Chapter 22

The morning started like any other. Lisa had woken up feeling a bit off, but she brushed it aside as exhaustion from the endless meetings and deadlines that had been piling up over the past few weeks. She wasn’t one to slow down—especially not now, with the expansion nearing its most critical phase.

Plus, she had a standing date with Jennie for coffee, and there was no way she was going to miss that.

By the time Lisa arrived at the office, though, the dull ache in her head had intensified, and she felt unusually warm. Still, she forced herself to ignore it. If anything, she’d power through the day with her usual humor, keep everyone laughing, and then deal with whatever was happening to her body later. After all, Lisa Manoban didn’t have time to be sick.

Walking into her office, she gave herself a quick pep talk.

“You’ve got this, Lisa. Just drink some water, tell a few jokes, and you’ll be fine.”

But the minute she sat down at her desk, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and she closed her eyes, leaning back in her chair.

“Okay, maybe not fine,” she muttered to herself.

Before she could gather her thoughts, there was a knock at the door. Jennie walked in, looking perfectly put together, as always. Lisa straightened up, not wanting Jennie to notice anything was wrong. But as soon as Jennie saw her, her brow furrowed in concern.

“You don’t look so good,” Jennie said, crossing her arms and walking closer.

Lisa waved her hand dismissively, putting on her best grin.

“I’m fine. Just a little... tired, maybe.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

“Tired? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“Pshhh,” Lisa waved her hand again, though the motion made her head spin.

“I’m totally fine. I’m a machine. You can’t stop me.”

Jennie crossed the room, standing in front of Lisa’s desk with her arms still folded, her expression soft but serious.

“Lisa, you’re sweating.”

Lisa blinked, reaching up to touch her forehead. Sure enough, her skin was clammy, and the warmth she had been trying to ignore was now a full-blown fever. Still, she tried to brush it off.

“Maybe it’s just a little warm in here,” Lisa said with a weak chuckle.

Jennie sighed, her cool, professional mask slipping as concern took over. “Lisa, you’re clearly sick. You need to go home.”

“I’m not—” Lisa started, but the words were cut off by a sudden wave of dizziness that left her swaying in her chair.

Jennie’s eyes widened, and before Lisa could protest, Jennie was by her side, steadying her. “That’s it,” Jennie said firmly. “You’re going home.”

Lisa tried to resist, her usual humor kicking in. “What, and miss a day of spreadsheets? I can’t deprive the world of my talent.”

Jennie smirked, though her concern didn’t waver. “You’re delirious. Come on.”

Before Lisa could argue further, Jennie gently helped her up from the chair, wrapping an arm around her waist to keep her steady. Lisa leaned into Jennie, the warmth of her fever making her feel weak and a little lightheaded. Jennie’s touch was steady, comforting in a way that made Lisa’s heart flutter, even in her feverish state.

“Wow,” Lisa murmured, her voice barely a whisper. “I knew you liked me, but this is next-level service.”

Jennie shot her a look, half amused, half exasperated. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossible... or irresistible?” Lisa grinned, though her energy was quickly fading.

Jennie shook her head, clearly trying not to laugh. “Definitely impossible.”

As Jennie helped her out of the office, Lisa felt a surge of affection for her. Even in moments like this, when Lisa was clearly not at her best, Jennie remained steady, her usual sharpness softened by genuine concern.

---

They reached the elevator, and Lisa slumped against the wall as Jennie pressed the button for the ground floor. The elevator doors slid closed, and Lisa glanced at Jennie, who was still holding her upright.

“You’re really taking this whole ‘supportive girlfriend’ thing to a new level,” Lisa teased, her voice softer now.

Jennie glanced at her, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

“You’re lucky I’m in a good mood.”

Lisa chuckled, though it came out as more of a breathless laugh.

“Well, lucky for me, you’ve got a soft spot for this face.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow. “This feverish, sweaty face? Sure.”

Lisa grinned, though her eyelids were growing heavier. “You’re just jealous of how I make being sick look... cool.”

Jennie rolled her eyes, but her expression softened.

“We’ll see how cool you feel when you’re stuck in bed with a fever for the next few days.”

Lisa groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on. I’ll be fine by tomorrow.”

Jennie gave her a knowing look. “You’re not superhuman, Lisa.”

The elevator dinged, and they stepped out into the lobby. Lisa leaned more heavily on Jennie as they made their way toward the exit, her fever making it harder to stay upright.

As they reached the doors, Lisa mumbled, “You know, I think I might actually be a little... sick.”

Jennie laughed softly, adjusting her grip on Lisa.

“You don’t say.”

---

Jennie insisted on driving Lisa home, and though Lisa tried to argue that she could get there on her own, Jennie wouldn’t hear it.

By the time they pulled up in front of Lisa’s apartment, Lisa was too tired to put up much of a fight. Jennie helped her inside, leading her straight to the bedroom and gently pushing her onto the bed.

“Rest,” Jennie commanded, her tone firm but caring. “I’ll get you some water.”

Lisa nodded weakly, sinking into the comfort of her bed as the exhaustion took over. She hadn’t realized how bad she felt until now, but with Jennie there, taking care of her, she felt oddly at ease.

A few minutes later, Jennie returned with a glass of water and some medicine. Lisa sat up just enough to take them, shooting Jennie a grateful smile.

“Thanks, doc,” Lisa said, her voice still teasing despite her condition. “I’ll be back to causing trouble in no time.”

Jennie smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed and brushing a strand of hair out of Lisa’s face. “I’m counting on it.”

There was a long pause, and then Jennie leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Lisa’s forehead. It was a simple gesture, but it made Lisa’s heart flutter.

“Now, get some rest,” Jennie whispered. “I’ll check on you later.”

Lisa’s eyelids were already drooping, the warmth of the fever making her feel heavy and drowsy. But before she drifted off, she managed one last quip.

“You’re really going for that ‘best girlfriend’ award, huh?”

Jennie chuckled softly, her hand resting lightly on Lisa’s arm. “Just rest, Lisa.”

And with that, Lisa closed her eyes, her body finally giving in to the fever and exhaustion. As she drifted off, the last thing she felt was Jennie’s comforting presence, a quiet reminder that even when she was at her worst, Jennie was there.

---

Lisa woke up a few hours later, groggy but feeling slightly better. She blinked in the dim light of her room, the fever having subsided a little, though her body still felt weak.

She glanced around, expecting to see that Jennie had left, but to her surprise, Jennie was still there, sitting in a chair by the bed, quietly reading something on her phone.

Lisa smiled to herself, her heart swelling with affection. “You didn’t leave?”

Jennie looked up, her eyes soft. “No. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Lisa grinned, though it was tired. “You really are the best.”

Jennie rolled her eyes, but she smiled. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

Lisa chuckled softly, then winced as the motion made her head throb. “Too late.”

Jennie stood up, walking over to the bed and sitting down beside Lisa. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Lisa replied, her voice still hoarse. “But you know, I could use some more of that TLC you’re so good at.”

Jennie smirked, leaning in just enough to press a soft kiss to Lisa’s cheek. “I’ll take care of you... just this once.”

Lisa’s grin widened. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As Jennie settled in beside her, Lisa felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the fever. She knew she had pushed herself too hard, but with Jennie there, she felt safe—like she didn’t have to do everything on her own. And in that moment, as Jennie sat with her, quietly keeping watch, Lisa knew that no matter how much chaos their lives threw at them, they would always find their way back to each other.

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