Chapter 25
Bradley scowled, yanking his hand away as though her touch had burned him
Without a word, be grabbed the blanken, tossed it over Melissa with no care for finesse, and bundled her up like a burrito. Standing at the edge of the bed, he exhaled sharply, clearly irritated.
Before he could leave, Gloria Alvarez, the maid, walked in holding an ice pack. She froze at the sight of Melissa wrapped head–to–toe like a cocoon and let out a gasp “Sir, you can’t do that Sweating it our only makes a fever worse! She needs to cool down, not overheat”
Bradley didn’t even bother acknowledging her, much less explaining himself. He turned on his heel and strode out of the room without another word.
The doctor arrived shortly after and set Melissa up with an IV drip. Gradually, the fever broke, and she drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep.
The next morning, Melissa woke up feeling somewhat better. Her fever was gone, but her body felt weak, and her head was still fuzzy.
She opened her eyes to End Curtis sitting beside her, his small face red and puffy like a rabbit’s, his lips pressed together as though trying to hold back tears.
“Mommy… His little voice broke, and the sight of him nearly broke her heart.
She wanted to comfort him but couldn’t muster the strength. Her voice came out in a soft whisper. “Sweetheart, go play outside. I don’t want you to
get sick
Curtis’s tears spilled over, and he shook his head fiercely. “I don’t care if I get sick!” He reached for a piece of fruit, gripping it awkwardly in his small hands, and held it out to her. “Mommy, cut this. You’ll feel better if you eat?
Melissa smiled weakly, touched but unable to summon an appetite. “Mommy’s not hungry. Co play with Daddy, okay?”
‘s face scrunched up and he let out a wail. I don’t wanna play! I just wanna stay with you!”
At that moment, Bradley entered the room, his expression sharp and his tone our “Milan” Without hesitation, he scooped the boy up in one arm and handed him to the housekeeper at the door. “If you don’t want to catch her fever and make her worry more, go downstairs Now!
When the room quicted, she turned her head toward Bradley, her voice still weak. “You should go, ton. I don’t want you catching this either.”
Bradley smirked, though his eyes remained cold. Funny. Last night, when you were clinging to me like a damn koala, you didn’t seem worried about passing it on
Melissa’s face burned with embarrassment as she turned away, stammering. I wasn’t..”
Rits and pieces of the previous night came back to her trying to get downstairs for medicine, collapsing on the stairs, and then being carried back up. So, it had been him.
Bradley crossed his arms, leaning casually against the doorframe. Tm taking Milton away for a few days. Stay here or check into a hospital Docin’t
matter to me.”
Melissa’s heart sank at the mention of her son leaving.“Where are you taking him?”
Histone grew even colder. “I didn’t realize I needed to clear that with you,”
With that, he turned and left, leaving Melissa staring at the empty doorway, frustration and helplessness bubbling in her chest.
Jennifer Moore, Bradley’s grandmother, was well into her seventies and in declining health. Ever since the tragic death of Curtis’s biological mother, Helen Moore, she’d been in low spirits, and her health had steadily worsened.
She had chosen to live in the prace and isolation of the downtown, refusing to return to the city no matter how many times she was asked
To accommodate her, Bradley had built a luxurious rehabilitation center in the mountains, equipped with the best medical facilities money could buy. He visited hep several times a year to ensure everything was in order.
The return of Curtis was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but the car accident had complicated things. Bradley had kept the incident from Jrunifer, worried about the impact on her health. Only now, after Curtis had fully recovered, did Bradley feel it was safe to bring him for a visit.
Jennifer had been eagerly anticipating this reunion, and the moment she saw Curtis, her eyes brimmed with tears.
She pulled the boy into a tight hug, her voice trembling with emotion. “Oh, Helen had such a hard life.. And you, my poor little darling, losing your mother so young-
Curtis tilted his head up, his eyes wide with innocent curiosity. “Great–grandma, who’s Helen?”
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Chapter 25
Jennifer dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief. “Helen was your mother, sweetheart. She passed away shortly after you were born.”
Curtis nodded solemnly but didn’t seem sad. “I know. Daddy showed me her picture. But I already have a mommy, She’s at home.”
Jennifer’s teary eyes lit up with surprise and hope. She turned to Bradley, who stood silently nearby, and her face brightened. “You finally have someone? Why didn’t you bring her so I could meet her!”
Bradley sighed heavily, clearly exasperated, “Grandina, he’s talking about his foster mother, Melissa Bush. She’s not my girlfriend.”
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