Chapter 93: Chapter 93



Rafael arrived at work early, intending to check on Joelle’s condition, but was surprised to find her ward empty.

“Yes,” Joelle explained over the phone. “I had to handle something urgent last night, so I went home. I’ll be resting at home for the next couple of days. Please help me with the discharge formalities.”

Rafael, foregoing questions about her urgent matter, adopted a concerned tone. “You need to take better care of yourself and avoid overexerting. Delegate what you can. Your health must come first. Understand, Joelle?”

“Got it,” Joelle responded, her voice tinged with discomfort.

“You should also inform Adrian soon. It’s becoming difficult to conceal this,” he advised, his tone clinical, reminiscent of his professional demeanor.

“I’ll find the right moment to discuss it with him,” Joelle assured, her lips pressing together tightly.

“Take care and rest well at home. I need to attend to other patients now,” Rafael concluded.

Joelle was left with many questions but chose to remain silent for the moment. “Okay, bye.”

After ending the call, Joelle felt she must be overthinking. Rafael’s concern was akin to that of Shawn. They had grown up together, so his help in securing her a job seemed natural.

Rafael had always been kind-hearted, putting others before himself since their childhood days, never complicating matters unnecessarily. Joelle trusted that even if he harbored any deeper feelings, he would restrain them, respecting her marital status.

Convinced of Rafael’s platonic intentions and their mutual understanding, Joelle decided against calling Kiera, reassured by her own reasoning.

In the evening, Joelle had no desire to eat, which worried Leah considerably.

When Adrian returned home, Leah quickly pulled him aside. “Mrs. Miller hasn’t come downstairs all day, and she skipped dinner too.”

Reflecting on their morning dispute, Adrian realized that his anger had subsided, and he saw no reason to prolong their disagreement. Though uneasy about Joelle’s interactions with Rafael, he knew her too well to doubt her fidelity.

“Prepare something she likes to eat. I’ll go upstairs to see her.”

“Okay.” Leah paused, then turned back to add, “Mr. Miller, women can be especially sensitive during their period. It wouldn’t hurt for you to be a little more accommodating.”

“Leah, you’ve been quite the scold lately,” Adrian remarked with a hint of annoyance.

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” With that, Leah hurried off.

Ascending to the darkened bedroom, Adrian moved silently across the room and found Joelle asleep in the bed. As he neared, a slight rustle came from the bedding. He reached out to switch on the bedside lamp and gently touched her forehead with the back of his hand to check for a fever.

Her face was flushed with sleep, a marked improvement from the night before. Joelle’s eyes fluttered open, not startled by his presence, still clouded with sleep. “You’re back?”

Her voice was sweet and raspy, her eyes half-lidded in drowsiness. In that moment, any remnants of Adrian’s frustration dissolved. “Yes, get up and have some dinner.”

Joelle shook her head, her voice weary. She had planned to nap briefly at noon, but upon waking, it was already dark. Turning away from him, she murmured, “I want to sleep. I’m not hungry. Don’t wait up for me to eat.” Her voice faded as she drifted back to sleep.

Adrian said nothing further, aware it would take Leah some time to prepare the meal. Choosing not to disturb Joelle further, he retreated to the living room.

An hour later, Leah arrived with the food. Adrian was now in pajamas, with his hair still damp from the shower, exuding the fresh scent of his shampoo. “Mrs. Miller hasn’t woken up yet?”

Adrian glanced towards the bed and replied, “No.” Leah muttered, “She’s never slept this long before. Could she be pregnant?”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed, but he quickly dismissed the thought, remembering Joelle was on her period. “You can go back to your room,” he instructed Leah.

As the aroma of the food filled the room, Joelle stirred. “I don’t want to eat, Adrian.”

“Consider this—if you wake up hungry in the middle of the night, do you really want to disturb Leah to cook for you?” Adrian’s tone was practical.

His words roused Joelle fully. She sat up, disoriented, and stared at him, unsure why his demeanor had softened. Adrian had always tended to her needs during her periods, a habit formed long before their marital strains. “Eat by yourself.”

Joelle blinked, still groggy, and for a moment thought she was in a dream. “Do you need me to feed you like I used to?” Adrian asked, a hint of the past in his voice.

Memories surged, souring Joelle’s expression. “No, I can manage on my own.”

She attempted to steady her voice, yet her right hand trembled visibly as she reached for the utensils.

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