Sweet Betrayal

Chapter 29

Chapter 28: Fevered Hearts

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the master bedroom, casting a golden hue across the room. Shanaya stirred slowly, yawning as she sat up, expecting to find Lorenzo already gone—like always—handling business or talking on the phone in the study.

But the bed was still warm beside her.

She turned.

Lorenzo was still lying down, his face flushed, a slight sheen of sweat on his brow.

“Lorenzo?” she whispered, leaning closer. “Are you okay?”

He didn’t respond immediately—just groaned softly and turned away from the light.

Worried, Shanaya immediately placed her hand on his forehead.

Burning hot.

Without wasting a second, she grabbed her phone and called the family doctor.

The doctor arrived quickly and checked his vitals while Shanaya stood at the corner of the room, nervously biting her nails.

“It’s a viral fever,” the doctor confirmed. “He’ll need to rest, stay hydrated, and take his medication on time. Someone needs to keep an eye on him.”

Shanaya nodded firmly. “I’ll take care of him.”

For the next two days, she barely left Lorenzo’s side.

She made him simple soup and spoon-fed him gently. She helped him take his medicine and wiped his body with warm cloths to bring his temperature down. Every time he stirred in pain or discomfort, she was there—pressing a cold towel to his forehead, adjusting his blanket, whispering softly that he’d be alright.

Lorenzo, even in his feverish haze, felt her presence—soothing, calming.

That night, the fever made him tremble. He was cold despite the layers, and his breathing was uneven. Shanaya sat up immediately, adjusting the blankets again. He reached for her blindly.

“Don’t go… stay with me,” he whispered hoarsely.

“I’m here,” she said softly, and he pulled her into his arms, pressing his burning face into her neck.

He kissed her gently—desperate for warmth, for comfort.

They both drifted to sleep in each other's arms, her fingers resting lightly on his chest, and his breath slowing against her skin.

On the second morning, the door creaked open. The family doctor and Lorenzo’s mother entered quietly for a check-up. But the scene that greeted them made both freeze at the doorway.

Shanaya and Lorenzo were tangled in bed, asleep, their bodies curled into each other like they belonged nowhere else.

His mother smiled knowingly. “Oh… this boy.”

The sound of the door made Shanaya stir. When she saw the visitors and realized her position, her eyes widened in embarrassment. She sat up abruptly, pulling the blanket up in reflex, her cheeks burning.

“I— I was just— he had fever, and—” she stammered.

Lorenzo chuckled weakly beside her, his voice still hoarse but teasing, “You make a wonderful nurse, cara mia.”

His mother walked over and kissed Shanaya’s forehead with warmth. “You’ve taken such good care of him. Thank you, dear.”

Shanaya bit her lip shyly and nodded, avoiding Lorenzo’s gaze. But he caught her hand and kissed the back of it gently.

“Now I know what heaven feels like,” he whispered just for her, a boyish grin on his face despite the fever.

And in that moment, Shanaya couldn’t deny the little flutter in her heart.