Nicole turned around to see his tall figure lying on the floor, his complexion pale and looking very weak.
She rushed to his side, asking, âCan you stand?â
Nicole was puzzled by how suddenly weak Jarrod had become.
He seemed fine just moments before.
How had he managed to fall from the bed?
Jarrod clenched his lips for a moment and said, âIt hurts.
â
Nicole began to wonder if Jarrod might be exaggerating his condition, but his pale face seemed genuinely unwell.
His skin was pale, and cold sweat clung to his forehead.
His back wound felt wet, possibly reopened.
Since the wounds from the acid attack were filled with pus rather than blood, Nicole was not sure if the wound had actually reopened.
Remembering his selfless act of protection that day, Nicole found herself feeling sympathetic.
She spoke more gently.
âDonât push yourself.
Let me assist you.
Be careful.
â
Jarrod relied on Nicoleâs support, careful not to breathe too hard.
It had been quite some time since they were this close.
Nicoleâs subtle fragrance was calming, almost ther@peutic.
Jarrod felt no pain at this moment.
Nicole helped Jarrod back onto the bed and adjusted it to a more comfortable height.
As Nicole was about to leave once more, Jarrod quickly said, âNicole, Iâm hungry.
â
Nicole suspected that his fall might have been intentional, especially now that his hand seemed too injured for him to eat by himself.
âWhereâs your caregiver?â she asked.
âI donât have one.
Conor usually helps me,â Jarrod said.
Nicole, visibly frustrated, responded, âWhy donât you hire a caregiver? You can certainly afford one.
â
Jarrod answered, âI prefer not to have strangers around.
â
Nicole said, âThen wait for Conor to return.
Iâll give him a call.
â
Nicole called Conor, and his weak voice answered the phone.
âMiss Lawrence⦠Whatâs going on?â
Nicole asked, âConor, when are you coming back?â
Conorâs response was hesitant.
âMiss Lawrence, Iâm dealing with stomach troubles and my legs feel weak.
I might need an IV.
Could you possibly feed Mr.
Schultz his meal?â
Jarrod secretly admired Conorâs quick-witted response.
Conorâs improvisational skills were indeed impressive.
Left with no other choice, Nicole reluctantly picked up the spoon to feed Jarrod.
Jarrod ate with focus, quickly consuming half the bowl of congee.
Nicole said, âYou have a table full of nutritious meals, yet you choose to eat this plain congee.
â
Nicole bought the congee for Rhett yesterday because he had a high fever and needed something light and non-greasy.
However, Jarrod needed more substantial food.
This congee was too simple for his needs.
Jarrod said, âI was curious about the congee you bought for someone else.
â