Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Four

Chapter One–Hundred Twenty–Four
Jake's POV

I coughed hard, making my throat ache. "Leave Valerie out of this conversation, please. Just come along with a doctor."

She sighed softly. "Fine. I'll be there before you know it."

I squeezed my eyes shut.

The pain was slowly becoming unbearable.

Moments later, my door pushed open and my sister walked in with a young man, stethoscope hung around his neck, holding a box as he trailed behind Sarah.

The doctor examined my body with his instruments before speaking. "Mr. Lloyd, you have a fever, but this isn't just a fever. Your body is reacting to prolonged stress and strain. If you keep pushing yourself—" his eyes rested on the bottle on my drawer, "and drinking on top of it—you'll only end up making things worse."

Sarah nodded attentively as he continued spewing other long lists of instructions.

"Thanks, doc. I'll see that he follows as you've instructed and takes the medications properly," Sarah quipped as she stood up to escort the man out.

Valerie's POV

I was having breakfast when a knock came on the door. When I answered, I was surprised to find Sarah and a doctor standing before me.

I had so many questions running through my head, but I remained quiet since a third party was present. Sarah must have sensed it as she leaned forward and whispered, "Hold on, babes. I'll update you when I finish up with Jake."

Moments later, when she showed the doctor out, she returned to sit with me in the living room.

"How are you doing, sis?" she asked softly, grabbing a cookie from the plate on the stool between us.

A sigh escaped me. "I'm fine—I think."

She studied my face for a moment before reaching out for my hand. "Girl, when are you and Jake going to end this game you're both playing?"

The sound of that name sent a sharp ache in my chest.

I pulled my hand away like her touch was fire. "Did he put you up to this?" I snapped angrily.

"Not at all," Sarah's eyes softened. "I'm just worried because I hate seeing my two favourite people fight," she innocently admitted.

I looked down so she wouldn't catch the hurt in my eyes.

Sarah cleared her throat. "I know you're surprised to see me. I came because Jake called in sick. The doctor diagnosed him with a terrible fever, and I was thinking..." Her voice lowered a bit. "Could you help me look after him?"

My eyes shot up.

"No, can't do," my voice came out sharper than intended. "I don't want to have anything to do with Jake."

Sarah's face contorted in disappointment. She rushed to my side and clasped her hands together in desperate plea. "Do me this one favour, please. I have three ongoing projects with ticking deadlines that wouldn't give me the privilege to squeeze time for Jake."

My eyes narrowed as I stared at my best friend. This looks like a scheme she wanted to plot to connect me back to her brother.

"Sorry, bestie, but that's not going to happen!" I crossed my hands tightly over my chest and threw my face to the other side.

Sarah let out a sad sigh. "It's alright. I'll just text Mr. Reynolds and tell him to begin looking for another replacement for my role." Fake sobs followed as she grabbed her phone and began typing into it. "Now I have to start prepping a new resumé so I can start job hunting."

I felt guilt jab against my chest.

Gosh! I hated that she was putting me in a tight spot. Sarah rarely asks for anything. She's that generous friend who would show up and go all out for those she loved.

"Stop," I said forcibly, making Sarah's fingers halt from tapping her keyboard. "Fill me in on his meds and anything important I should know."

Her eyes glistened with excitement as she rushed me in a suffocating hug. "Thanks, babes, you're a job saver."

A smile cracked my lips, but I didn't let it linger. I pulled free from her hold so I could catch some air.

Sarah didn't hesitate to explain all that I needed to know about Jake's illness regarding me stepping into "caretaker mode." When she was done, she hugged me one last time and hurriedly left for work.

I instructed Antonio to prepare some soup, and moments later, he appeared with it. My grip tightened on the tray as I took the long walk to Jake's room. I nudged the door open with my shoulder, the tray of soup trembling slightly in my hands.

Jake looked nothing like the man I was used to—his skin was pale, damp strands of hair clinging to his forehead. His lips were dry, slightly parted as uneven breaths slipped past them, and the faint crease between his brows told me even in sleep, he wasn't at peace.

For a moment, I just stood there, staring… before remembering why I came and forcing my feet to move.

Something akin to shock flickered across his face when he noticed me. Like he was seeing a ghost.

I know, Jake. I too am surprised at myself to be here.

Without a word, I dropped the tray on the bedside drawer before helping him sit up slowly and propping pillows at his back.

I retrieved the tray and sat on the edge of the bed. I scooped soup from the bowl and extended it towards his mouth.

"Open." My voice was firm, coupled with my stern expression.

He hesitated before obeying, and soon the bowl was empty. I finished up by giving him his meds.

My job was done, and I rose to leave when Jake's hoarse voice—almost unfamiliar—spoke. "You still care."

I blinked. His statement sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"You wish," I scoffed rather painfully. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Sarah."

With that, I grabbed the tray and stormed out of the room, but I didn't miss the flash of disappointment in his face.

What we shared has been shattered beyond repair, and there was nothing left to hold on to. I
was only doing my best friend a favour by nursing him. At least that's what I tried to believe...