Her Return, His Regret novel Chapter 86

Lora's stomach churned with worry as she took care of Ryan. He had gotten worse when she took him to the guest room… his skin turned pale, beads of sweat coated his forehead and he developed a fever.

During that time, Lora placed a cool, damp washcloth on Ryan’s forehead and neck to help reduce his fever.

For hours, he wasn’t responsive and worry crept into Lora. Why was Ryan looking so weak? His injuries were healing and the chilli shouldn’t have made him so sick.

She furrowed her eyebrows, wondering if there was something wrong with him. Brushing her thoughts aside, Lora stayed by Ryan's side until later in the evening when colour returned to his face and he finally opened his eyes.

“Are you ok?” Lora asked, her voice laced with concern.

Ryan glanced at Lora and nodded, his voice hoarse, “I’m ok.”

The chilli effect had gone and the medicine that Lora had given him had stopped the stomach cramps.

“Why did you eat chilli when you know you can’t eat anything spicy? Do you have a death wish?” Lora questioned, a frown etched on her face.

“I wanted your father to forgive me,” Ryan replied. "I needed his approval to be with you again."

Lora sighed, her heart racing. She looked into Ryan's eyes and a complicated feeling crept into her before she said, “Don’t waste your time, Ryan. At most, we can only be friends.”

“Friends?” Ryan arched an eyebrow as a lump formed in his throat. Was there really no chance for them to be together again?

He wanted to bring Lora home and live with her as husband and wife with their kids. He wanted to give his children a complete family… what better way than to do it with the woman he loved? However, Ryan knew Lora wasn’t ready to give him her heart yet.

Looking at her, he grinned and remarked, “Ok… friends it is… but can I be your bestie? Just being friends sounds too distant.”

Lora rolled her eyes and replied, “Stop playing around, Mr Kingsley. It’s late but you still look weak… you can sleep in here and leave in the morning.”

She got to her feet and turned around to leave when Ryan grabbed her hand and whispered,

“Stay with me.”

Lora froze in her stance, her heart pounding erratically in her chest. How could she stay in the same room with Ryan?

She glanced at him and refused outright, “No, that’s not appropriate.”

Ryan arched an eyebrow before he asked, “You used to stay with me in the hospital.”

“That’s different!” Lora protested.

“How different? I’m still injured, it’s not like I can do anything to you…” Ryan trailed and smirked. “Unless you want me to do something to you.”

Lora blushed and tugged at her hand roughly, “Let go-”

“Argh!” Ryan groaned and Lora stilled, looking him over worriedly.

“What is it?” She asked anxiously.

Pain contorted Ryan’s face as he said with difficulty, “I think I pushed myself too hard… my injuries hurt so much.”

Lora’s heart sank, worry creeping into her. She sat on the edge of the bed and said, “You try to sleep… I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep. In case you need anything.”

At the same time, Ella tried to knock on the guest room door when Ethan stopped her. He uttered, “Mommy will send Daddy away if we disturb them.”