Chapter 23

Nicklaus’ POV:

Elena was lying on the bed, shivering. Her face was pale, and she looked weak. I quickly ran to the other side of the bed.My eyes widened.

I held her hand in mine, and it was so cold to touch. I could feel her trembling, and I didn't know what to do.

“Elena, are you alright? what's wrong?"     I asked with my voice low, and it trembled. I stroked her hair, trying to make her conscious of it, but she didn't respond. She was too weak to talk.

I was scared and didn't know what to do. I tried to calm my mind, but I couldn't stop myself from panicking.

“Get me my phone,” I ordered, Mr. Mike, my butler, who stood beside me as we both tried to wake Elena.

I cupped her face with my arms. "Elena, can you hear me? What's going on? Do you have a fever?" I knew I needed to get her help as soon as possible.

Mr. Mike walked in and handed me the phone. I dialled my doctor's number immediately, and he picked up on the first ring.

“Dr. Thompson, I need you here right now.” I spoke urgently.

“Right away, sir.” 

I quickly rushed to the bathroom and got a towel soaked in cold water. I placed the cold towel on her head to stabilise her. I learnt this method from my grandma. She usually did it whenever I had a fever when I was a little boy.

After a few moments, the doctor arrived and walked into the room. I felt relieved. I stood up, stepped aside, and watched him check on her. 

He checked her vitals and turned them to me. “She had a fever and some allergies,” he said, and he brought out a tablet of medication and handed it to me. “She should start taking her medications in no time so that she will get better in no time.”

“With these medications, she will get better in a few days.”

"She had a fever and some allergies, but with rest and medication, she'll be fine.”

I thanked the doctor and walked him out, feeling a little relieved that Elena would be fine very soon. I returned to her side and called Mr. Mike and Irina.

“Please move all of her stuff to my room right away,” I said, carrying Elena with my hand in a bridal style. “She will stay here with me from now on. I need to keep a close watch on her.”

I lay her down and put her in a comfortable position, popping pillows on her back and covering her with the duvet. I ran my hands through my hair and ensured that she was comfortable.

My chef brought some chicken soup and some fresh juice. He placed it on the table, and I carefully fed her on the bed, and she took her medications.

I changed her into her pyjamas. She looked so fragile and vulnerable. After a few hours, she fell asleep. I quickly lay on the other side of the bed to get some rest.

As the night went by, I heard a little sound in my sleep. I woke up immediately to see Elena stirring and turning on the bed. I quickly held her close to me and tried to calm her down. “Shh, it's okay; I'm here. You're safe," I whispered, stroking her hair.

She held on to me, her eyes still closed, and I held her until she fell back asleep. I stayed beside her, watching her sleep and making sure she was okay. She must have had a terrible past for her to have constant nightmares.

I wondered what she must have gone through in the past. I am sure it wasn't easy for her growing up. All of the pain and traumas had made her broken.

I will always guide and protect her. She is now a part of me.

****

I woke up in the morning with Elena in my arms. When I blink my eyes open, I notice her beautiful features. She looked so beautiful, even in her sleep. Her lips curled into a little smile.

I gently brushed the strands of hair out of her face. I watched every detail of her face, from the shape of her eyebrows to the curve of her lips. She looked so pretty even in the morning.

I wish I could stay in bed with her all morning, but I had an important meeting at the company. I will be signing a billion-dollar deal with some of my investors. I cannot afford to be absent and keep them waiting.

I quietly stood up and walked into the bathroom. I allowed the warm water to cascade down my body.

I changed into a navy blue Armani suit, and I arranged my cufflinks. I brushed my hair while looking at my reflection in the mirror. 

I walked up to Elena and planted a little kiss on her face. “I will be back soon. Get some rest,” I said, gently stroking her hair.

I grabbed my briefcase and walked out, gently closing the door. I felt guilty that I had to leave her in this state. 

“Irina,” I called from the hallway.

“Yes, sir,” she answered.

“Get all of Elena’s stuff and fix it in my room. We will now have a room together. When she wakes up, make sure she eats her breakfast and takes her medications,” I ordered.

I knew that Elena was in good hands, and Irina would take care of her. She had been my trusted worker.