Chapter 1250 Randy's Confession?
Seeing right through her thoughts, Randy chuckled and flicked her forehead playfully. "Don't worry! I won't tell anyone about something this embarrassing. I was in such a rush getting you to the hospital that I forgot to notify Hannah and the others. After the doctor examined you and said it was just sudden low blood sugar with no serious issues, I knew you'd be mortified, so I haven't told them yet. They probably don't even know you're hospitalized."
Stella's eyes immediately lit up at his words, and she glanced around the room. Sure enough, Randy was the only one there. The rustling sounds she'd heard earlier were coming from outside her room—someone chatting loudly in the hallway.
Knowing no one had discovered her embarrassing situation, Stella finally relaxed, her head sinking back into the pillow as she patted her chest with relief. "Thank goodness! Otherwise, I'd be on the next flight back to Country D. This is so humiliating."
Just as she began to relax, Randy suddenly added, "As for the nosebleeds..."
Every nerve in Stella's body tensed again as she stared at Randy anxiously. Had the doctor figured something out? She didn't know much about medicine—could doctors really tell?
Randy continued, "The doctor said it was caused by ruptured capillaries in your nasal cavity, possibly weather-related. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate excessively and burst. It's not serious—he prescribed some saline spray to use several times daily."
Hearing his explanation of the nosebleeds, Stella finally released a genuine sigh of relief. She knew perfectly well that seeing Randy had made her blood run hot enough to burst those nasal capillaries, but the doctor didn't know that! Randy didn't know that! As long as the doctor didn't expose her secret thoughts, they could say whatever they wanted.
Seeing her lost in thought, Randy asked gently, "Are you hungry?"
Stella hadn't felt hungry when she first woke up, but at his question, her stomach seemed to understand and growled audibly. Her face flushed as she looked at Randy sheepishly. "I guess—I guess I really am hungry!"
"Good thing I had Kaylee make chicken soup and bring it over. Let me help you sit up so you can eat something."
"Okay!"
Randy supported the back of her neck with one hand, helping her sit up, then propped the pillow vertically behind her back so she could lean comfortably. Once she was settled, he opened the thermal container on the nightstand and poured the chicken soup into a bowl.
Stella reached for it but noticed the IV drip in her hand. Randy noticed too and smiled gently, "Let me feed you. We don't want the needle to slip and have to stick you again. You were frowning even while unconscious when they put the IV in—if you were awake, you'd probably cry."
Stella stuck out her tongue playfully and said sheepishly, "You saw right through me! I really am fearless about everything except pain. I've been terrified of needles since childhood."
Randy spooned some soup and brought it to her lips. "Shirley doesn't even cry when she gets shots. You're already so grown up—aren't you embarrassed to still be scared of needles?"
Stella pouted, "What's embarrassing about it? Fear is fear! Everyone's afraid of something. Like me—lots of girls are scared of snakes, but I'm not."
Randy laughed at her logic and urged, "Hurry up and drink this before your blood sugar drops again."
"Okay!"
Stella obediently opened her mouth and sipped the soup he offered. The rich, savory broth burst across her palate, and she closed her eyes contentedly. "Kaylee is such an amazing cook!"
Suddenly remembering something, her eyes flew wide as she stared at Randy, "Kaylee knows I'm hospitalized—will she tell Hannah? If Hannah finds out I'm in the hospital, she'll worry! And so will Mom and Dad."
Randy brought another spoonful to her lips. "I told Kaylee to keep quiet, and she won't say anything. I told Hannah you're resting at the hotel and won't be coming over today. She shouldn't suspect anything."
"That's a relief!" Stella relaxed again.
Randy continued feeding her spoonful by spoonful until Kaylee's soup was finished. They chatted casually, and the air seemed to shimmer with a sweet, blissful warmth. Stella's heart felt completely full, overflowing with thoughts of Randy, as if she could never get enough of looking at him.
After finishing the soup, Randy tidied up the thermal container and retrieved the saline spray from the nightstand drawer. "The doctor said you can use the saline spray as often as needed. Since you're awake now, let's try it once."
He unwrapped the package, removed the cap, and handed it to her with careful instructions, "Insert the nozzle into your nostril and press twice."
Stella's eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned closer to Randy, acting coquettish, "You do it for me!"
Randy replied matter-of-factly, "You can do it one-handed." The implication was clear—with only one hand occupied by the IV, her other hand was perfectly capable.
But Stella refused to comply, wheedling playfully, "No, I don't know how! Show me how to do it properly. What if I use too much force and hurt my nasal cavity, causing more bleeding?"
Under her constant coaxing, Randy finally caved. He knew full well that Stella was being a little manipulative on purpose, and he was aware that this kind of closeness had already crossed the line his rational mind had drawn. He should have said no. But somehow, his hands moved on their own, and under Stella's bright, gentle gaze, he just couldn't resist.
"This might sting a little—hang in there." As his hand moved closer, Stella felt like she was suddenly in another world. Everything else faded away, and for a moment, it was just the two of them—like they were the only people in the entire universe.
Stella gazed intently at Randy's face, his sharp, handsome features bathed in the soft white glow of the hospital lights, making her heart race uncontrollably. No matter when she looked at him, he was always devastatingly attractive. Even though he and Charles were identical, in her eyes, Randy was infinitely more handsome.
Sensing her bare, unfiltered gaze, Randy's breath caught and his hand shook, almost dropping the saline spray. Unable to meet her eyes, he turned away as if escaping, putting the spray back in its box and purposefully changing the subject.
"You can go home once the IV is finished."
"Okay!" Stella replied absentmindedly, her eyes tracking his every move—bold and unwavering—leaving Randy with nowhere to hide. Suddenly, the emotions Randy had tried so hard to suppress surged forth, breaking through his defenses like a dam bursting.
His rationality abandoned him completely. He shoved the saline spray back into the drawer and spun around, locking eyes with Stella.
Stella's heart lurched violently, then began to race, her breaths coming fast and shallow. Their gazes locked, neither willing to look away. At this distance, in this charged atmosphere, the air between them practically crackled with unspoken intimacy.
The space seemed to thicken and heat up. Randy stared at Stella without blinking, the soft light casting shadows that revealed even the fine down on her skin.
Finally unable to suppress the tumultuous emotions any longer, he lost control and spoke, "Stella, I—"
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