Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Devyn checked his watch for the fifth time while waiting for Richard in the car. The conference was supposed to hold for two days but Richard kept adjourning it until the third day. Eventually it was over, they had returned to the hotel but Devyn had to drive him back to the company because he forgot his phone and a file in the conference hall.

It was raining outside, Devyn had tried to stop him, telling him they would get it tomorrow on their way going to the airport but he refused, his phone was more important and he also had to work on some documents tonight. Devyn looked out through the window but there was no sign of him anywhere, suddenly he heard a sound from the backseat. He abruptly looked back to see him putting the file on the backseat, he shut the door and hopped in the passenger seat.

“You're wet.” He said with concern.

“Just drive to the hotel.”

Devyn shrugged off, obviously he was exhausted by overwork, perhaps he had been depriving himself of a good sleep lately. His eyes were heavy while gazing on the road, he threw his head backward and adjusted the seat. “Richard, are you alright.”

“Of course.” He responded, shutting his eyes. The phone beeped but he didn't bother to check, all he needed at the moment was a good nap but he couldn't wait for them to reach the hotel.

The car finally halted in the hotel car park, Devyn looked at him, he attempted to wake him thinking he had slept off during the twenty minutes ride, Richard opened his eyes before he could call his name. “I'm tired.” He mumbled underneath but Devyn heard him. They alighted from the car, Richard got the file in the backseat then both of them headed in the hotel.

They took the elevator to the 10th floor, they waddled down the hallway, stopped in front of their door which were opposite each other. “Okay, I'll come to your room.” He said with a wink.

Richard wasn't excited despite understanding what he meant, he had to do some essential work to sort out. “I need to sort out the mess. We'll talk maybe tomorrow. Goodnight.” He used the card to unlock the door, and he stepped inside. He went to the bathroom, freshened up then after a few minutes he came up, using the towel to dry his wet hair. He grabbed some casual clothes, laid them on the bed, then opened his briefcase. He brought his laptop and placed it on the bed. He changed into the clothes before beginning to work on the files.

A call came in, he glanced at the phone to check the call ID, it was Bryant. Without any hesitation he slid up to pick the call then fixed his gaze on the laptop as he powered it on.

THEIR DRIVERS CAME to pick them at the airport. Richard and Devyn had something important to discuss but Richard didn't have any spare time, the weather has been unusually cold this, there was a chance for him to get sick.

His driver drove into the mansion, he shrilled it into the garage, he alighted and a maid rushed over to get the suitcase in the car. He sauntered casually inside while ignoring his workers' greetings.

He didn't expect to meet her in the mansion, he assumed she would have gone out, he checked his watch and it was five past twelve. Charlene looked up to see his expressionless face, from where she was sitting she noticed he looked pale. She carried Miguel on her shoulder and rose to walk close to him. “How was the trip?”

“Pretty good.” He responded with a grunt. He sauntered to the staircase, grasped the railings while ascending the stairs. Charlene stood, looking at him as he was walking sluggishly. She sighed softly. “Vicky.” She called out the name of the maid she remembered.

Vicky approached from behind, she stood in front of her and looked eagerly into her eyes. “Ma'am is there anything you want me to do for you?” She asked politely.

“Just carry him for a while, I'll be right back.” She extended Miguel to her which she carried him willingly. Charlene picked her phone on the sofa and trudged toward the staircase, she ascended leisurely while looking ahead.

She advanced toward the door, opened it and entered. She met him laid down in the bed with the comforter above his body. She strode to the other side so she could see his face. “Are you sleeping?” She asked, although his eyes were tightly closed but there was a chance he was still awake.

Lucky her he responded with his eyes shut. “Um.”

“Are you okay?” She asked with concern. She crouched a little, trying to stifle the urge to touch him but she had already extended her right hand to his face then he opened his eyes to see her close and her hand almost touched him.

“I'm okay.” He sneezed as he left out a feeble sigh.

It perturbed her to see him like that, even if he didn't admit he was sick she noticed. “You're pale. Should I call the doctor?”

“I said I'm fine.” He retorted with a surly huff. Just as she attempted to argue with him, he shut his eyes and adjusted in bed.

She choked back her words. She turned around and took two steps before hesitating on her next step. She gazed steadily at him, studying him as he was constantly sneezing and coughing. . “Why is he so stubborn? I wonder if it's embarrassing to admit you're sick. Humph.” She murmured to herself, looking sternly at him as he was pretending to sleep, however he never stopped sneezing. She had to refrain herself from yelling because he was intentionally ignoring her.

“Richard,” She called his name calmly, waiting for his response but got none from him. He completely ignored her.

Charlene shrugged off, she went over the luxurious chair which was a few steps away from the bed. While sitting there she could watch him. She unlocked her phone to keep herself busy for a while, the room was totally lifeless.

Ten minutes later, her phone nearly fell off her hand while she was drowsing, she shook her head vigorously and gazed at him again. Slowly her eyes shut, she curled up her body in the chair and yawned sleepily. His loud sigh jolted her from her light nap, she glanced over to see him constantly adjusting in the bed, he had covered his whole body with the duvet.

Charlene blinked her eyes multiple times then up she rose, stalked to the bed. She sat down beside him, and drew the duvet down to his chest. “You have a cold.” She touched his body to feel his temperature, however he was a bit cold.

He coughed, shaking slightly. He attempted to cover himself with the duvet but she stopped him. He opened his eyes promptly to meet a pair of hazel eyes, stared affectionately into his eyes. “Get your hand off it.” He said in a brisk voice.

Charlene gulped hardly, letting go of the duvet. He covered himself up with the duvet without any delay. Her eyes fell with disappointment, she wondered why he was cold toward her, he kept shutting her out like she wasn't the same lady he kissed four day ago. Everyday he was always a different person and she never seemed to understand him. Her mood changes melancholy. She didn't know what to do that moment. Few days ago he was perfectly fine, all the months she had spent with him he had never been sick. As she attempted to stand up with the intention to leave him alone, she noticed her hand was on his body. She contemplated what to do. That was when a thought flashed across her mind. Charlene knew it was crazy but she had to do it. He didn't want her to call the doctor, he didn't take medicine, however there was another thing she could do to warm up his body, hoping he wouldn't push her away.

Charlene leaped up, she began to undress, dropped the wrap dress on the floor as she was left with her underwear. A white lace bra and a lace pant. She moistened her lips as overwhelmed with anxiety, what she was about to do was quite crazy, the chance for her to be welcomed was slight however she was going to do it. She climbed up the bed determinedly, got under the duvet with him then moved into his arms.

Richard opened his eyes instantly and he felt her touch. “What are you doing?” He demanded feebly.

“Let me keep you warm.” She replied not looking at him. Luckily he was only putting on an undershirt and trousers. She adjusted a bit, closing the space between them.

He chuckled quietly, resisting the urge of rolling his eyes at her ludicrous response. “Do you really have to do that?” He coughed.

“You should have stayed outside when you know you're allergic to cold. Do you mind taking off your vest?” She paused to think of what she just said. “Don't worry.” She lifted her head to look at him, he was also looking at her in a calm steady gaze. She gave him a shy grin.

“Of course I mind.” He removed her hands wrapping around his body while his eyes never left hers. Charlene thought he was going to berate her for touching him without his permission, however surprised by moving her into his welcoming arms, he wrapped his hands around her waist and shut his eyes.

“Um.”

Charlene wanted to look at his face, her face was buried in his chest and catching a glimpse of his face seemed impossible. She adjusted in his arms when he spoke up. “Quit moving, I'm trying to sleep here.”

Her throat constricted when she gulped her saliva nervously. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, his cologne filled her nostril. She was comfortable and she didn't want to mention it. “Richard.” She whispered.

“What's the matter?”

“Nothing.” She shrugged off, remained in the same position while closing her eyes slowly. She felt it when he loosened up his grips a little, she smiled brightly then wrapped her hands around his body.