Episode 17

Dereck, with his beautiful, dark, and enigmatic eyes, silently watched Evelyn as she slept peacefully in the main hospital room.

His heart was filled with worry for the beautiful woman lying on the bed.

He wondered what could have caused Evelyn's sudden illness and if there was anything he could do to help her.

As he was lost in his thoughts, the bedroom door opened, and a nurse entered to check Evelyn's vital signs. Dereck stepped aside to give the professional some space, but he didn't take his eyes off the redhead. He was concerned about her health and wanted to make sure she was okay. Dereck took the opportunity to ask, "Is there any news on her health status?" The nurse looked at him with compassion and replied, "We are still awaiting the blood test results to determine the cause, but we are doing our best to take care of her."

Dereck nodded, feeling helpless in the face of the situation. He knew he would have to be patient and support Evelyn during this difficult time, but he also couldn't help but worry about the uncertain future that awaited them.

"You can rest assured. She'll be fine."

The nurse spoke as she checked Evelyn's blood pressure.

"She must be very important to you. Few people can afford to rent this room.”

The elderly woman didn't know that the man she was talking to was the owner of the hospital, but she was sure he cared deeply for the patient who was sleeping peacefully in the bed.

After the nurse finished the procedures, she left the room, and the two were alone again.

Dereck is left alone in the room with Evelyn, lost in his thoughts. He looks out the window and sees the rain falling outside, as if the weather reflects his inner turmoil. He asks himself if he is really in love with Evelyn or if it is just a passing illusion.

The image of her smiling in his mind makes him smile too, but at the same time, he is afraid of completely surrendering to this feeling. He gets up from the armchair and walks over to the window, watching the raindrops trickle down the glass. Maybe it's time to confront your true feelings and find out what you really want.

As time passes, Dereck continues to struggle with his conflicting feelings. He remembered the times he had spent with Evelyn in the weeks she worked with him. But he also remembers the times when he felt distant from her, as if something was missing. He felt anguished because he forced her to marry him. "What would Evelyn do if she found out that the mystery husband was actually her boss?"

He pondered slowly, looking at his image reflected in the glass.

"This was the man who made her sign a contract and who made her life hell." Certainly, Evelyn would not forgive so easily.

Dereck finally makes a decision. He realizes that, regardless of his romantic feelings for Evelyn, he wants to be there for her as a loyal friend and support her on her health journey. He decides to hide his love confusion and support Evelyn in future decisions.

Dereck takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm. The terms of the contract he forced Evelyn to sign disturbed his mind, making him believe that she would never forgive him for such cruelty.

He goes to the bed, standing beside her.

His beautiful black eyes rested on the redhead's face. Dereck affectionately strokes Evelyn's hand. Then she opens her eyes, and the two stare at each other for a moment, seeming like an eternity.

“Where am I?” she asked softly, without taking her eyes off him.

“In the hospital room,” he replied, still stroking her hand.

Evelyn feels Dereck's hands touch hers and quickly hides her fingers under the covers, feeling uncomfortable and ashamed.

“Do you know what’s wrong with me?”

“Not yet. We are waiting for the blood test results. Don't worry, Evelyn. I will take care of you.”

Dereck's eyes bore into hers.

“You don't have to stay here. You can go to the company, when you get the results, I will also return to the office.”

She argued, trying to get him away from her.

“I'm sorry for all this, Evelyn. I should have been more careful,” he said sincerely, feeling a tightness in his chest. Evelyn looked at him in surprise and, simultaneously arching her eyebrows, said:

“Don't blame yourself, Mr. Norton. Diseases happen… The important thing is that I feel a little better now,” she replied in a soft voice, conveying confidence.

Dereck felt a mixture of relief and gratitude upon hearing Evelyn's words. He knew he was lucky to have her by his side and promised himself that he would do everything to protect her.

As the two continued talking, Leonardo entered the room.

"Good morning! The blood test results are in."

“So, doctor? What does Evelyn have?”

Dereck asks worriedly.

"As I said before, she has dengue fever.”

“Is it serious, Dr. Leonardo?” Dereck asks, staring at the doctor.

"Thank God that her condition is stable, but she has to strictly follow the treatment."

"Phew, good to know, doctor."

Dereck breathes a sigh of relief.

“Can I go to work now?” Evelyn asks, making both men stare at her quickly.

Leonardo adjusted his glasses on his face and replied:

"Miss, you will not be able to work in this condition. You will need to be on absolute bed rest and take the medications that will be prescribed.”

"You fainted and are recovering. But don't worry, I'm here with you,” Dereck replied tenderly, keeping his eyes fixed on hers. Evelyn smiled slightly, feeling uncomfortable with his reactions to her.

Evelyn was completely taken aback by her boss's sudden change.

Now he was more understanding.

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