Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 474

Nick was unusually obedient. Whatever Khloe offered him to eat, he took without a single question.

"You haven't eaten much today, have you?"

Khloe recalled mealtime. He had barely touched anything, and worry tugged at her again.

"Not feeling hungry?" she asked softly.

"Mm… it's late. I'm not very hungry," Nick replied, avoiding her gaze.

He stretched his arms, intending to return to the room to change, but Khloe seemed to sense something and stepped close, matching his pace.

"Are you…?"

She stopped him, standing on tiptoe. Her hands cupped his face as she leaned in, scrutinizing him carefully.

His features were sharp and sculpted, even more so up close. But those ocean-deep eyes held a layer of exhaustion that made her heart ache.

"Khloe…"

"You've lost weight?" she whispered, tilting her head.

Nick froze for a moment, then a surge of tenderness overtook him. Without thinking, he swept her up, wrapping his arms around her waist.

With a faint gasp from Khloe, he carried her effortlessly back to the bed, placing her gently in the center. His arms were strong and steady, his breathing even, his heart unhurried. Only once she rested on the soft mattress did he exhale, warm breath brushing her nose.

"Want to test how strong I am?" he teased.

"…No," Khloe quickly shook her head like a spinning top, remembering the lingerie in the suitcase. "I believe you're strong enough."

Today had been exhausting, and tomorrow would demand more.

The discomfort was sharp, but Nick didn't want Khloe to worry. He had rinsed himself off in the bathroom to relieve it temporarily, thinking it would pass with rest. But tonight, the familiar ache had returned.

Even during their late-night snack, he had forced down an entire bowl to avoid alarming her.

This morning, he had consulted the doctor again. The consensus: it was most likely lingering bruising, though other conditions couldn't be ruled out. A thorough check-up was necessary.

He had promised Khloe he would always be honest with her. But seeing her happy face, the words wouldn't come.

He had to convince himself: it was probably just a reaction from the bruising, and it would pass. If it were something serious, he would tell her after the examination.

…

That night, Khloe was utterly exhausted. After her shower, she nestled against Nick, drifting into sleep almost instantly.