THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 27

NEW YORK CITY

*****

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the grand mansion as Crystal navigated the driveway. The sprawling estate, with its elegant architecture and well-manicured gardens, was a familiar sight, but today it felt different. Today, it represented a refuge for her brother, Harrison, who sat beside her in the passenger seat, looking a little more pale than usual.

Harrison has always been the picture of health, a vibrant young man full of energy, but that day had been different. Earlier, as they were driving to the office, he had suddenly fainted, the color draining from his face, leaving Crystal in a state of panic. It was a frightening moment that had propelled her into action. She had rushed him to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed that it was just a fever — a result of pushing himself too hard without taking the necessary time to rest and recover.

As Crystal parked the car and turned off the engine, she could feel the weight of concern resting heavily on her shoulders. She glanced at Harrison, who was taking deep breaths, his eyes still a bit unfocused but now filled with a hint of determination.

"You okay?" she asked gently, her voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, just a bit tired," he replied, managing a weak smile.

"I’ll be fine once I get some rest."

With that, they stepped out of the car, and Crystal wrapped a supportive arm around Harrison's waist, ready to help him as they made their way toward the entrance of the mansion. As they approached the front door, it swung open, revealing their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Sr. Their expressions were immediately clouded with concern, the worry etched deeply into the lines of their faces.

“What happened to him?” Arthur asked, his brow furrowed as he took in the sight of his son, leaning heavily on Crystal for support.

“He fainted in the car on the way to the office,” Crystal explained, her voice steady but laced with the worry she felt.

“I took him straight to the hospital. The doctor said it’s just a fever, but he’s been holding it in for too long. He needs rest and recovery time.”

Margaret steps forward, her eyes filled with a mother’s concern.

“ Let’s get him inside and make him feel comfortable,” she said, her voice soothing.

Mr. Arthur nods, moving closer to his son.

“Let’s get him upstairs to his room. He can rest there.” With that, he took Harrison’s other arm, creating a supportive bridge between himself and Crystal. Together, the three of them ascended the grand staircase, each step an effort for Harrison, who leaned heavily on his father and sister. Crystal could feel the tension in the air as they made their way to his room, and she couldn’t help but glance back at her parents, who were trying to mask their worry.

Once they reached Harrison’s room, Arthur carefully helped him onto the bed, where Harrison collapsed onto the pillows, his exhaustion evident. Crystal felt a wave of relief wash over her as she watched him sink into the soft embrace of his bed.

“I’ll go downstairs and get some soup started,” she said, turning to her mother. “The doctor said he needs to eat something light and nourishing.”

Margaret nods, her expression brightening a little.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea. What kind of soup are you making?”

Crystal hesitated for a moment, a fond smile creeping onto her face.

“Actually, I’m making Carmilla's soup recipe.

She started making it for Harrison when they got married, and it always seems to help him feel better when he’s sick.”

At the mention of Carmilla, Margaret’s eyebrows raises in curiosity.

“Carmilla's soup recipe? Is that part of the prescription from the doctor?”

Crystal shook her head, feeling a warmth in her chest at the mention of her sister-in-law.

No, Mom. It’s just something Carmilla started making for Harrison when they got married. She found out that he gets fevers sometimes, and she wanted to help him feel better. It’s become a sort of tradition, I suppose.”

Margaret smurks, a glimmer of nostalgia in her eyes.

“Well, if it helps him feel better, then that’s all that matters. Go ahead and get the soup started. I’m sure Harrison will appreciate it.”

With that encouragement, Crystal headed downstairs to the kitchen, her mind buzzing with thoughts about the soup. As she entered the spacious kitchen, the familiar aromas of spices and herbs enveloped her, bringing a sense of comfort.

She hands the recipe to one of the maids, named Agnes, who nods enthusiastically and began gathering the ingredients. Crystal watched as Agnes pulled fresh vegetables from the refrigerator, her movements efficient and practiced.

“Carmilla’s soup is always a hit,” Agnes said with a smile.

“I remember when she first made it for Mr. Harrison, u asked what it was. She told me it will help bring down his fever. Ever since then, He couldn’t stop raving about it.”

Crystal chuckles, recalling how Harrison would always ask Carmilla to make it whenever he felt under the weather.

“It’s like magic in a bowl,” she agreed.

“I just hope it works its charm on him today.” As the soup simmered on the stove, Crystal took a moment to gather her thoughts. She knew that the soup was just one part of the healing process; what Harrison truly needed was time to rest and recuperate.

They had all been so busy with work and life that it was easy to forget the importance of self-care. The pressure to succeed had driven them all, but at what cost? After a while, the comforting scent of the soup filled the kitchen, and Crystal felt a wave of satisfaction.

Once the soup was ready, she carefully ladled it into a bowl and added a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for garnish. After ensuring it was not too hot, she made her way back upstairs, her heart lighter with each step. When she entered Harrison’s room, she found him propped up against the pillows, looking a little better but still pale. His eyes lit up when he saw the bowl of soup in her hands.

“What’s that?” he asked, a hint of curiosity breaking through his weariness.

“Carmilla’s soup. Don't worry, I didn't prepare it myself, Miss Agnes helped me with it”, Crystal said, setting the bowl on the bedside table.

“I thought it might help you feel better.”

Harrison smiles, a genuine smile that warmed Crystal’s heart.

“You know it always does.”

She helped him sit up a little straighter, propping him with pillows, and handed him the bowl. As he took his first spoonful, she watched him closely, her heart swelling with affection.

“How is it?” she asked, biting her lip in anticipation.

“It’s amazing,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.

“Just like I remember. Carmilla really knows how to make a good soup.”

Crystal settles into a chair beside his bed, her gaze fixed on him as he savored each bite.

“I’m glad you like it. Whenever you’re sick, Carmilla always insists on making it.”

“I love that,” he said, pausing to take a sip of water.

“You work too hard, Harrison. You need to take a break sometimes.” He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

“I know. It’s just hard to slow down when there’s so much to do.”

After finishing the soup, Harrison leans back against the pillows, a satisfied smile on his face.

“Thank you, Crystal. I really needed this.”

“I’m glad,” she replied, feeling a wave of warmth wash over her.

“Now, just rest. I’ll be right here if you need anything.” As he closed his eyes, Crystal couldn’t shake the feeling of relief. She knew that with a little time and care, her brother would be back to his vibrant self in no time.