When Lance woke up, it was already the next day.
As he moved slightly, he realized someone was beside him. Turning his head, he saw Deanna asleep at the bedside.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on her sweet sleeping face, making her already striking features even more captivating.
Unconsciously, Lance found himself entranced.
Fortunately, he soon snapped out of it.
Though surprised by Deanna's presence, he roughly guessed what had happened.
He got up quietly, not intending to wake her, but Deanna stirred at the noise.
As she sat up, her hands were numb.
Ignoring this, she quickly grabbed Lance and pressed him back onto the bed. "Let me check if you still have a fever."
She raised her hand to his forehead.
Feeling the warmth from her touch, Lance stiffened.
Especially now, enveloped in Deanna's unique fragrance, his heart skipped a beat.
He looked up at the serious woman before him, his dark eyes unreadable.
Deanna didn't notice their intimate posture.
Instead, she felt relieved when she found his temperature normal and withdrew her hand.
"Good, the fever's gone." She smiled sweetly at him.
Lance gave her a deep look, stepped back, and said hoarsely, "Thank you, Dr. Deanna."
"No need to be so formal, Mr. Mercer. I'm your private doctor; it's my duty." Deanna responded with a smile.
Hearing her formal tone made Lance feel inexplicably uncomfortable.
However, he hid it well and nodded without showing any emotion. "Dr. Deanna, you can freshen up. After breakfast, I can give you a ride back."
Deanna didn't refuse and went to freshen up after thanking him.
Unexpectedly, as she came downstairs, she heard Sam reporting.
"Mr. Mercer, a lady named Julia is here with two children looking for Dr. Deanna."
Hearing this, Lance looked at Deanna and caught her surprise. Clearly, she didn't know either.
"Let them in."
"Yes." Sam went out to bring them in.
Soon, he returned with Julia and the two children.
Seeing them, Deanna quickly asked, "Why are you here?"
"Chloe and Gregory were worried when you didn't come back last night. They heard Mr. Mercer was sick and asked me to bring them over." Julia nodded slightly at Lance in greeting.
Deanna nodded but looked a bit embarrassed as she turned to Lance. "Sorry for the trouble, Mr. Mercer. I didn't know they would come."
"It's fine; they can join us for breakfast."
Lance's gaze fell on the two children, his dark eyes showing a faint smile. "Have you had breakfast?"
"We already ate. Uncle, Great-grandma said you were sick. Are you feeling better?" Chloe asked with concern.
Gregory didn't speak but his eyes showed his worry.
Feeling their concern warmed Lance's heart. "I'm much better now. Thank you for caring."
Hearing this, the children were relieved.
But they still approached him like little adults, reminding him, "Uncle, take care of yourself. I will be very sad if you get sick."
"Mommy always says health is the foundation of everything."
Watching the children lecture Mr. Mercer amused Sam.
More importantly, Mr. Mercer showed no impatience; instead, he seemed affectionate.
It was clear Mr. Mercer genuinely liked these kids.
After breakfast, Lance first took the children to school.
As they got out of the car, they reminded him again.
"Uncle, take care of yourself and don't get sick again."
"I will," Lance replied helplessly.
The children had been saying this repeatedly during the ride.
Watching them walk hand in hand into the kindergarten, Lance finally looked away.
He instructed Xavier to drive Deanna and Julia home.
Upon arrival, Deanna and Julia got out to say goodbye.
"Thank you for today, Mr. Mercer."
"No problem. Go rest; you didn't get much sleep last night."
After speaking, Lance signaled Xavier to drive away.
As the car drove off into the distance, Deanna turned back and led Julia into the community.
Suddenly, Julia hugged her neck and teased, "Come on, tell me what's going on between you and Mr. Mercer?"
"What do you mean?" Deanna asked, puzzled.
Julia scoffed. "Don't play dumb with me. I can tell there's something between you two. Are you hiding something from me? Spill it or I'll tickle you."
Realizing Julia's teasing intent, Deanna lightly knocked her on the head.
"Don't talk nonsense. Mr. Mercer and I are just doctor and patient."
Julia pouted while holding her head. "Fine, don't tell me then. But why hit me?"
Despite her words, she toned down her teasing considerably.