Chapter 313
+25 BONUS
Ariel hadn’t expected Jayson to show up so fast. She had no idea how he even knew which ward she was in.
Jayson looked at her and asked, “What did the doctor say?”
She knew he was only here because Betty found out. He had no choice but to put on an act.
Frowning, she didn’t bother answering. She simply said, “You didn’t need to come. Grandma won’t know either way.”
He ignored her, walked over to the bed, and checked the IV bag. “How many more of these do you need?”
Ariel frowned.
It was clear he had no intention of listening to her.
He glanced down at her pale face. The signs of illness were plain to see. “Is Faye Tech really so busy that you have to run yourself into the ground? Take a look in the mirror. See what you look like right now.”
His expression was cold, and his tone was devoid of warmth. The words were harsh and critical.
As he spoke, he opened the thermal food container. Inside were a few light, plain dishes.
He unpacked them one by one, set them on the side table, and placed a fork and spoon next to her hand. “Eat a little. Everything’s mild.”
Ariel glanced at the food but didn’t move. Her body felt so weak that even speaking drained her. Still, she said, This is my business. It has nothing to do with you, Mr. Larkin.”
She was just reminding him about who they were to each other now.
Jayson finally looked up at her. He didn’t argue or say a word.
The silence hung thick between them.
11
But he didn’t seem affected. He wasn’t here to bicker. Instead, he walked to the water dispenser, filled a cup with warm water, and placed it within reach by her bedside.
Frowning, he adjusted the IV drip speed to make sure it wouldn’t swell her hand from going too fast.
He did all of it wordlessly.
Those were thoughtful gestures, but Ariel wasn’t naive enough to believe they meant he cared about her or had feelings for her.
Even when they first got married, Jayson had always been meticulous by nature. There were countless instances like this. His polished manners often made him seem especially attentive to others.
Women were emotional by nature. They looked for proof in the tiniest details, signs that they were loved and that they were special. And more often than not, it was those little things that made them fall hard.
And it was those very things that had made her fall for Jayson for three whole years.
But after years of harsh lessons and bitter reality, she finally understood that Jayson’s gestures could very well have nothing to do with love at all.
“No need to trouble yourself. You can leave now.” Ariel didn’t want him to stay. Her voice held a cold edge of
distance.
7/2
Chapter 313
+25 BONUS
Jayson glanced at her but didn’t press her to eat. He simply walked back to the couch and sat down. “Just pretend I’m not here.”
Ariel’s expression darkened.
She looked his way, only to see he was already busy with his laptop. He was clearly not planning to acknowledge what she had said.
She pressed her lips together. Her tone was colder than before as she said, “I’ll tell Grandma you stopped by. You don’t have to worry. I won’t say anything else.”
“Okay,” Jayson replied without looking up. His expression didn’t shift in the slightest. He kept typing, making it clear he had no intention of leaving.
And just like that, the room settled into a heavy, stifling silence.
Ariel couldn’t make sense of Jayson’s behavior. She had no appetite for the food he brought and had no energy to figure out his mind games.
She treated him like he wasn’t there. She just turned away and lay down.
Whether he stayed or left was up to him. If he wanted to play doorman, that was his choice. She wasn’t going to pay him any more attention.
Later that night, Ariel spiked a fever. She felt faintly aware of the discomfort but soon slipped back into sleep.
By early morning, her head was still foggy. She vaguely registered a nurse checking in.
When she finally opened her eyes, the IV had already been removed.
She sat up slowly.
Her gaze fell on the couch. Jayson’s jacket and laptop were still there.
Ariel frowned. Why was he still here?
Just then, she heard his voice from the hallway. “What’s her exact condition? When is the doctor who saw her back on shift?”
A nurse asked, “May I ask what your relation is to Ms. Walker?”
There was a brief pause before Jayson replied, “I’m her husband.”
