The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 352

Cedric had dated quite a few girls before. He’d wrapped his arm around their waists and done things way more intimate than this, so it shouldn’t have felt like a big deal. But the moment he pulled Ella close, his heart kicked into overdrive. He couldn’t even pretend it was normal.

He didn’t have the luxury to think about it right now. He shook her gently. “Ella, hey, are you okay?”

That’s when he realized how hot her forehead was. Her skin practically radiated heat. A fever, and not a mild one.

Just great. As if things couldn’t get any worse.

Ella opened her eyes, slow and hazy, and pushed herself up. “I’m fine.”

“You’re definitely not fine. You’re burning up. Are you sure you can walk? Let me carry you back.”

She glanced at his injured right leg, raising an eyebrow. “Can you even carry me?”

Cedric fell silent, feeling a little insulted. Seriously? She couldn’t weigh more than ninety pounds soaking wet. How could she question if he could lift her? Still, he couldn’t exactly argue, not with his leg like this.

Seeing the look on his face, Ella gave a small, tired smile and headed inside by herself.

Cedric trailed after her.

Once inside, Ella started crushing up some herbs, working quickly and with practiced hands. She fed the paste to Justin first, making sure he swallowed it, then took some of the bitter medicine herself.

Cedric could only watch. She moved around the cramped space, shaky but determined, taking care of everything even though she was burning up herself. He wished he could help, but he had no idea what to do with the herbs or what she needed. All he could do was sit and watch her wear herself out.

When she finally finished, Cedric spoke up. “You should get some rest. You need to be in bed.”

As soon as he said it, he realized the awkward truth. There was only one bed, and he was already in it.

He pulled the blanket back. “Here, take the bed.”

Ella stopped him before he could get up. “You’re the one with the serious injury. If your leg gets worse, I’ll have to look after you. I’m fine just sitting for a bit.”

Cedric heard her mumbling in her sleep. He leaned over. “Ella, what’s wrong? Can you hear me?”

She was shivering. “Cold…” Her voice was barely a whisper.

He touched her forehead. It was burning up, but her hands and feet were icy. The fever must have been sky-high.

“Cold… so cold…”

Cedric gave her the rest of the blanket, but it didn’t help. She was still shaking, teeth chattering.

There was only one thing left to try. He’d have to warm her up himself. Cedric hesitated, reaching out, then stopping. It felt awkward, but what else could he do? Nothing was going to happen. He didn’t even like her like that. This was just about keeping her warm.

He moved closer, gently rested his hand on her small shoulder, and finally wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tight to share his warmth.