I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra) novel Chapter 137

Before I could finish the thought, Steven was seized by a violent coughing fit. I glanced at him. His handsome face was tight with discomfort, his lips pale. He looked miserable. He shot me a quick look, then lowered his head and started eating his porridge without another word, obediently following Verna’s lead.

Verna turned back to me, biting her lip. “I stayed to apologize to you, Mrs. Lancaster. Now that I have, I should get back to the university.” She paused, her expression turning professional. “Mr. Lancaster had a high fever last night with multiple symptoms, including dizziness and fainting. I suspect it’s the flu. I’ve already given him some antiviral medication and a shot to reduce the fever. His temperature should be more stable today.”

“But if he doesn’t improve, he needs to be taken to a hospital for a check-up. We need to monitor his cough closely to make sure it doesn’t develop into pneumonia. That would be very serious and take a long time to recover from.”

“The flu?!” I exclaimed, shooting a death glare at Steven. He didn’t look up. If looks could kill, he would have been dead a thousand times over. That bastard had forced himself on me last night. If he had the flu, I would get it too! One slap was too lenient. I should have beaten him until his own mother couldn’t recognize him.

I suppressed my anger and turned my attention back to Verna. “Ms. Garcia, you’re a doctor. If you’re willing to stay and take care of Steven, he’ll probably get better faster.”

Verna looked at me, puzzled. “Me? Aren’t you going to take care of him, Mrs. Lancaster?”

I forced a smile. “I’m terrible at taking care of people. And he doesn’t need special care. If you have classes during the day, you can come over in the evening. Gordon can pick you up. You can stay with us and check on him. Don’t worry, your Mr. Lancaster will cover your room, board, and a part-time salary.”

The sooner Steven got better, the sooner we could finish this deal and get divorced.

“Wait,” I interrupted, frowning at Steven. “You’re only going back when you’re fully recovered? You have the flu. If you don’t get it under control now, it could take a long time to get better, even after the deal is done. If Verna can’t take care of you, you should go to the hospital.” With a doctor around, at least I could be sure he was being properly treated.

Steven’s dark eyes were fixed on me. Before he could reply, Verna spoke up. “Mrs. Lancaster, the flu is very common. There’s no need for hospitalization. The main issue is that Mr. Lancaster is very uncomfortable right now. Even though his fever has broken, it will likely return, and he’ll be lethargic again. He needs someone to prepare light, nutritious meals to go with his medication and to make sure he drinks plenty of water. That’s the fastest way to recover.”

Gordon looked at me and said weakly, “Mrs. Lancaster, maybe you could cook, and I can take care of Mr. Lancaster?”

I pressed my lips together. Steven let out another violent cough and said hoarsely, “That’s enough. I’m sick, not dead. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. Gordon, do as I say.”