?Chapter 124:


    Her words were soft, almost inaudible, but Brian’s chuckle broke through, lightening his expression immediately.


    He gently lifted her chin, a yful edge to his voice. “Exactly what are you hinting at?”


    The heat of the moment had already brought a flush to Rachel’s cheeks, which now deepened to a rich crimson.


    “Come on! You know exactly what I’m trying to say! Why even ask?” she retorted, casting him a yful look before quickly turning her head away.


    But before she could step away, Brian drew her back into his embrace. “Silly girl,” he said softly. “Aren’t you sure about what happened?”


    Stunned, Rachel stammered, “What do you mean? Are you suggesting that nothing happened?”


    With a gentle nod, Brian’s voice softened as he exined, “Remember, you were still upset with me. Would I ever overlook your emotions and act selfishly? To calm you, I repeatedly cooled you down with water until the drug fully left your system.”


    The reality of that night became clear.


    Waking up feeling weak and sore, she had believed they had been intimate. Now, everything fell into ce. The fatigue was merely the remnants of the medication, coupled with a night of restlessness.


    Rachel turned to him, her hands tenderly framing his face. “Is that why you caught a fever?”


    “What did you expect? Do you think a guy like me would get a fever so easily?” Brian had spent the entire night carrying her repeatedly, using endless buckets of ice water to reduce her fever.


    “Why didn’t you let me know?”


    Tinged with guilt, Rachel’s voice conveyed her distress. His illness had been the result of caring for her.


    “Well, now you’re aware,” Brian said, drawing her in for another kiss. “Head to the shower first. I’ll follow you.”


    “No, you go ahead,” Rachel replied. “I don’t want you falling ill again.”


    “Don’t fret, I’m sturdy. It’s not that easy to take me down.”


    “But…” Rachel’s voice trailed off, her concern for his health still evident.


    “Just listen to me,” he persuaded warmly. “Go take your shower first, otherwise, I might get carried away.”


    Convinced, Rachel nodded and proceeded toward the bathroom.


    Fresh clothes were neatlyid out for her after her shower.


    As night fell, Brian had Ronald drive her home.


    The following morning, Rachel returned with a selection of vegetables and soup.


    Seeing her, Brian quickly asked, “Only one serving each this time?”


    “No, there are two servings,” she answered.


    “Is it for Trey again?” His voice carried a note of irritation.


    “No, it’s for Jeffrey,” Rachel exined.


    Relieved, Brian’s mood lightened. “Alright then. Just make sure you don’t cook for Trey anymore.”


    At that moment, Rachel realized the source of Brian’s frustration the previous day had been her cooking pasta for Trey.


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