Chapter 114: Chapter 114 fever
Another rumble shook the ship, and she shivered, pulling the blanket all the way over her head like a little turtle hiding from the world.
She could still hear it though — the ocean, the wind, the way the metal beams of the cruise ship creaked now and then as if they too were afraid.
How can he stand this? she thought, picturing Leonardo’s cold face, the way he’d stood there earlier — calm as stone, towel slung low on his hips, looking like nothing in the world could touch him.
But she... she wasn’t like that. She hated storms. She hated loud noises that reminded her of too many nights from before nights she didn’t want to remember.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She sniffled.
"Just... please stop..." she murmured to the storm, her tiny voice trembling under the blanket as the thunder cracked again overhead.
Unable to bear the storm any longer, Bella finally threw back her blanket, her bare feet cold against the cabin floor as she padded across the hallway. She hugged her cardigan around her shoulders, her heart thumping almost as loud as the thunder crashing outside.
She stopped in front of Leonardo’s door, hesitated... then knocked softly.
Knock, knock.
She waited, shifting from foot to foot, her small hand pressed to her chest. The ship swayed again, another deep boom of thunder shaking the walls. She flinched and knocked again, a bit harder this time.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the door swung open. Leonardo stood there, his hair slightly messy, his eyes half-lidded and hazy like he’d just woken up from a rough nap. His sharp face looked oddly flushed, and he wore a simple royal blue pajama set that somehow made him look both more approachable and more dangerous all at once.
He raised a brow at her, the crease between his eyes deepening. "What is it?"
Bella hugged herself tighter, looking up at him with wide, timid eyes. "I—I feel scared. Can I... come in?" Her small voice wavered, her cheeks pale, the shadows under her eyes clear.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. He just stared at her, stormy eyes unreadable. But then he stepped aside with a rough sigh, jerking his chin toward the room.
She brightened at once, scurrying inside. She glanced around shyly, then perched herself on the chair near the window—her knees pressed together, her hands folded politely on her lap. But then she realized what she’d done— barging into his private space without asking twice and her cheeks turned pink.
"S-sorry," she mumbled, eyes darting to her toes.
Leonardo didn’t answer. He just grunted and turned away, dragging himself back to the bed. He lay down heavily, pulling the blanket over his waist but leaving his arm resting on his forehead. The deep frown didn’t leave his face.
Bella watched him for a moment, the thunder rumbling softly in the background. He doesn’t look well, she thought, chewing her lower lip. Is he... sick?
She hesitated, sliding off the chair and shuffling closer to his side. The floor felt cold under her feet. When she stopped beside him, she hovered uncertainly.
Feeling her footsteps, Leonardo cracked one eye open. His gaze, dark and sharp even when half-asleep, snapped to her face. She flinched a little, but her worry pushed her forward.
"Are you okay...?" she asked softly, her voice almost lost in the hum of the storm.
He didn’t answer—just glared at her like she was asking the world’s most unnecessary question. But up close, she could see the faint flush on his cheeks, the slightly glassy look in his eyes.
Before she could overthink it, she leaned down and pressed her cool palm gently to his forehead. Her touch was feather-light, her fingers brushing against his damp hair.
Leonardo froze. His eyes stayed locked on hers, something unreadable flickering deep inside that stormy gray.
"You’re warm..." she whispered, concern filling her small face. "You have fever..."
"It will go away..." Leonardo muttered, his voice low and edged with irritation. He turned his face away from her hand, eyes half-shut again as if that ended the conversation.
But Bella didn’t flinch or step back. She pouted at him, her brows knitted in worry. He’s so stubborn... she thought, ignoring the faint warmth in her cheeks when she realized how close she was to his sharp jawline.
"Did you have dinner?" she asked softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He didn’t answer—he just let out a quiet huff through his nose, clearly refusing to talk.
Bella pressed her lips together. She hesitated for only a second before she turned on her heel and padded out of the room, her small footsteps soft against the polished floor.
She spotted one of his bodyguards standing down the hall, just where the corridor curved near the stairs. The man straightened when he saw her, bowing his head politely.
"M-Mister..." Bella started, hugging her sleeves. She peeked behind her as if checking that Leo hadn’t suddenly appeared behind her. "Do you have... um... something for fever? And I want a simple warm meal too—where can I ask?"
The bodyguard’s eyes widened a fraction. "Are you sick, Ma’am?" he asked, already taking a half-step forward, concern flashing across his usually calm face.
Bella shook her head quickly, her hair brushing her cheeks. "No, not me. It’s Leo... I mean—sir. He’s not well. He didn’t eat dinner."
Understanding dawned on the guard’s face. He nodded firmly. "Please wait in Sir’s room, Ma’am. I’ll arrange warm food and bring medicine right away."
Bella’s shoulders relaxed with relief. She dipped her head, a tiny grateful smile curving her lips. "Thank you. Really... thank you."
The guard watched her hurry back to Leonardo’s room—her small figure disappearing behind the heavy door and for a moment, he couldn’t help but think: She really is different, I hope sir see her...
Inside the dim cabin, Bella gently closed the door behind her. She padded over to the bed again, where Leonardo now lay with his arm thrown over his eyes like he wanted to block out the entire world.