Chapter 197 Fevered Illness
"I didn't, you're mistaken. I was merely lending an ear," he protested hastily, his heart pounding in a frenzied rhythm. His gaze darted around the room, unable to find a place to rest.
"Why the urgency then? Couldn't you simply administer some medicine and let her rest?"
"She can't ingest any medication. She's with child."
"What did you just say?" Victoria's voice hitched in shock. "She's carrying a child? Good heavens, you...!"
Accusingly, Victoria pointed a finger at him, her voice rising, "You're responsible for this? I'm going to tell Mom and Dad!"
"Stop spouting such nonsense! Ava is a married woman, and the child she carries belongs to her husband."
His defense wasn't an attempt to exonerate himself, but rather a concern for Ava's reputation.
Victoria's eyes widened in disbelief. She cast a glance towards Ava's bedroom door, "So, she's married, and yet you bring her into our home, acting so familiar with her. Have you developed a taste for married women? And her husband is fine with this?"
"I don't have the luxury of time to engage in this discussion with you."
The situation was complex, tangled up with Ava's personal matters. He couldn't just casually disclose the private affairs between Ava and Alexander.
His expression icy, William issued a stern warning, "Return to your room and sleep. And refrain from spreading such baseless rumors tomorrow, or my response won't be as civil."
His frosty gaze underscored the seriousness of his warning—it was far from an idle threat.
Confronted with her brother's icy stare, as if he were ready to tear her apart, Victoria shivered. She had seldom seen William in such a state, particularly not over a woman.
She found it hard to believe his claims of mere friendship.
Victoria was almost certain that William harbored some form of affection for Ava. However, when she considered Ava's demeanor towards William, it seemed to be nothing more than friendly, devoid of any underlying implications.
While Victoria was lost in her thoughts, William retreated back into Ava's room.
Throughout the night, William attended to Ava, tirelessly changing her damp towels and monitoring her temperature.
If her fever escalated again, he would have no choice but to administer medication. He couldn't jeopardize her health for the sake of the unborn child. Thankfully, her temperature began to subside.
Ava slept deeply, while William, despite his exhaustion, forced himself to remain awake. He consumed several cups of coffee, fearful he might doze off and miss any signs of her fever resurging.
The following day.
Weighed down by the fatigue from her fever, Ava didn't wake until nearly noon. Upon awakening, her head spun, and she felt utterly disoriented, her mind as vacant as an empty shell.
Turning her head, she was taken aback to find a man slumped in a chair beside her bed.
Ava was stunned, her mind vaguely recalling the events of the previous night. She had been dizzy and feverish, as if she had been ill. Had this man been caring for her throughout the night?
William opened his eyes, having only just closed them a short while ago, his sleep fitful. He had woken several times in this manner, and this time, upon seeing Ava awake, he swiftly rose to his feet. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
He extended a hand and gently touched her forehead. Her temperature was normal, and he exhaled in relief, "Good, the fever has subsided."
Ava propped herself up in bed, "Did you tend to me all night?"
William looked weary, a hint of red rimming his eyes.
In an effort to alleviate her concerns, William offered a tired smile and replied, "No, it's not as you think. I haven't been here for long."
