Chapter 53: The Smile
“You’re a guest, Doctor Rachel,” Liora said gently, her voice warm and polite as she offered a small smile. “It wouldn’t feel right asking you to do anything.”
Doctor Rachel returned the smile with effortless composure, her expression poised yet faintly unreadable. “I’ll actually be staying here for a while starting today,” she replied smoothly. “I hope you won’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Liora answered immediately, sincerity shining through her eyes. There wasn’t a trace of hesitation in her tone. “Thank you for helping my husband with his recovery.”
Dominic, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt a quiet impatience stir within him. He wanted time alone with Liora, free from watchful eyes and polite conversation. Turning slightly toward Rachel, he said calmly, “Why don’t you go rest in the living room for now?”
Rachel let out a soft, theatrical sigh, though she did not look offended. “If you insist. I suppose I have no choice but to sit and wait for lunch, then.”
They gathered at the dining table not long after, the atmosphere deceptively peaceful. As they began their meal, Rachel watched closely, her gaze sharp despite the casual posture she maintained.
Liora sat beside Dominic, her attention entirely focused on him with gentle care, she selected dishes she thought he would enjoy, placing them on his plate with quiet attentiveness, her movements were natural, instinctive, filled with a softness that came from genuine affection rather than obligation.
Rachel was just about to remark that Dominic had always been particular about his food that he normally insisted on choosing for himself when something unexpected happened.
Dominic opened his mouth without protest, without hesitation, he allowed Liora to feed him not only that, but she was feeding him with her own chopsticks.
Rachel froze internally, though her face remained composed, a flicker of disbelief crossed her eyes before she masked it with a polite expression was this really the same Dominic she had known for years?
The man she remembered had always been distant, guarded, almost untouchable. Even she, as his long-time doctor, had found him difficult to approach, he had been cold, brooding, and wary of anyone who tried to cross the invisible boundaries he kept around himself and yet here he was submitting willingly to such intimate care.
The transformation unsettled her more than she cared to admit.
Liora noticed her silence and tilted her head slightly. “Is the food not to your liking, Doctor Rachel?”
Rachel blinked once and recovered quickly, offering a magnanimous smile. “Not at all. You’re an excellent cook, Mrs. Blackwood,” she said smoothly. “I’m just a bit tired from my flight, that’s all. Dominic is very lucky to have you.”
The praise made Liora’s cheeks warm with quiet pride. A soft glow spread across her features, the kind that appeared whenever someone acknowledged her efforts, no matter how small.
After the meal ended, Rachel even insisted on helping with the dishes. Liora instinctively stepped forward, ready to stop her. This wasn’t Rachel’s home. It didn’t feel right letting a guest clean up after them but Dominic intervened before she could speak further.
“You must be tired,” he said to Liora in a firm but gentle tone. “Let her handle it.”
“She’s a guest” Liora protested softly, still troubled by the breach in etiquette.
Dominic’s expression remained calm. “She already said she’ll be staying here for a while. If that’s the case, it’s only natural she helps out a little.”
Liora hesitated, she still felt conflicted, but she couldn’t quite argue with his reasoning. In the end, she remained where she was, though she didn’t leave the area entirely.
When Rachel finally emerged from the kitchen, she found a plate of freshly cut fruits waiting neatly on the table.
A brief look of surprise crossed her face.
“You’re too kind, Mrs. Blackwood,” she said as she sat down. “I’ve known Dominic for many years. You don’t have to treat me like an outsider.”
Liora smiled politely, though she felt slightly awkward. She didn’t want to offend the woman who was helping Dominic recover, and she certainly didn’t want tension under the same roof.
“That reminds me,” Rachel added casually, though there was a subtle sharpness beneath her tone. “Dominic’s treatment will involve acupuncture. During the process, we absolutely can’t afford distractions.”
Liora nodded immediately as a medical student, she understood the importance of focus during such procedures. “Don’t worry,” she said earnestly. “I understand.”
Later that afternoon, Rachel led Dominic into the training room for treatment.
The door closed behind them.
For the next two hours, Liora sat in the living room, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She tried to distract herself with a book, but her eyes kept drifting toward the closed door. Every minute felt longer than the last.
She hated not knowing what was happening inside.
Her heart clenched with quiet anxiety.
Finally, the door opened. Liora rose instantly, relief and worry flooding her expression. “How’s my husband? Can I see him?”
Rachel gave her a reassuring smile. “He’s doing well, Mrs. Blackwood. You can go in.”
Liora hurried inside without another word.
Dominic was seated, his entire body drenched in sweat damp strands of dark hair clung to his forehead, and his breathing was heavier than usual.
Concern immediately softened Liora’s gaze.
“Are you okay?” she asked softly, grabbing a towel and gently dabbing at his face and neck. Her movements were careful, tender, almost reverent. “It must have been exhausting.”
“It was” Dominic murmured, his voice low and rough from exertion.
Then a familiar glint appeared in his eyes.
“but you know how to give me strength.”
Liora stiffened slightly, instantly aware of the implication behind his words. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she realized Rachel was still standing at the doorway.
Embarrassment fluttered in her chest.
Would it really hurt him to show even a little restraint when others were around?
Apparently, the answer was yes unable to bear his teasing gaze, she leaned forward and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips just enough to pacify him and It worked immediately.