room.


    Patricia watched them until Er called her back to the present, "What?" "I said, they''re gone. Let''s


    have dinner," Er suggested with a smile.


    "Okay," Patricia responded, beginning to unpack the thermal container and meal boxes.


    The delicious aroma quickly filled the room, with dishes like risotto, side dishes, and cream soup, all


    prepared by Patricia herself.


    "I''m genuinely surprised by your culinary skills. I never knew you could cook this well," Er remarked,


    feeling a sense of happiness deep inside.


    He couldn''t pinpoint it, but he sensed a change in Patricia after her visit to Charlie. She seemed softer,


    less distant toward him, perhaps fully at ease now that Charlie was safe.


    "Stop smiling at me and eat," Patricia chided with a blush, handing the cutlery to Er.


    N?velDrama.Org content.


    "Okay." Er took the cutlery and invited Patricia, "You eat too."


    They sat down together, enjoying their dinner in the quietfort of the hospital room, sharing a meal


    that felt much more than just food; it was a moment of connection and mutual care.