Lila’s forehead was burning hot, but her face still looked normal. Kieran sat by the bed, gently squeezing her hand.

“Should I go get you some medicine?” His voice was soft, almost as if he were coaxing a child with patience and tenderness.

She shook her head. With him here, she felt like she wouldn’t think about the troubling memories of Pierre’s persistent pursuit. The eyes full of desire that followed her everywhere seemed ready to pin her down and do things that would make her sick with disgust.

However, he hadn’t done anything-he just followed her and watched.

Lila felt powerless, as though an obsessive predator was stalking her. Over the years, she thought she had forgotten such things. But today, when she saw those eyes again, she realized she hadn’t.

The terrible memories had lingered like poison in her heart and laid dormant for years until they suddenly erupted, instantly overwhelming her.

Lila clutched Kieran’s hand tightly and shook her head. Her gaze was almost pleading as she said, “Don’t go. Just stay with me for a while. I won’t be scared anymore when I fall asleep.”

Her fragile and pitiful appearance, like a sick little kitten curled up on the roadside, evoked sympathy. She gripped his clothes, unwilling to let go. Kieran bit his lip and bent down, lifting her in his arms.

Lila draped her arms around his neck, seeking more security.

Kieran looked down at her, his face brushing against her forehead, burning with fever. This intimate gesture seemed to calm her, and her expression visibly softened.

He gently placed her back on the couch in the living room and rubbed her messy hair. “Wait here for a bit, okay?”

“Can’t I go with you?” she asked softly.

He looked at her, his heart softening completely. His gaze darkened, and he sighed, barely audible.

“You can always see me. I’m going to get the medicine box. You’re sick, so you need to take the medicine, or you’ll feel worse.”

Lila thought for a moment, her large eyes fixed on him. “If I take the medicine, I won’t feel bad anymore?”

After a pause, she added, almost nonsensically, “In novels, the domineering presidents always have a doctor friend. Don’t you have one? If you do, could you ask him to check my heart?”

She frowned, looking genuinely unwell. “My heart hurts.”

Kieran’s eyes filled with concern. “I don’t have a doctor friend, but I’ll find one to check your heart, and you’ll

feel better. I’ll get the medicine first, and then we can see a doctor,

okay?”

Perhaps his voice was too gentle or soothing, or she was just naturally obedient;

she slowly released his shirt, but her gaze never left him.

Kieran brought the medicine box and a cup of warm water. Then, he disinfected the thermometer and carefully placed it under Lila’s arm. He sat beside her, and she leaned slightly against him as though being close to him gave her a stronger sense of security.

“I met a very bad person before. He always followed me, and I couldn’t shake him

off.” She continued slowly, “I was really scared, but I could do nothing.”

Kieran reached up, gently brushing her messy hair. “It won’t happen again.”

After removing the thermometer, he found that she was running a high fever. He gave her fever medicine, then made some oatmeal, patiently coaxing her to drink half a bowl.

Lila gradually fell asleep in his arms as the medicine began to take effect.

Kieran carried her back to her room. Just as he was leaving, he noticed her tightly clutching his shirt. A trace of helplessness flashed in his eyes as he sat on the bed, switching the main light off and turning on a small nightlight.

As he gently patted her to sleep, he took out his phone and checked the message

from Cole.