Claiming His Heart (English Version)

Chapter 30

Drake felt unusually heavy as he woke that morning. Every muscle in his body seemed to scream in protest, as if some invisible weight had pinned him down throughout the night. Even lifting his arms felt like a monumental task, and a heat that pulsed through his veins told him immediately: he had a fever. He groaned softly, trying to reach for his phone on the bedside table, but his fingers fumbled, and the device slipped from his grasp, clattering to the floor. Overwhelmed, he let himself sink back against the pillows, letting the world blur around him in a dizzy haze of heat and weakness.

Meanwhile, Lucy arrived at the office unusually early. The hallway was quiet, and the office itself seemed almost empty. Her brow furrowed in surprise; Drake wasn’t there. He was almost always the first to arrive, punctual to a fault, his presence a constant anchor in the morning routine. Shrugging to herself, she settled into her desk and began sorting through a pile of papers, hoping to distract herself from the uneasy feeling tugging at her chest.

Minutes passed. The quiet was broken when Daryl appeared suddenly, as if he had materialized from thin air, his wide, bright grin lighting up the room.

“You’re early today. No Chinese blood in you, huh?” he teased, the humor in his voice barely masking a hint of curiosity.

Lucy couldn’t help but smile, her lips lifting despite the gnawing worry she felt.

“Of course. Boss isn’t here yet. Don’t want to get scolded,” Daryl said, shrugging with mock seriousness.

“Wow, really? He hasn’t come in yet? Didn’t he hate being late?” she asked, genuinely puzzled. Daryl shrugged again, the casualness only amplifying her concern.

“So… you free later? Lunch maybe? My invitations always get interrupted,” he added with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. Lucy’s lips curved into a small smile, but her heart remained tethered elsewhere, anchored firmly to Drake.

“We’ll see later. Don’t want Boss getting jealous,” Daryl said, half-joking, half-serious.

Lucy blinked, caught off guard by the change in his expression. “Do you like him?” Daryl’s voice was quieter now, more probing, and a slight vulnerability lingered behind it.

“Ha?” she responded, unsure.

“Boss. Do you like him?” he repeated gently.

Her cheeks flushed, a soft warmth spreading through her chest. Slowly, she nodded, not trusting her voice to speak the words aloud.

“I see… you really like him,” Daryl said softly, his smile tinged with sadness. “I noticed, but I ignored it. I can also tell when he looks at you. Maybe you two feel the same. Too bad for me. I have no chance.”

Her chest tightened at the faint disappointment in his tone, but she forced a reassuring smile. “Sorry, Daryl. Yes, I really like him. I don’t want to hurt you, but I can’t give false hope. You’re a great person; someone worthy of your feelings will come along. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”

Relief washed over Daryl’s face, and his grin returned. “Of course! It’s even better if my crush can be my friend,” he said, warmth in his voice.

“Good! Don’t worry. You can still have me as your crush, even if my heart belongs to someone else,” she teased lightly, her tone playful but gentle.

“Well… can I still try to steal him from you?” he challenged.

Lucy laughed, lightly tapping his hand. “No way. My heart is his, and I won’t give it up!”

“Lucy, that’s why I like you. So cheerful. Boss is lucky to have you,” Daryl said sincerely, the admiration clear in his gaze.

“Of course! I’m one of a kind,” she replied, puffing out her chest with a teasing grin.

“Alright, I’m off. Maybe we can hang out as friends sometime,” he said, giving her a friendly wave.

“Sure! Bye, friend!” she called back, but as she turned to her work, an anxious knot twisted in her chest. Minutes passed, and Drake still hadn’t arrived.

Growing increasingly concerned, she tried calling his phone. Rings… and rings… no answer. Her pulse quickened. What if something happened?

She called his home next, heart hammering, but again, no response. The worry escalated into panic, prickling at her skin and making her hands tremble.

“Drakey! Where are you? Are you okay? Don’t you dare cheat on me! And please, don’t let anything happen to you!” she muttered, a mix of fear and frustration in her voice.

Without hesitation, she grabbed her bag, rushed out, and hailed a taxi. Within minutes, she gave Drake’s address, the driver navigating quickly as her mind raced through worst-case scenarios.

Upon arrival, she was met by the guard at the gate.

“Sir, is Drake home?” she asked urgently, her voice tight with concern.

“Yes, ma’am. He hasn’t gone out today,” the guard replied.

“Can I come in? I’m… well, the future girlfriend—secretary, actually. I need to check on him. I’m worried,” she explained. The guard nodded, sensing her urgency, and opened the gate.

The house was eerily quiet. Lucy stepped inside carefully, her senses alert to every creak and shadow. The kitchen was empty, the living room silent. Her footsteps echoed as she ascended the stairs, heart pounding. She reached his bedroom door and turned the knob slowly, holding her breath.

Drake lay there, shivering violently, his skin pale and damp with sweat. The sight made her heart tighten painfully.

“Drakey! What’s happening?” she cried, rushing to his side. His lips parted in a faint groan, barely audible as he tried to speak. She reached out, pressing her hand to his fevered forehead.

“Your temperature… it’s so high!” she exclaimed, panic lacing her tone.

“M-my body… is shaking…” he murmured weakly, teeth chattering.

“The aircon! You’re going to freeze! Are you trying to kill yourself?!” she scolded, rushing to turn it off. He whispered back, “You’re… too loud,” and she sighed, swiftly shutting it down.

“You’re sick and didn’t even call me!” she continued, frowning as her worry grew.

“I-I’m sick… please… be… kind,” he murmured, voice fragile.

“Are you trying to die on me?” she demanded, climbing onto the bed to support him. He made a weak attempt to rise, only to collapse back, shivering uncontrollably. She adjusted him gently, wrapping a blanket around his trembling frame, pressing her hands against him to share warmth.

“Stay here for now. If you won’t go to the hospital, I’ll get a basin and hot water to clean you up,” she said firmly, her voice softening as she added, “And then I’ll make sure you eat something. You’re not allowed to be stubborn like this.”

He groaned but didn’t protest, and Lucy sighed, her mind racing. From secretary to babysitter. Poor Drakey. Maybe love sick for me. But okay… I’ll give him some kiss medicine and hug capsule treatment.

Her lips curved into a small, determined smile. This is my very effective cure. Kisses, warm hugs, and tender care. And he’s going to have to accept it whether he likes it or not.