You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 709

Before Oliver could even say no, Patricia pressed the call button. The nurse walked in, spotted Oliver awake, and you could practically see the relief on her face. Having such a big shot in their ward put everyone on edge. The pressure came from every direction, even the top bosses from Golden Bay had shown up. It was intense. This was the real deal, not like those wild stories people made up online.

The nurse checked Oliver’s chart and said, “In about an hour, he can eat something. He’s been out for a while, so he needs to get his strength back.”

“Thank you,” Patricia replied.

As soon as the nurse left, Patricia pulled out her phone, already thinking about calling Johns to ask the family to bring some food from home.

Oliver gently took the phone from her hand. “The hospital serves meals. The nurse will take care of it.”

“But is the hospital food safe? I thought you didn’t like eating out. Wouldn’t it be better if we had something from home?”

Seeing how worried she was made Oliver’s chest tighten. He blamed himself for getting sick. She was just a young woman, someone who should be cared for, and now here she was, scrambling to take care of him.

“It’s just this once. I’ll be fine,” he said softly.

“You’re still a patient. We can’t take any risks. Let’s just have the family send something.”

He reached out his free hand. “Come here, sweetheart.”

Patricia hesitated, then walked over and sat gingerly on the edge of his bed. Oliver pulled her into his arms right away. His lips brushed her cheek, her ear, the tip of her nose. His voice was soft, soothing the panic inside her. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m alright now.”

Patricia buried her face against his shoulder. The silk pajamas he wore, fresh from home, felt cool and smooth, but his skin was still so warm underneath. Her voice was muffled. “I was really worried about you.”

“I know. It’s my fault. I should have taken better care of myself. I’m sorry I made you worry.”

“It’s not that…” Patricia started, but she couldn’t seem to find the words.

Oliver waited, patient and quiet. When she didn’t say anything else, he just felt the wetness soaking into his shoulder. His hand tightened around her, then he began to gently rub her back, slow and steady. Sometimes, silence said more than any words.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He tugged gently at her arm. “You won’t. I’ll hold you.”

“But you haven’t eaten yet.”

“I’ll eat later. It’s fine.”

“I just don’t want you to get too hungry. You’re sick. You need to eat.”

He chuckled softly, his voice full of patience. “Okay, how about this? Lie here with me, and when the nurse brings the food, I’ll eat while you watch. Deal?”

“Deal,” she whispered.

He got her settled beside him, pulled the blanket over her shoulders, and wrapped an arm around her. He started patting her back, slow and gentle, just like you’d soothe a little kid. The room was quiet, but it felt warm and safe.