When Nathan was debating with himself if he should call Mandy or not, someone took the initiative to decide for him. His phone rang. It was Nacy. She told him that Mandy had lain sick for two days already. The moment he heard the news, he dropped everything and flew back.
He went straight to the hospital where Mandy was when his aircraft landed in City A. She was asleep, not knowing that he was back and embracing her in his arms.
Mandy's temperature did not wane the whole evening. Her cheeks were burning with the flush of fever, and her skin glistens in a way that had Nathan spooked. Throughout, he nursed her, changing her fever patches four times. He was so worried that he did not sleep a wink.
It was a good thing that when Mandy woke up come morning, her fever was gone. A wave of relief flooded over Nathan.
As for the unfinished work left in Switzerland, Nathan had already sent Fred to take over.
His gentle gestures towards Mandy beguiled the overcast look on his face. Cuddling her, he asked in a tone devoid of emotion, "Are you still uncomfortable?"
Mandy shook her head. She had slept like the proverbial baby and woke up feeling almost brand new. It seemed her body was already going back to its previous self. She had no idea that it was all thanks to Nathan's vigil, taking care of her.
For most of her slumber, Mandy's head rested atop Nathan's arm. Even when he was starting with pins and needles, he endured the pain and calmly clenched his fist, afraid that she would be disturbed.
Sensing that his arm was straining, Mandy bolted upright and asked anxiously, "Nathan, has your arm gone numb?"
Her wide eyes were searching his hand as she carefully reached out and massaged his arms.
"It's not the first time." He bent and swung his arm around, reviving the hapless dead limb. When he got the sensations back, he once again wrapped his arms around her. His touch made the room warmer somehow.
"You... Are you still mad at me?" She was crestfallen with his rebuff. It seemed the man had not forgiven her.
"Yes, I'm angry," Nathan said bluntly.
Mandy decided to bring out the charms. She pouted and then snuggled closer. Cheekily, she said, "But you can't resist me. You came here as soon as you arrived, right?"
She could be simpleminded at times. She thought that Nathan had finished his work ahead of schedule. She did not know that he had left everything for her.
After the incident, Nathan had learned the hard way. He decided that he would bring her during business trips wherever it might be. Otherwise, his wife might become a runaway.
She had a childlike faith in people. She was not a cunning woman, especially with the people who showed her kindness. She would never guess that Colin and Eve were conniving behind her back.
It was a risky moment the two could have taken advantage of. Thankfully, Nathan came back in time.
"Don't be so cheeky. Are you feeling better? Do you feel uncomfortable?" Nathan asked sternly, placing a hand on her forehead to check her temperature.
"I'm all right. Nathan, did you miss me?" Mandy leaned closer still and asked ever so softly.
"Why would I fly back if I didn't miss you?" Finally, he cracked a small smile and locked eyes with Mandy. He smiled, a slow, knowing, and incredibly sexy smile. He did not know what the woman thought or that she even doubted if he missed her.
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