Isabella pinched the bridge of her nose and looked at him disapprovingly.

“Relying on medication all the time isn’t a solution. If possible, you should get hospitalized and treated as soon as possible.”

Brian glanced at her. “Can it be cured?”

“... At least it won’t get worse.”

Brian got down from the hospital bed. “I’m leaving.”

“Hey, you!” Isabella felt powerless as she watched him leave the room, a heavy feeling in her heart.

...

Ashley stayed in the hospital for a week. Although her body hadn’t fully recovered, as long as she rested and went for regular check-ups, she would be fine.

She checked out early in the morning, and when she returned to the Quinn Residence, it was only ten in the morning.

She first went to greet the butler, who informed her that Emily had been “punished“ by Mr. and sent abroad.

Ashley nodded.

The butler told her to go rest, and Ashley thanked him again.

Back in her room, Ashley had just taken out her dirty clothes when her phone buzzed.

She swiped the screen.

“Come upstairs.”

Ashley was speechless.

Was this man an animal? She had just been discharged!

As if anticipating her reaction, the phone buzzed again.

“What, do you want me to come get you personally?”

Ashley had no choice but to go upstairs.

Her injuries hadn’t completely healed, and she could feel a bit of strain as she walked. By the time she reached the second floor, she was slightly out of breath.

The door was open.

Ashley walked in.

The bedroom curtains were drawn, blocking all light.

Once the door closed, the room was completely dark.

A faint nightlight by the bed was the only source of light, and Brian was sitting on the bed, shirtless, smoking.

Seeing Ashley enter, he flicked the ash from his cigarette. “Discharged?”

Ashley lowered her head. “The doctor said that I need rest, and regular check-ups.”

Brian exhaled a puff of smoke. “It doesn’t matter. We made out last time in the hospital too.”

“Mr!” Ashley’s face heated up as she interrupted him. “Last time, I passed out.”

“Mm,” Brian patted the edge of the bed. “I’ll be gentle this time.”

Ashley said nothing.

“Come here.”

Hearing the determination in his voice, Ashley bit her lip. “I didn’t shower at the hospital...”

Brian smirked. “Mm, you have half an hour. Clean up.”

Ashley was speechless and resigned herself to the task, turning to walk into the bathroom.

The glass walls of the bathroom were misted over, revealing Ashley’s figure.

Her fingers brushed over the areas he loved to play with, creating an unspeakable allure.

Brian put out his cigarette.

Half an hour later, Ashley emerged from the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel.

After a week in the hospital, Ashley had lost some weight. Her previously toned figure now had a more delicate appearance, like a budding lotus.

Brian’s voice was a bit huskier. “Come here.”

Ashley walked to the edge of the bed.

Brian reached out, hooking his finger into the knot of the towel.

With a flick, the towel fell to the ground.

Ashley averted her gaze, her whole body turning pink.

Brian’s hand encircled her waist, the sensation as smooth as ever. “How was the experience last time in the hospital?”

Awful!

Ashley pursed her lips and remained silent.

Brian chuckled, his fingers gently caressing her. “I thought it was quite good.”

Ashley was annoyed.

If he’s going to do it, just do it. Why so much talking!

But—

Perhaps Brian’s humanity hadn’t completely vanished. After pulling Ashley onto the bed, he didn’t make a move. Instead, he held her in his arms, kissed the top of her head, and said, “Good night.”

Ashley: ???

Noticing her stiff body, Brian slapped her butt. “What, you want it?”

His fingers made as if to slide into the gap.

“No, no, no,” Ashley quickly wrapped her arms around his, nuzzling like a kitten. “I’m sleepy, I want to sleep!”

Brian’s eyes glinted with amusement. He hummed, pulling her closer.

For the first time, they lay together naked without any hint of intimacy.

The same body wash they used gave them a wholly matching warmth.

“Good night.”

Brian closed his eyes in satisfaction.

Ashley’s heart pounded. Smelling the clean scent of the man, she thought she might die of fright on the bed.

What was wrong with him?

Where did this damn sense of warmth come from?

Ashley had thought she would be too terrified to sleep, but listening to the man’s steady heartbeat, she couldn’t help but close her eyes.

After she fell asleep, Brian opened his eyes.

His sharp gaze swept over her delicate features, with his brow furrowing, then relaMegang.

He watched her deeply.

After a moment, he gently kissed the scar on her forehead.

...

When Ashley opened her eyes again, it was dark outside.

She had actually slept well.

Under the covers, Brian’s arm was wrapped possessively around her waist, not loosening even in sleep.

Ashley looked up and noticed the dark circles under his eyes. His skin was pale, as if he hadn’t been in the sun lately.

For a moment, Ashley had a fleeting thought.

As if he had been deeply concerned for her, sleepless while she was in the hospital.

Shaking off the unrealistic thoughts, Ashley looked away and slid out of his arms to get out of bed.

Wrapped in the towel, Ashley slipped back to her room through the garden, avoiding anyone.

Even though she had slept the whole day, she still felt tired.

Tossing her dirty clothes aside, Ashley fell asleep again.

When she woke up, it was already midnight.

Feeling fully rested, Ashley wasn’t very sleepy now.

Just as she swiped her phone screen, John’s message popped up.

“You’re discharged?”

“Mm, I was discharged in the morning and slept all day.”

John immediately called. “Are you all healed?”

“Pretty much. There wasn’t much wrong in the first place. The doctor said a few more days of rest should do it.”

John’s background noise was a bit loud. “Then take care. I’ll handle things at school. I’ve taken notes for you.”

Thinking of him, a stiff sports student, sitting in dance classes, Ashley couldn’t help but laugh.

“By the way, there’s something I might need your help with,” John said, sounding a bit frustrated. “A folk music girl has been pursuing me, and I can’t seem to shake her off...”

“No problem,” Ashley chuckled. “How can I help?”

“Tomorrow... can we meet?”

Ashley agreed.

...

Because of her hospitalization, Ashley had taken long leave from both school and Vee.

Waking up early, Ashley went out to end her leave.

There were no classes for the Department of Dance on Friday, so Ashley went to her counselor’s office to end her leave and then headed straight to Vee.

It was still early, and Vee hadn’t opened yet. The staff was preparing for the day’s business.

Learning that the supervisor hadn’t arrived yet, Ashley waited in a booth.

The dance floor was fully equipped with lights and sound, and the dancers were warming up.

Watching with interest, Ashley soon noticed a newcomer standing out in the crowd.

Under the spotlight, a woman in a sequined dress danced like a midnight fairy. And her makeup was heavy and alluring.

Anna appeared out of nowhere. “Ashley, do you know her?”

Ashley blinked. “Should I?”

Anna rolled her eyes. “You haven’t noticed how much she looks like you? Oh my, I mean she got surgery to look like you!”

Ashley was stunned. Only now did she carefully examine the woman’s face.

She hadn’t noticed before, but with Anna’s reminder, that face did seem more and more familiar...