Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 1053

At a time like this, Winnie was the one person who could stay by Michael's side.

Khloe had already told her that if she needed anything, she could come to her. As for everything else, Winnie didn't need to worry—Khloe would handle matters at the Morrison Group.

Winnie understood. Right now, what Michael needed most was her.

This time, it would be her turn to protect him.

Michael gave no response.

Winnie opened the thermos and lunch containers one by one, poured out a bowl of soup, and sat beside his bed, calling to him softly.

But no matter what she said, Michael didn't react at all.

She waited for a long while. By the time the soup had gone cold, she quietly packed everything away again.

"If you're not eating… then I won't either. I'll stay with you."

Michael's back remained completely still.

Winnie took a slow breath and spoke in a low voice. "I know you're hurting. I know some things… no one else can ever truly share or replace for you. But I'm willing to bear it with you."

Over the past two days, aside from keeping him company, she had said very little to comfort him. Because she believed words were the weakest form of comfort. And she was afraid that saying too much—or saying the wrong thing—might only push him further into despair.

The room was unbearably quiet. Other than Michael's restrained breathing, there was no response.

After waiting a while longer, Winnie stood up.

"If you don't want to talk, then don't. If you don't want to be disturbed, I won't bother you. But you have to eat. The doctor said if you keep getting weaker like this, your body won't be able to take it—you won't even be able to go home.

"Your dad hasn't been well lately. Khloe and Nick are both worried about you too. You know… you're not the only one facing difficulties right now. Even if life feels unbearable… please, for everyone's sake, try… just try to pull yourself together a little. Okay?"

Her words were careful, tentative, afraid of placing too much pressure on him.

All his life, Michael had probably never gone through something like this. She wasn't even sure whether, in a moment like this, he could still think about anyone else.

But letting things continue like this wasn't an option. This was the only way she could try.

Still, Michael gave no response.

In the end, Winnie could only stand and leave the room for the time being.

She sat down quickly, a flicker of joy in her eyes. But just as she reached out to touch his shoulder, he shifted slightly inward, as if avoiding her touch.

Remembering the doctor's advice, Winnie withdrew her hand, suppressing her excitement.

The food had long gone cold. She didn't mind. She served herself a little and sat beside him, eating quietly.

After a moment, Michael spoke again.

"You should go."

"What?" Winnie was stunned.

His voice was slightly hoarse. "You don't need to stay with me. I want to be alone. Go home."

"I'm not leaving." Winnie set down her bowl and cutlery.

Lowering her head, she gripped a tissue in her hand. "Unless you get better, I'm not going anywhere. Even if you ignore me for the rest of your life—even if you never speak to me again—I'll still stay with you."

"Winnie…"