Chapter 124
Chapter 124:
The rain intensified, and brisk, chilly winds began to gust.
As Alden walked away, his figure became a blur in the heavy rain, yet his tall, erect form remained distinct.
Helena felt the urge to call him back to share the umbrella, but the noise of the rain smothered all other sounds.
By the time Helena reached home, Alden had secluded himself in his room.
Helena wanted to express her gratitude and check if he had caught a cold, but he remained in his room all evening, and she never got the opportunity.
That night, Helena was restless in bed, the image of Alden enduring the rain alone haunting her.
She stayed up past midnight, wide awake, as her stomach began to growl.
She had skipped dinner, and her hunger grew intolerable. Silently, she left her room and tiptoed to the kitchen.
As she was about to prepare some simple noodles, a long, slender hand suddenly grasped the pot she had just lifted.
“Why do you always walk around without making a sound p>
Startled, Helena whipped around and shot a glare at Alden, her voice tight with annoyance.
Alden, wearing soft gray loungewear with his bangs falling gently over his face, looked far more approachable than in his suit.
He arched an eyebrow and laughed softly. “Didn’t I advise you to be sharper? How are you still so oblivious, completely lacking any vigilance p>
“Yes, I’m just not sharp enough,” Helena responded, her breath sharp as she reached over to grab the pot back.
Using his height and reach, Alden smoothly evaded her efforts. His voice, deep and persuasive, suggested, “Just wait outside, okay? I’ll prepare something for you shortly p>
“I’m perfectly capable of cooking for myself,” Helena said.
But Alden was already rolling up his sleeves, exposing his muscular arms.
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He never glanced her way again and simply said in a low voice, “Don’t make me say it twice p>
Helena was left without words.
She thought he was incredibly controlling!
Deciding to let him be this time, she turned and walked away. Shortly after, a steaming bowl of chicken noodles appeared on the table. Helena didn’t hesitate; she bent her head and started eating in small bites.
Although her expression was elegant and detached, her cheeks puffed out as she ate, giving her an endearing, childlike appearance. From the side, Alden observed her, a smile creeping unbidden across his face.
Once Helena had finished, he rose promptly to collect her empty bowl.
“No need, I can handle the cleanup myself,” Helena protested, stepping aside to avoid him. However, as she moved, her hand accidentally brushed his arm, and she froze.
Alden’s skin was unexpectedly hot. Without thinking, she exclaimed, “You have a fever p>
“Yes.” Even affected by the fever, Alden maintained his strong demeanor, but his lips were slightly paler than usual. His gaze locked on Helena, and he asked in a raspy voice, “So, will you take care of me p>
Helena remembered her determination to maintain some distance, and she hesitated to immediately agree.
But then she recalled how Alden had cared for her when she was hurt. No matter how much she tried to steel herself, she just couldn’t bring herself to turn him away.
Regardless of whether Alden chose to be more open with her, he had always looked out for her.
She felt compelled to reciprocate that care.
Without a word, Helena gently guided Alden by the arm to sit. Surprisingly, Alden was compliant, allowing her to tend to him without objections.
Helena headed to the kitchen, scooped up a bowl of noodles, and insisted he eat.
Despite his high fever and lack of appetite, Alden managed to eat every bite.
After he finished, Helena fetched some fever medicine, made sure he took it, and then accompanied him back to his room.
Alden’s laptop was still on, its screen glowing.
Concerned that it might display sensitive business information, Helena consciously avoided looking at the screen and focused on him instead.
“You need to rest when you’re sick. No more work tonight—get some sleep early p>
“And what if I don’t?” Alden replied, his tone a mix of playfulness and seriousness, indicating he had urgent work pending.
The moment Helena noticed how pale his lips had become, she grabbed the laptop and, for once, her voice rang with unexpected firmness. “You’re sick, which means no arguments p>
As she moved to shut down his laptop, Alden stood to intervene. “Helena, I really need to address something important tonight—hey, be careful p>
During their struggle, Helena lost her footing and toppled backward onto the bed.
Weakened by his fever, Alden couldn’t maintain his balance and fell on top of her, their bodies closely intertwined.
Caught off guard, Helena emitted a soft, stifled noise, filling the moment with an evident tension.