Lucian was a light sleeper. When he heard a series of soft rustling sounds, he opened his eyes and saw that the patient in the bed had already woken. She placed her palm on her forehead, seemingly checking her temperature.

"How are you feeling? Do you still have a high fever?" Lucian got up and walked toward the bed.

Roxanne froze, then slowly propped herself up. In a courteous tone, she said, "I feel much better now. Thank you, and I'm sorry for the trouble tonight."

Seeing her distance, Lucian's face fell. However, he quickly hid his displeasure, remembering she was unwell. "You didn't have dinner. Are you hungry?" he asked kindly.

As soon as he mentioned it, Roxanne realized she was starving. Apart from a few bites at lunch, she had eaten practically nothing all day due to her low appetite. However, she was reluctant to owe him any more favors.

Just as she was about to refuse, her empty stomach growled. Roxanne's cheeks flushed. Maintaining her composure, she replied, "I don't feel like eating anything this late."

Lucian furrowed his brows and left the ward. Hearing the door close, Roxanne turned to find him gone.

Ten minutes later, he returned with a piping hot bowl of oatmeal. "There aren't many options at this hour. I could only make this using the hospital microwave. I hope you don't mind."

Roxanne was taken aback. By the time she recovered, he had adjusted her bed and placed the oatmeal in front of her.

"Thank you," she said, taking a mouthful. "Considering all you've done, it would be impolite to refuse again."

Lucian waited until she began eating before returning to his seat. "The doctor advised hospitalization for observation, in case your condition worsens. You should have another check-up tomorrow morning. If all is well, you can be discharged," he said quietly.

Roxanne glanced at him and nodded. "I feel okay now. Thank you for taking care of me tonight. It's getting late, so you should go home and rest; you have to work tomorrow."

He was chagrined that she was subtly dismissing him. "I'm not so irresponsible as to leave you alone overnight," he snapped coldly.

Frowning, Roxanne insisted, "I'm fine, and I don't need special care. It's unnecessary for you to stay. You won't get a good rest here, anyway." She didn't want to owe him anything more.

Her voice sounded awkwardly loud in the quiet ward. Silence filled the room. However, he showed no intention of leaving.

She dug her fingernails into her palms, explaining in a slightly friendlier tone, "We aren't in a relationship. Therefore, there's no reason for you to take special care of me, Mr. Farwell. I actually feel burdened by it." She gave him a solemn look.

Lucian never imagined that caring for her would create a rift. He was utterly displeased, yet he couldn't leave her alone.

After a moment of silence, he suppressed his anger. "Don't misunderstand. I just think Essie would be mad if she found out I left you here," he said indifferently. He was implying she wasn't the reason for his staying.

Though Roxanne was apprehensive, she couldn't refute him. She acquiesced. However, neither of them spoke, creating an awkward silence in the ward.

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