Claiming His Heart (English Version)

Chapter 31

Lucy didn’t take long to heat the water; Drake had a small heater tucked in the corner of his room, making the task much easier. She grabbed a clean basin and returned upstairs, her steps quiet, careful not to startle him. He lay beneath the covers, shivering slightly, pale and exhausted, the edges of his lips tinged with a faint blue from the fever. Her heart clenched at the sight.

Carefully, she set the basin on the bedside table, then moved to the closet to grab a soft, clean cloth. When she returned, she gently lifted the blankets, trying not to disturb him, and began wiping his forehead. The warmth of the water soothed him, and Lucy couldn’t help but study his face as she worked.

There was something disarmingly gentle about him in moments like this. The usual sharpness, the commanding presence, the stubborn arrogance, all of it vanished when he was unwell. He looked small, almost fragile, and it tugged at her heart. She drew a deep breath, reminding herself to focus on caring for him rather than getting lost in her thoughts.

Lucy adjusted his clothing carefully so she could clean him properly without causing discomfort. Every movement was slow and deliberate, as if her hands alone could ease his pain.

“Drakey, this isn’t anything serious. I’ll be careful,” she whispered, steadying herself. Her fingers brushed against his damp hair as she wiped away the sweat on his temples, and she felt a gentle warmth radiate from him, fragile and human.

Once she finished, she helped him into a fresh shirt, smoothing the blankets around him so he could rest properly. She stepped back and observed him for a moment. His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, and she felt a pang of worry for the boy who never let anyone see him like this.

“I’m going downstairs for a bit to make some soup. You need to eat something warm and take your medicine,” she said softly. There was no response, only the faint rustle of the blankets. She leaned against the door for a brief moment, peering at him. Good thing I stayed calm, she thought, relieved she hadn’t panicked.

In the kitchen, Lucy rummaged through the fridge and cupboards. Most of the food was frozen or untouched, a testament to Drake’s habit of preparing for convenience over comfort. She finally found a few items she could work with. Cup noodles, some frozen vegetables, and a small carton of broth. She boiled water, added the noodles, and stirred in the vegetables, humming quietly to herself as the kitchen filled with a faint, comforting aroma.

Returning upstairs, she called out gently, “Drakey, it’s time to eat something and take your medicine.”

He stirred weakly, opening his eyes with a groan that tugged at her heart. Lucy helped him sit upright, arranging pillows behind his back for support, and placed the steaming noodles in front of him.

“Here, eat while it’s still warm. It’ll help your stomach, and you can take your medicine too,” she said kindly, watching his eyes soften as they met hers.

“T-thanks,” he murmured quietly, his voice fragile.

“Don’t thank me yet. Just eat first,” Lucy replied with a gentle smile. She fanned the noodles lightly, testing the temperature, then guided a spoon toward his lips. He accepted it without fuss, and she felt a small flutter of satisfaction.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked softly, the vulnerability in his tone striking her.

“Because I care about you,” she said simply, her voice steady. “That’s what people do when they care. They take care of the people they love.”

He stayed quiet, watching her as she fed him slowly and carefully. She could feel a warmth spread through her chest, a delicate mix of affection and quiet triumph. I’ve got him safe for now, she thought, biting back a smile and focusing on the task.

Once he finished eating, she handed him his medicine, making sure he swallowed it before helping him lie back down. She tucked the blanket around him and adjusted the pillows, smoothing the sheets so he was comfortable.

“Sleep well, Drakey. Dream of me,” she teased softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.

“Dream on,” he murmured, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

Lucy lingered by his side, watching the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he drifted toward sleep. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater, and for the first time that day, she allowed herself to relax. She had managed to care for him without incident, and now, all that mattered was that he could rest and recover.

She stayed there a while longer, content to simply watch him sleep, a gentle smile on her lips. This is exactly what I’m supposed to do. Keep him safe, keep him warm… and maybe, just maybe, let him know how much he’s cared for.