Chapter 24 Did You Miss Me?
"Isn't this way better than the food from those restaurants?"
"Absolutely! You've totally spoiled me. I used to be okay with eating out, but now I can't even stand the thought of having lunch at the office."
"Hey Emily, can you bring me food tomorrow?" Jack said, savoring the noodles like they were the best thing he'd ever tasted.
He took another bite and noticed she was just holding her fork, not eating at all.
"Come on, I'm just messing with you. You're still recovering, don't overdo it. Eat up..." He playfully pinched her nose and added, "After you finish, I still need you to feed me..."
His words left her speechless. She quietly ate her noodles, stopping after half a bowl and pushing it towards him. "I'm full. You can have the rest. Don't waste it." The portion was small to begin with, and seeing how much he enjoyed it, she knew he must be starving. Besides, she loved watching him eat.
"Are you really full?"
"Yeah, I don't move around much, so one meal a day is enough for me."
"Alright, then I'll finish it. Don't regret it."
Jack finished the noodles, leaning back on the couch with a satisfied sigh. "Emily's cooking is the best."
Just a bowl of noodles, and he was this content. He couldn't imagine how he managed before she came into his life.
She fell into deep thought, not realizing her gaze was fixed on him.
He suddenly leaned in close to her face. "Emily, are you thinking about me?"
"Huh? What?" His question caught her off guard.
"Are you thinking about me?" He pressed on, his handsome face so close it made her heart race.
"No... no." She knew what he meant, but she was really scared, especially since she was injured.
"Look at you blushing. I'm starting to wonder if you're really Emily. Come on, let's go to the bathroom. I'll help you wash up." He extended his hand, waiting for her to place hers in his.
"Ja... Jack, I can do it myself." She felt shy.
"Your wound shouldn't get wet, and your arm isn't easy to move. This isn't as simple as making noodles. Come on, let me help." His tone was firm and insistent.
In the end, she placed her hand in his, and he smiled with satisfaction, leading her to the bathroom.
The bathroom was dimly lit, with mirrors reflecting their figures.
She closed her eyes. Since she couldn't refuse him, she decided to trust him.
She didn't regret this decision.
Warm water filled the bathroom, creating a misty atmosphere.
Jack gently undressed her. After nearly three months together, everything felt so natural. He knew her body as well as his own.
She was injured, and he was bathing her.
Feeling his tenderness, she gradually relaxed, letting him wash her.
Her faint scent filled the air, making him breathe deeply. He handed her a towel, then hugged her from behind, his gaze lingering on her delicate collarbone. Her figure was as perfect as a top model's.
He thought to himself, she was his woman, and this was how it should be between a man and a woman.
She really wanted to spend these three days with him, making it a beautiful memory for a lifetime.
But her damn injury prevented her from giving him the happiness and everything he wanted.
"Jack, can you step out for a moment?" she asked softly.
"No." He gently nuzzled her hair, the scent of her shampoo intoxicating him.
She didn't dare look in the mirror, their intimate position making her feel hot all over. "Jack, please, I'll be quick, then it's your turn."
She coaxed him gently.
"Emily, do you want to get close?" he whispered in her ear.
"No."
"You do, don't you?"
She answered softly, "No."
But a voice inside her said maybe she should give him a chance. After all, it was just three days.
She thought, maybe she should just go for it, creating beautiful memories for both of them.
But when she tried to speak, she couldn't help but say "No," regretting it immediately.
She could never muster the courage to be the woman who gave herself completely.
Seeing this, he said softly, "I'll wait outside. Call me when you're ready." He gently lifted her chin from behind, making her look at their reflection. "Look, don't we seem like something special?"
The first thought that came to her mind was "a couple."
But then she thought, what future did they have? She even worried about the pain they might cause each other after three days.
But for now, everything was still beautiful.
"Come on, what do we look like?" he eagerly asked, wanting an answer.
The towel slipped from her hand, water splashing on her ankles.
She reached back, gently wrapping her arms around his neck, her face slightly turned, her lips close to his. "Jack, if possible, I want to be your partner for life."
In that soft whisper, she realized that in these three short months, her heart had unknowingly fallen for him.
Completely, she had lost herself.
He smiled elegantly but didn't kiss her, fearing her injuries.
He grabbed another towel, wetting it gently. "Emily, don't play with fire, or I might really lose control."
Though he always said he wanted her, seeing her bandaged wounds kept him in check.
She gently pushed him away. "Your turn, go wash up." She hurriedly stood up, escaping his gaze and presence.
She had planned to give him everything.
In the end, she fled like a frightened bird.
She touched her hair, feeling a dull pain in her chest, realizing she had strained her wound.
In the bathroom, the water was running as he showered.
She looked down at the bandages tightly wrapped around her chest, thinking: If only I weren't injured.
But unfortunately, she was.