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?"

to find the right words.

let out a low laugh, his eyes gleaming with irony.

work had piled up, but even as he tried to focus, his mind wandered

her face peaceful and free from the torment of earlier nightmares. Ben reached out instinctively to check her temperature, but before his hand made

face, so vulnerable and reminiscent of the woman he

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

imagination,

*

Ben arrived at the designated meeting spot.

As she stepped out, Ben's eyes scanned

he asked, his tone

could still feel the warmth of the child who had once been there sted with the icy

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