?Chapter 363:


    Rachel was about to disconnect when Brian clenched his jaw and muttered, “Dare you hang up on me?”


    However, the only response was silence. She had hung up on him.


    Following their conversation, Rachel felt her appetite vanish. She had barely managed a few spoonfuls of her food when her hospital room door suddenly burst open. Brian’s figure appeared in the doorway.


    Caught off guard, Rachel halted her spoon in midair. “How did you manage to find me here?”


    “I have my ways,” Brian responded as he approached and took a seat next to her. Noticing her reluctance to eat, he inquired softly, “Lost your appetite, have you?”


    “Somewhat,” she admitted honestly.


    “Is there something particr you’d feel like eating? I can go get it for you.”


    To her surprise, Brian offered it on his own initiative.


    Rachel merely shook her head in response.


    Brian observed her pale face and opted for a gentler approach. “Perhaps some buffalo wings?” Again, she declined.


    “Nachos?”


    She continued to refuse.


    “Grilled shrimp, then?” he persisted.


    She chose to ignore the offer this time.


    A puzzled expression crossed his face. “Aren’t these your old favorites?” Exhaling a deep sigh, she turned to him. “Do you understand my condition at all? My condition only allows for nd meals. No grease, no spice. Aren’t you aware of that?”


    With a wave of her hand and a sorrowful look in her eyes, she added, “Forget it. I was always the one nursing you back to health. Did you ever do the same for me? It’s no wonder you’re unaware.”


    Her words tried to excuse his neglect, yet they echoed with undeniable sadness.


    Brian wished he could admit that he knew. He had only wanted to lift her spirits with her favorite foods, prepared just right, without the spice.


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    Regrettably, the moment to speak had passed.


    “You’ve always had others care for you, so it’s perhaps expected you wouldn’t know how to reciprocate. Please, just go.” Her rejection was clear.


    But Brian felt an even stronger urge to stay as she pushed him away. “You need to eat something nutritious. I can arrange for more porridge, maybe some noodles or soup.”


    Rachel’s response was a disinterested shake of her head.


    Brian’s frustration was evident on his face.


    Then, an idea struck him. “Ah, ravioli! That’s a favorite of yours too, isn’t it?”


    “Ravioli are hard to find now. Only one shop up north still makes them. Honestly, I’m just too tired. I need to rest.”


    Brian acknowledged her wish. “Okay, rest well.”


    He dimmed the overhead lights before exiting, leaving only a softmp glowing.


    But shortly after he left, an urgent knock disrupted the quiet.


    “Rachel, it’s Debby.”


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