Joan scared herself by going into another room.
Stella fidgeted as she sat on Westonâs lap, feeling his bodyâs warmth even through their clothes. âYouâre really very warm. Why donât you take your temperature properly?â âHavenât I already done that a couple of times?â
Stella was speechless.
She recalled those few attempts at taking his temperature, which was probably inaccurate because Weston refused to cooperate. âYouâre no longer a child. Why are you being so difficult when it comes to taking your temperature? If you donât do it properly this time, I wonât bother with you anymore.â She heard a low chuckle coming from him. âI got it.â
He even tried to make himself sound obedient and pliant.
A few minutes later, Weston proactively handed his thermometer to her. âDoes it look accurate this time?â
Stella looked at the window and reported, â102, almost 104 degrees.â She was slightly taken aback.
âDidnât I put a cool towel on your forehead just now to lower your temperature? Why did your fever worsen...â Weston was slightly annoyed and placed the thermometer at the side. He pulled Stella back into his arms. âIâm fine.â âYouâre burning up and still dare to say youâre fine?â âAre you worried about me?â
Weston rubbed the tip of his nose against her ear. Even with such subtle movements, Stella could feel the heat emanating from his body. âNo, Iâm just worried that your family might come looking for me and hold me accountable if you were to turn silly from your fever.â
âThen you shall be held accountable,â Weston said casually. Stella knew it was just a passing remark and disregarded it. âIf you continue having a fever, how will you go to work tomorrow?â âStill insisting youâre not worried about me? Hmm?â Falling sick wasnât a big deal for Weston. He seldom fell ill, but if falling ill meant he could see Stella getting worried for him, it didnât seem like a bad idea.
Stella remained silent.
Was she worried about him?
She didnât exactly feel worried. If it were in the past, she would probably be panicking, seeing how high his fever had gotten. However, she didnât feel anything much now, except for mild concern.
If something really were to happen to him, she was more concerned that Guinevere might create trouble for her.
âLetâs continue watching the movie.â
He could sense Stella getting distracted with her thoughts again and caressed her head. âIâll be fine after a nightâs rest.â
Then shouldnât you go to bed early?â âItâs still early now.â âWhatever it is, youâre sick now. Itâs always ideal for getting more rest.â âI canât fall asleep right now,â Weston cut her off. âIsnât it good that I watch a movie with you? I might get really busy in the time to come.â âThatâs fine. Iâm about to join the crew and become busy, too.â Weston tightened his hold over her and rested his chin on her head. âDo you really want to so badly?â Stella sensed a sudden change in his tone and turned around to look at him. âYouâve already promised to let me stay on the crew and finish my role. You canât go back on your word.â âI havenât even said anything, and here you are getting worried,â Weston pinched her cheeks. âDid I say anything about not letting you act?â âWhat you said just now made me worried that youâd break your promise.â
âIâll never break my promise to you.â Stella remained silent, but the look of sarcasm in her eyes was not lost on him.
Weston turned her head around. âExcept for letting you go.â
âWhatever it is, you just need to remember our oneâyear timeline.â His face darkened. âThe Stella Sealey of the past would never keep harping on the same thing.â She wouldnât have tried to keep leaving him, either. Stella didnât say anything further and took a deep breath. âIf you donât like it, I wonât say it again.â
âGood.â Weston leaned in and kissed her on the lips. âStay by my side, Stella. Iâll give you everything you want.â