Ben felt Jamie's reaction as her fingers curled tightly around his neck, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a faint, amused smile.

"Even this sick, you're still subconsciously trying to seduce me?"

Jamie flushed a deep red, coughing in a mix of embarrassment and frustration, but no words came to her defense.

"I'm joking," Ben said casually, his tone completely unaffected, as if his teasing was just an afterthought. He grabbed a chair and sat by the bedside. Jamie, recovering from her coughing fit, quickly changed the subject. "Why does it feel like I'm so much worse this time? What's wrong with me?" Ben answered calmly, "The test results aren't back yet."

She nodded slightly, choosing not to press further. Clearing her throat, she felt a sudden thirst rise but hesitated to ask for help. Before she could act, Ben handed her a glass of warm water without a word.

The simple gesture sent a fleeting warmth through her chest, one that she quickly suppressed. She couldn't let herself get caught up in feelings that had no place in their fractured relationship.

"Am I really so terrifying in your mind?" Ben's voice cut through her thoughts. His sharp gaze bore into her. "Even in your nightmares, it's me?"

struggling to find the right words. "It's just..." She

with irony. "Get some rest," he said

tried to focus, his mind wandered back to Jamie. After an hour, unable to shake his unease, he tiptoed back to

was asleep this time, her face peaceful and free from the torment of earlier nightmares. Ben reached out instinctively to check her temperature, but

looked at her sleeping face, so vulnerable and reminiscent of the woman he once loved deeply. He stayed by her side through the night, unable to bring himself

through the curtains, waking Jamie. The warmth in her hand lingered as if someone had been there with her all night. Ske glanced at her hand, smiled faintly, and shook

imagination,

*

day, Ben arrived at the designated meeting spot. He leaned casually

up. As she stepped out, Ben's eyes scanned

asked,

warmth of the child who had

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