Third Person POV
It was early morning, and Charlene was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast for everyone. She moved around with a bright smile on her face, humming softly as she cooked. The housemaids couldn't help but notice.
"Oy… something must've happened last night."
"Naku, Ma'am's in love."
"Ma'am, what did Sir do? Your smile is glowing today!"
Charlene turned to them, trying to look innocent. "What are you talking about? I'm just in a good mood because the weather's nice."
None of them looked convinced.
After finishing the dishes, she realized Kerill hadn't come downstairs yet. She glanced at the wall clock and frowned. By this time, he was usually already brewing his morning coffee. But today—nothing.
"Maybe he just overslept, Ma'am," one of the maids teased as she passed by.
Still, Charlene couldn't shake off her uneasiness. She decided to check on him herself.
She knocked on his bedroom door. No answer. No movement.
"I'm coming in," she said before turning the knob.
Inside, she found Kerill curled up in bed, completely wrapped in his blanket.
"Kerill?" she called softly.
He turned toward her—and she immediately noticed how pale he looked.
"Are you okay?" she asked, rushing to his side.
"I'm fine. My stomach just hurts," he muttered before suddenly getting up and rushing to the bathroom.
The sound of him vomiting made her chest tighten with worry.
"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked again when he returned, still clutching his stomach as he lay back down.
"Was it because of what you ate yesterday? Maybe your stomach isn't used to it—"
"I'm fine. Just call my secretary and tell her I won't be coming in today."
"O-Okay."
She quickly called Hart to inform her, then checked on Kerill again. He was drenched in sweat, his face pale.
"Should I take you to the hospital?" she asked anxiously.
She was about to leave to prepare when he grabbed her wrist.
"No need. I'll just have Saviel buy medicine."
"But what if something happens to you? This is my fault. I forced you to eat—sorry…"
"Charlene, stop overthinking. I'm fine. I just need rest."
"Sige. I'll go downstairs—"
"No."
She looked at him.
"I mean… stay. Watch over me," he said, avoiding her gaze.
"But you said you're fine. And you're not exactly a child."
He shot her an annoyed look.
"Isn't this your fault?" he countered quickly.
Left with no argument, Charlene sat at the edge of his bed.
Kerill soon fell into a deep sleep while she stayed beside him. Without realizing it, she found herself staring at his face. It was almost unfair how handsome he was—sharp nose, long lashes, lips redder than most women's.
She quickly looked away.
She didn't want to fall again—for a man whose heart once felt like stone.
Minutes passed. Then an hour. Then two. Eventually, Charlene fell asleep beside him.
When Kerill woke up, the first thing he saw was her peaceful face.
He didn't expect himself to stare.
But he did.
His eyes traced every detail—her brows, her eyelids, the curve of her nose, down to her lips.
He froze there, as if something invisible was pulling him closer. Without realizing it, his fingers slowly lifted, inching toward her face.
Just before he could touch her, Charlene shifted in her sleep and turned her back to him.
He pulled his hand away and checked the time on his phone. It was almost lunch. His stomach still felt uneasy, but it was much better than earlier.
He called Saviel to buy medicine, then carefully got up. Though his stomach still ached, he managed to leave the room and cook lugaw for both of them.
After preparing it, he brought the tray upstairs and ate at his desk while watching Charlene sleep.
She was snoring.
Loudly.
Kerill nearly choked in shock.
He shook his head, holding back laughter. She was sprawled across the bed, blankets and pillows half-falling to the floor from all her movements.
Right as he finished eating and taking his medicine, Charlene stirred awake, stretching like she'd had the best sleep of her life.
"If you were my nurse, your patient would've died already. Tsk."
She quickly stood up, embarrassed, and noticed his empty plate.
"You already ate."
"Yes, obviously."
"Sorry… I fell asleep."
"That's clear. Look at your face."
He pointed to the dried drool at the corner of her lips.
Her eyes widened, and she hurriedly wiped it away.
"Eat this. You look hungry," he said, showing her the plate of egg and bacon he'd prepared.
She stepped closer.
"Are you really okay now?"
"I am. Now eat before you leave."
She shook her head. "I'll just eat downstairs—"
"Eat. Or else."
"Or else what?"
"Or else you're not leaving my room," he said with a faint, teasing grin.
But reality quickly hit him, and he cleared his throat.
"Just eat and then get out of my room," he added, looking away.
His tone was back to normal—
But something had definitely changed.