When Deanna woke up, it was already midnight.
She looked at the white ceiling above her and realized she was in a hospital.
Sitting up in bed, she saw Lance holding the little girl, asleep on the nearby sofa. Gregory was also sleeping on another sofa next to them.
Seeing this scene, Deanna felt a softness in her heart. It was clear that Lance had brought her to the hospital.
She quietly got out of bed, intending to take Chloe from Lance's arms so he could sleep more comfortably. However, as soon as she moved, the man in front of her woke up and instinctively grabbed her wrist.
The strength of his grip made Deanna wince in pain, causing her to frown. Lance quickly realized it was Deanna and awkwardly released her hand.
"Sorry, I didn't know it was you."
"It's okay."
Although she said it was fine, Deanna rubbed her wrist behind her back, muttering to herself about how strong he was. She almost thought her wrist was going to break.
Looking at the man so close to her, she suddenly didn't know what to say. The atmosphere became strangely awkward.
Lance noticed this and cleared his throat, as if trying to cover something up. He then changed the subject, asking, "When did you wake up? How are you feeling?"
"I just woke up not long ago. I'm much better now, and my fever has gone down."
Deanna answered truthfully and then added gratefully, "Thank you for bringing me to the hospital."
Lance nodded. "It was nothing. I'm just glad you're okay. Chloe and Gregory were very worried about you."
Hearing this, Deanna looked at the little girl sleeping in his arms with soft eyes.
"Thank you for taking care of them."
Deanna thanked him again and reached out to take the little girl, smiling as she said, "Why didn't you put her on the bed? Holding her like this will make your arm numb."
Lance slightly lifted his arm, which indeed had gone numb, but he didn't dare let go. He turned slightly to avoid Deanna's hand.
"Mr. Mercer?"
Deanna looked at her empty hand, puzzled.
Lance didn't respond immediately. He glanced at the sleeping little girl and said softly, "Chloe was very worried about you. She was afraid you wouldn't wake up like Heidi downstairs and cried for a long time before falling asleep. If I put her down, she wakes up feeling insecure."
Hearing this, Deanna saw that her daughter was tightly clutching Lance's shirt, which was already wrinkled.
Deanna felt a bit apologetic. "Sorry for troubling you."
"It's no trouble."
Lance shook his head, clearly not minding.
Seeing this, Deanna didn't say anything more and once again offered to take the little girl.
"Let me take her."
"It's fine, just let it be."
Lance shook his head, worried about waking the little girl.
Deanna guessed his concern and laughed. "Don't worry. Once she's deeply asleep, she won't wake up easily."
As she spoke, she reached out again to take the child.
Indeed, Chloe was sound asleep and didn't notice being transferred to another embrace.
Soon, Deanna placed both children on the hospital bed without waking them.
Watching this, Lance finally relaxed and used his other hand to massage his numb arm, frowning deeply.
Deanna saw this and felt an indescribable feeling rise within her. She pursed her lips and walked over, offering help.
"Let me take a look."
"No need. You're still recovering. I can manage."
Lance refused, concerned about Deanna's recent illness.
Deanna dismissed his concern.
"I'm fine now. Let me help."
Without giving Lance a chance to refuse, she firmly took his arm.
Instantly, a wave of numbness spread through Lance's body, making him frown and press his lips together tightly.
Deanna didn't notice this. She began massaging his arm and asked, "How does it feel?"
"A bit numb and swollen," Lance replied honestly, feeling a bit uneasy.
Although this wasn't the first time Deanna had massaged him, he couldn't help but feel a ripple of emotion that disturbed his inner peace.
Deanna was unaware of this. Hearing his response, she laughed. "Numbness and swelling are normal. You've been in one position for too long without moving. Blood circulation gets blocked. I'll massage it for a while; it'll get better soon."
As she spoke, she increased the pressure of her massage.
Seeing this, Lance didn't refuse and watched her with a deep gaze that was hard to read.