Concerned, Nicole inquired, âMr.
Bates, are you running a fever today?â
âA slight one, but nothing too severe,â Rhett responded.
âI brought you some congee.
I noticed you had quite the appetite yesterday.
â
Before arriving, Nicole had brought takeout.
Spotting the discarded lunch box in Rhettâs trash made her feel remorseful.
With no one by his side, Rhett lay solitary in the hospital.
Rhett said in a low voice, âJust leave it here.
Iâll eat it later.
â
Nicole, eager to assist, said, âIf youâre hungry, I can open it for you and set it up here.
It would make eating easier for you.
â
âThat would be helpful,â Rhett replied, not declining.
Nicole, as she had done the day before, remained by Rhettâs side as he ate, cleaning up afterward.
âMr.
Bates, do you experience any other symptoms besides the fever?â
Nicole inquired, her worry evident.
Rhett shook his head, stating, âThus far, only the low-grade fever.
â
Nicole felt a slight sense of relief but remained concerned.
Indeed, even a mild fever was cause for concern.
Observing Nicoleâs troubled expression, Rhett reassured her with a smile, âMiss Lawrence, please donât worry.
Iâve come to terms with whatever fate has in store for me.
Whatever may happen, itâs my destiny.
Donât blame yourself.
â
Yet, the more Rhett expressed this sentiment, the heavier Nicoleâs guilt weighed upon her.
She uttered softly, âMr.
Bates, please refrain from comforting me.
I carry a profound sense of responsibility.
Had I not fallen ill suddenly, you wouldnât have escorted me to the hospital, and you wouldnât have encountered that altercation with the intoxicated man.
Letâs simply hope for the best outcome.
Regardless of the outcome, I am indebted to you.
If ever you require assistance in the future, I will spare no effort.
â
Rhett remarked, âIt appears no matter my efforts to persuade you otherwise, youâll still harbor that sense of responsibility.
Well, if I ever find myself in need, Iâll certainly reach out to you for assistance.
â
His jesting tone eased Nicoleâs apprehension regarding the pledge.
She nodded.
âWithout a doubt!â
At that instant, Nicoleâs phone rang.
It displayed an unfamiliar number.
Stepping outside to answer, Nicole was met with silence on the other end.
Nicole asked, âHello, who is this?â
Nicole was left speechless.
âIf you remain silent, I will terminate the call.
â
As Nicole prepared to end the call, a voice broke through the silence.
âNicoleâ¦â