Chapter 453 Fever
Late at night, the wind slipped through the window cracks, lifting a corner of the curtain. An unknown bird screeched sharply in the backyard.
Benjamin lay curled up in bed, eyes shut tight, brows furrowed, caught in the throes of a terrible nightmare.
In his dream, a massive monster chased him, shrouded in dark mist. The only thing visible was the stick it wielded, slicing through the air with a menacing whoosh.
Benjamin ran desperately, but his legs felt like they were filled with lead, barely able to move.
As the monster drew closer, panic surged through him, causing him to trip over his own feet and fall hard.
He cried as he crawled forward on all fours, a wave of immense fear washing over him.
Another whoosh of the stick, and Benjamin couldn't hold it in any longer. He screamed, "Mommy, help me!"
His body jolted, finally breaking free from the nightmare's grip. He gasped for air, taking a moment to recognize his surroundings in the dim glow of the nightlight.
His head was foggy, and his throat felt raw and scratchy.
Slowly, he sat up, fumbling on the nightstand for a glass of water but found nothing.
He sniffled, feeling a wave of self-pity.
He had been beaten up last night, and now he couldn't even get a drink of water.
He missed home. He missed his mommy.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he climbed out of bed to find water in the living room.
Charles didn't like the servants wandering around at night, so the Percy Mansion was eerily quiet.
Benjamin walked barefoot down the hallway, the cold floor providing a slight comfort.
The water pitcher was on the bar. He grabbed a stool for support and gulped down several mouthfuls.
The scratchiness in his throat eased only a little. It was so uncomfortable. Why did he feel so awful?
He didn't understand what his body's reactions meant, only that he wanted to cry.
"What are you doing here?"
Charles' deep voice came from behind him, making Benjamin freeze.
Charles saw his bare feet and assumed he was up to no good again. He quickly walked over, placing a hand on Benjamin's shoulder and turning him around.
"Answer my question. And who told you to come down without shoes?"
Even though it was summer, the floor was still chilly.
The next second, Benjamin, who had been holding his head down, started to sob. Charles' words made the tears he had been holding back flow uncontrollably.
His small hands couldn't stop the tears, and the more he wiped, the more they came.
Charles was baffled. When did this kid become such a crybaby? He hadn't even scolded or hit him.
Benjamin couldn't explain his feelings. He just felt wronged and let his tears flow.
But he didn't want Charles to think he was weak, so he tried to stifle his sobs, silently crying.
Soon, he was gasping for breath, his face turning red.
Charles, not knowing how to comfort him, just watched. Noticing the change in Benjamin's complexion, he reached out to touch his face.
He found Benjamin's cheeks burning hot and his hands cold.
"You're running a fever."
Charles quickly concluded, and without waiting for Benjamin to respond, he scooped him up.
"Am I sick?"
Benjamin asked between sobs, seeing Charles' serious expression as he carried him back to his room.
It seemed he really was sick. No wonder he had been crying so much. Benjamin thought he was just being overly sensitive.
Charles laid Benjamin back in bed and covered him with a blanket before calling the family doctor.
It was the middle of the night, and the family doctor arrived with messy hair and sleepy eyes.
He was a bit annoyed but knew that illness didn't keep a schedule.
But when he saw that the patient was Benjamin, he instantly woke up.
This face? Could he be Charles' secret child?
He kept his thoughts to himself, maintaining a calm demeanor.
After a basic check-up, he said, "His temperature is high. It's a fever, but not too serious. I'll prescribe some medicine. After taking it, he should sweat it out and be fine."
"How did he suddenly get a fever in this season? He was fine during the day."
Charles, being cautious, asked.
The doctor packed up his kit, not looking up.
"Fever isn't always caused by a cold. It could be due to a weakened immune system or an infection. For kids, getting scared can also cause a fever. Luckily, you caught it early. If left unchecked, it could lead to febrile seizures."
Charles' heart sank, remembering he had hit Benjamin yesterday. That must be why he had a fever.
"Doctor, is the medicine bitter? I want something sweet."
Benjamin, not noticing Charles' subtle change in expression, asked the most pressing question on his mind.
"It's not bitter. Take it and get some rest, and you'll feel better."
The doctor packed up and turned to Charles.
"Mr. Percy, I'll be leaving now. Someone will bring the medicine shortly."
Charles nodded slightly, waiting for him to leave.
The room fell silent.
Benjamin's fever made him feel less uncomfortable, but his mind was foggy, slowing his reactions.
"Mr. Percy, I want to see Ms. Wipere. I'll be good from now on. Can you bring her back, please?"
Charles, sitting by the bed, looked at him deeply.
Even now, he was thinking about Diana?
"How long have you known her? Do you trust her that much?"
Charles' tone had a hint of jealousy.
Diana and Benjamin had caused trouble together, yet they still looked out for each other.
"I just like her."
Benjamin couldn't tell the truth, so he stuck to his guns.
"Get well soon and behave, and you'll see her."
Charles, feeling responsible for Benjamin's condition, spoke more gently than usual.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Jacob had brought the medicine.
He looked worried, rushing to Benjamin's side to feel his forehead.
He sighed in relief, "Benjamin, how do you feel? Are you okay? I brought the medicine. Take it and get some sleep."
Benjamin nodded obediently, looking very well-behaved.
Jacob relaxed, quickly preparing the medicine.
It wasn't bitter, but it had a strange sour taste. Benjamin stuck out his tongue, and Jacob handed him some water.
He drank several gulps to wash away the taste.
"Mr. Percy, it's late. You should rest. I'll stay with him."
Jacob tucked Benjamin in and turned to Charles.
Charles glanced at Benjamin and waved Jacob off, "No need, Jacob. You go rest. I'll stay here."
Both Benjamin and Jacob looked at him in surprise.
"Mr. Percy..."
"Mr. Hearst, you can go. I want Mr. Percy to stay with me."
Benjamin interrupted Jacob, clutching the blanket.
Jacob had intended to prevent any conflict between Charles and Benjamin, but since Benjamin had spoken, he didn't argue. He just cautioned,
"Alright, if anything happens, call me. Don't let things get out of hand."
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