Chapter 318 Gentle Care
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She’d drunk a bowl of chicken soup earlier, followed by half a bowl of oatmeal.
Zora slowly shifted her body, trying to pull herself out from under the covers.
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Her hands were still powerless, but at least her legs still worked. Otherwise, she would have been completely helpless.
She was wearing a loose nightdress. Earlier that day, Leighton had asked a female doctor to come check on her and help her change into the clean gown.
It was the only practical choice. With no strength in her hands, she could not change her clothes on her own.
She planted her feet on the carpet, and a sharp twinge shot through her knees the second she put weight on them. A frown creased her face from the sudden pain.
Yesterday, she had knelt on the floor for six straight hours to give Floyd his acupuncture treatment. Her knees had turned dark and bruised all over.
Leighton had put medicine on them afterward, which had eased the soreness quite a bit.
Her knees had been badly swollen at first. Her skin was fair, so the purple bruising stood out starkly, looking alarming.
Biting through the discomfort, Zora pushed off the carpet, ready to stand up.
Before she could steady herself, a sudden weightless sensation swept over her.
Muscle memory kicked in. Her hands instinctively lifted to wrap around Leighton’s neck, only to fall limply back down from lack of strength. “Leighton?”
The moment her voice fell, Zora caught a startled “OMG” coming from his headset.
Realizing he was in the middle of a call, she quickly pressed her lips shut.
Leighton had seen her movement. He lifted her up with one arm, used his free hand to end the call, then held her firmly with both hands.
“Did you try to get out of bed? You could’ve called me.”
He looked down at her.
He’d been on a work call a second ago and had glanced over to check on her, only to see her tipping forward off the bed. His heart had lurched violently in his chest, and he’d rushed over instantly.
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11:35 Sun, May 31
Chapter 318 Gentle Care
Zora’s face flushed hot.
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What could she even say? That she needed to use the bathroom and had wanted him to carry her there? No matter how close she was to him, the thought still filled her with embarrassment.
“Talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Seeing the unnatural flush spreading across her checks, Leighton’s brows furrowed with worry. He pressed his palm gently to her forehead, afraid she was running a fever.
“Are you feeling sick? I’ll call the doctor over right away.”
His concern only grew when she stayed quiet.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
Unable to bear his worried gaze any longer, Zora hung her head, bit her lower lip, and mumbled softly.
She would have covered her face with her hands if she’d had the strength. Instead, she turned her head away, pressing her cheek against his shoulder to avoid his eyes.
“I’ll carry you.”
Leighton froze for a split second after hearing her quiet confession, a faint awkwardness flickering across his features. Still, he didn’t hesitate for a single moment, turning to carry her toward the bathroom.
The bathroom was only six or seven yards away, but every step would have been agony for her injured knees.
“You can set me down here. I can walk inside on my own,” Zora said once they reached the doorway.
He could tell she was shy. Leighton set her down gently but kept a steady hand supporting her the whole time.
“I’ll walk you in. I’ll wait right outside.”
“Mm.” Zora did not refuse. Leaning on his support was far easier than forcing her sore legs to hold her weight alone.
Her knees throbbed sharply, a deep, dull ache that settled right in her bones.
“Your hands…”
Once inside the bathroom, Leighton’s gaze fell on her injured hands.
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11:36 Sun, May 31
8 Gentle Care
“Just go wait outside. I’ve got this.”
Zora’s ears burned red. Her hands were weak, but she could still undress by herself.
“Alright. I’m just outside. Call me if you need anything.”
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Fin –
Leighton stepped out, silently resolving to hire a female caretaker tomorrow. There were private moments when she needed another woman’s help, and he couldn’t stand to see her struggle alone.
After he left, Zora took care of her needs. The moment she finished, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.
She stood up and shuffled toward the sink to wash her hands. Her steps were unsteady as she walked forward. She knocked against the shelf, sending an object tumbling down.
“Zora?” Leighton’s worried voice came from outside. He didn’t rush in.
“I’m fine. I just knocked something over while trying to wash my hands.”
“Can I come in?”
He knew she must have finished by now if she was washing her hands.
“Mm.”
Leighton stepped inside to find Zora bending down, trying to pick up the fallen object. He stepped forward and picked it up for her.
“Need to wash your hands?” He glanced down at her.
“Yeah.” Zora nodded.
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With her confirmation, Leighton took one of her hands and held it under the faucet. Water flowed out instantly.
He lathered her palm softly with his long fingers, washing it clean.
Zora leaned lightly against him, the support taking the strain off her trembling legs.
Her left hand was wrapped in gauze. Leighton moistened a soft wipe and cleaned her fingers slowly and carefully, his movements gentle and thorough.
Zora stared down quietly at his hands. His knuckles were firm, his fingers long and pale. His nails were neatly trimmed. Clear water droplets clung to his skin, glistening brightly.
His skin felt silky to the touch. Subtle blue veins rose faintly beneath it, firm yet graceful all the
same.
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May 31
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The Real Heness’s New Family Adored by All
Jane is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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