~Alex's POV
"Did you eat today?" I asked.
She hesitated. That was answer enough.
I exhaled. "Bella…"
"I tried," she muttered, voice small. "Just didn't have much of an appetite."
I didn't say anything right away. Instead, I guided her inside slowly, setting the food and the gift bag down on the counter.
"Come," I said gently, pulling out a chair for her. "Just a few bites. Please."
She looked at me, hesitant. Then, finally, she nodded and sat down.
I opened the container and scooped some of the steaming soup into a bowl, bringing it to her. I sat across from her and watched as she took the spoon, her hands trembling slightly.
"Do you have a fever?" I asked, frowning.
"No," she said, too fast again.
"Bella," I warned gently, "I'm not just some guy who's going to ignore it if something's wrong. I need you to be honest with me."
She sighed, then finally looked up. Her eyes glistened with something, was it worry? Guilt? I couldn't tell.
