Chapter 260 Feeling Kavin's Care

Alexander's POV

A few minutes later, the room settled into quiet, our ragged breaths finally slowing. The air still buzzed with the heat we'd just shared. Katherine stirred, slipping out of my arms and off the bed.

The sheet slid down, revealing the smooth curve of her back, glowing softly in the dim light of the bedside lamp.

She bent to pick up her nightgown, her movements light but hurried, the silk gliding through her fingers as she pulled it on, covering the raw intimacy we'd just bared.

She turned to face me, her hair a little messy, a faint flush still lingering in her cheeks. Her eyes met mine, and she bit her lip, like she was gathering her thoughts.

Then, softly, she said, "Hey… you should probably get dressed."

I was still sprawled on the bed, propping myself up on one elbow, my gaze lingering on her, not ready to let go of the moment.

"What? Put clothes on? Why?" I asked.

She stepped closer, snatching my shirt off the floor and tossing it at me, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Put it on, and… you know, head back to your room."

I froze, clutching the shirt, and pulled a fake pout. "Seriously? Babe, you're kicking me out already? Just like that?"

Katherine sighed, half exasperated, half amused, and crouched down to meet my eyes. Her finger poked my chest lightly, her tone turning more serious. "Yeah, I'm serious. Get going. My brother's still around, and you know he's not exactly your biggest fan right now."

She paused, her eyes flickering with something heavier, like she was reminding me of the stakes. "If he catches you here, it's gonna be a mess."

I scrunched my face, grabbing her wrist and giving it a gentle shake. "Oh, come on, Katherine. What is this? You use me up and then toss me out? One minute you're all over me, and now you're done with me?"

She let out a soft laugh. "Quit whining and move it! I'm not kidding—if you don't hustle, you're on your own."

I took my sweet time pulling on my shirt, savoring the last seconds of being close to her.

Before I left, I couldn't resist—I leaned in and stole a quick kiss on her forehead. "Night, Katherine. Try not to miss me too much, okay?"

She swatted at me. "Get outta here!"

I slipped out, heading back to my room with a goofy grin I couldn't shake. Tucked into bed, I fell asleep happy, the memory of her still warm in my chest.

But I woke in the middle of the night, a sharp pain twisting in my stomach.

I just finished getting it on, and now my stomach's acting up? So freaking

embarrassing.

Sliding out of bed, I made my way downstairs, moving carefully through the dark house toward the kitchen for some antacids.

"What are you doing?"

A sudden voice startled me—it was Ryan, standing in the shadows.

"Looking for some medicine," I admitted, pressing a hand against my stomach.

Ryan stepped forward, reaching past me to open a different cabinet. He handed me a bottle of antacids, then filled a glass with water.

"Here," he said, pushing the glass toward me. "Take it with water."

I swallowed the tablets gratefully. "Thank you."

Ryan studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "You don't have to put on a brave face all the time," he finally said. "If you're in pain, you should say something. Suffering silently just ends up inconveniencing everyone when it gets worse. Besides, we live under the same roof—if you need something, just ask."

"That's very wise," I acknowledged, leaning against the counter as the medicine began to work.

"Does your stomach still hurt?" he asked.

"A little."

Ryan gestured toward the living room. "Sit down. Standing makes it worse."

I followed his suggestion, settling onto the sofa. Ryan sat across from me, his small frame perched on the edge of an armchair.

"Can I ask you something?" I ventured. "Someone as young as you establishing a multinational corporation like Wise Technologies—you must have a specific goal in mind."

He nodded. "Of course. My goal is to ensure Mom and my siblings can live comfortably. I never want them to worry about money or be limited in their choices. I want them to be the happiest, most carefree people in the world."

His answer resonated deeply with me. "I understand that completely," I said. "Before I met your mother, I didn't have much direction or purpose. But after meeting her, my only wish was to make her happy. When I learned about you and your siblings, my goals expanded to include all of you."

Ryan's gaze softened, and to my surprise, he moved to sit beside me on the couch. More surprising still, he reached out and began massaging my stomach with small, circular motions.

"This helps with digestion," he explained matter-of-factly.

I sat perfectly still, afraid any sudden movement might break this fragile moment of connection. The tension between us had eased, if only temporarily.

The next morning, I woke later than usual. I heard movement downstairs—Katherine and the children starting their day without my usual breakfast preparations.

"Is Dad already at Hudson Financial, or is he still sleeping?" Katherine's voice drifted up from the kitchen.

"We haven't seen him this morning," Emma replied. "But his car is still here, so he must be in his room."

"He's sleeping in today? That's unusual."

"Mom, he had stomach problems last night," Ryan said.

I closed my eyes, listening to the sound of footsteps approaching my door. A soft knock, then Katherine's voice. "Alexander? I'm coming in. Are you alright? Did you take medicine?"

I exaggerated a grimace, clutching my stomach. "Katherine, my stomach still hurts so much."

Her brow furrowed with concern. "How did it get this bad? Maybe we should go to the hospital. Come on, get up."

"I can't go to the hospital," I protested. "Who would take care of all of you?"

She rolled her eyes, clearly seeing through my act. Before she could respond, I reached out, catching her wrist and pulling her down onto the bed.

"Alexander, what are you—"

"Katherine, just one kiss and I'll feel better," I murmured, trapping her beneath me. "I'm genuinely in pain. Doesn't a sick person deserve some sugar to feel better?"

"Stop it," she whispered, her eyes darting toward the door. "Someone might see us."

Before I could respond, a throat cleared from the doorway. We both froze, then turned to see Kevin standing there, his expression a mixture of shock and disapproval.

"What are you two doing?" he demanded. "The children are right downstairs! What kind of example is this?"

Katherine scrambled away from me, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Kevin, did you need something?"

"Why would I come to his room if I needed you?" Kevin replied coldly.

I sat up, running a hand through my hair. "Kevin, what can I do for you?"

Kevin's stern expression faltered. "I... I came to tell you to drink some soup. You have stomach issues, right? This will help."

I noticed the bowl in his hands for the first time. "You made it?"

"Of course I made it," he replied defensively. "Do you want it or not?"

"Absolutely," I said, careful to keep any skepticism from my voice. "How could I refuse soup made by you?"

As I accepted the bowl, I couldn't help but worry. Given last night's culinary disaster, I wasn't optimistic about this soup's healing properties.

To my astonishment, the soup was excellent—savory, well-balanced, and genuinely soothing to my irritated stomach.

Kevin watched me with a slightly smug expression. "How's the taste? Does it meet the high standards of the Hudson CEO?"

"It's delicious," I admitted. "I had no idea you had such culinary talent. Thank you."

Kevin nodded with a slight smile.