?Chapter 257:


    Sweat started to trickle down William’s forehead. He couldn’t remember ever eating anything so explosively spicy. “So what, you’re just trying to set my mouth on fire for fun?”


    Ste considered his question with deliberate seriousness. “Honestly? There are upsides. If I scorch your taste buds, I won’t have to cook for you every day—and no one at work will have any rumors to spread about us, right?”


    William slumped back in his chair, defeated, and waved for Rita to bring him another ss of water.


    He drained it in one go, desperate for relief. As he caught his breath, Ste’s gaze drifted to his mouth—his lips had grown a vivid shade of red, puffed up and almost glossy with moisture. Were those chilies really that powerful?


    She hadn’t meant for things to get this out of hand.


    Still, there was something oddly captivating about William just then—flushed cheeks, damp hair at his temples, lips glistening and a little swollen.


    It was annoyingly unfair how he managed to look good in any circumstance, even half-suffering at the kitchen table. Some people just had it easy.


    Ste tried to shake off her distraction and moved to fetch him a ss of ice water. Before she could take a step, Rita’s voice rang out, brimming with excitement. “Oh my goodness, Mr. Briggs, your lips…”


    Ste nced over. The swelling had gotten worse, his lips practically zing crimson.


    That definitely didn’t look normal. Was this an allergic reaction?


    Ste wasted no time getting William to the hospital, anxiety prickling beneath her calm facade.


    The emergency room teemed with patients even on a weekday, but she stayed by his side, silently urging the line to move faster.


    After a brief examination, the doctor barely nced at William’s swollen lips before scribbling a prescription. “It’s abination of inmmation and a mild allergic reaction. Use this ointment three times a day, and be generous with it. For now, stick to nd foods—nothing spicy.”


    Back outside, the tension between them had shifted. Ste’s earlier yfulness dissolved, leaving behind a faint embarrassment.


    “I’m really sorry. I had no idea those chilies would be that intense,” she murmured, her voice softer than before.


    William lowered his gaze, a small, sly smile ying at the corners of his lips. “Well, if you’re that sorry, you could start by putting the ointment on for me.”


    It was a reasonable request. There was no mirror to guide him.


    They got into the car. Ste uncapped the ointment. The thick, white cream felt cool against her skin as she dabbed a bit onto her fingertip and leaned in.


    She murmured, her breath brushing lightly against his cheek, “Lower your head a little ande closer…”


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