Reclaimed By Love

Eight

Ellie slept in the guest room for a day and a night before a fever finally took hold.

When the housekeeper discovered Ellie was feverish and unconscious, she immediately called Alex.

After all, this was the first woman Alex had ever brought to the mansion. No one knew what she meant to him, and they didn't dare risk her health.

Alex was at the office when he received the call. He frowned. "She's still here?"

He'd assumed she would have left by now.

"Mr. Ramsey, the young lady has been unconscious, and now she has a high fever. What should we do? Should we call Dr. Evans?" The housekeeper's voice was frantic. "She seems to be in a bad way!"

"Call Dr. Evans. I'll be right there." Alex hung up, a knot of worry tightening in his chest.

He hadn't planned on returning to the mansion, but the news of Ellie's illness had sparked an unexpected concern.

Perhaps it was because she looked so much like Isabelle.

The thought brought a surge of anger.

He grabbed his jacket and rushed home, arriving just as Dr. Evans was getting out of his car.

"Alex, what's this about a woman? You haven't brought anyone here in years. Is this… serious?" Dr. Evans asked, a playful smirk on his face. "Why the fever? You look worried. Don't tell me you actually…"

"It's purely business," Alex said coldly. "And keep your voice down."

"Business, huh? Business that takes place in your own home? In your bed?" Dr. Evans chuckled as they walked inside. "I have to see who this temptress is."

Alex ignored him and questioned the housekeeper.

"Her fever won't break. We tried everything, but nothing seems to work." The housekeeper was near tears.

"You've caused quite a stir, haven't you?" Dr. Evans remarked, raising an eyebrow at Alex.

"Just examine her, Ben," Alex snapped, his anxiety growing.

Dr. Evans, his playful demeanor fading, went to examine Ellie.

Ellie lay in bed, mumbling incoherently. "Dad… Mom… I'll protect the company… Even if it means… my body… I'll protect it…"

Dr. Evans froze, his eyes widening as he looked at Ellie. Then, he turned to Alex, his expression a mixture of shock and understanding.

"Isabelle?" he whispered, then shook his head. "No, it can't be. But the resemblance…"

"What is it?" Alex demanded.

Dr. Evans hesitated. He knew about Isabelle, about her history with Alex.

But this woman… she was like Isabelle's twin. The same delicate features, the same elegant aura.

He understood why Alex had brought her here.

No other woman had ever set foot in this house. Despite his reputation, Alex rarely indulged in casual relationships. He'd always kept women at a distance, fueling rumors of his unpredictable nature.

Perhaps it was because no one could compare to Isabelle.

"She's sick, Alex. Exhaustion, dehydration, probably a combination of factors. I'll give her something to help her rest." Dr. Evans finally spoke, choosing his words carefully.

Alex nodded curtly, his gaze fixed on Ellie's pale face. He couldn't deny the unsettling feeling that history was repeating itself.

Dr. Evans examined Ellie, then turned to Alex with a frown. "It's not easy for me to examine her properly. It looks like there's some tearing… Do you think she's Isabelle? Did you go too far?"

Dr. Evans excused himself, leaving Alex alone with Ellie.

Alex lifted the quilt and saw the bloodstains on Ellie's underwear.

Her injury was obvious.

On closer inspection, he noticed signs of inflammation. No wonder she had a fever.

The sight of those wounds, stark against her delicate skin, sparked a pang of guilt in Alex's chest.

She was just a young woman, and he had done this to her.

Ellie's eyes fluttered open, and she saw Alex staring at her exposed lower body.

"What… what are you doing?" she stammered, her cheeks burning.

She tried to cover herself, but she was too weak to move.

"I… what's wrong with me?" she mumbled, attempting to sit up, but she collapsed back onto the bed.

"You have a fever," Alex said, his voice softer than usual.

"Where… where am I?" Ellie looked around the unfamiliar room.

"My house," Alex replied. "Lie down. I'll have the doctor prescribe something for you."

Ellie wanted to go home, but she couldn't muster the strength to get up.

Alex left a maid to attend to Ellie and went to speak with Dr. Evans.

"There's tearing and inflammation. You really went too far, Alex. I know you can't forget Isabelle, but this girl isn't her. You can't confuse them. She was mumbling in her sleep about selling herself to you to save her parents' company." Dr. Evans's voice was serious, his usual playful demeanor gone.

He felt sorry for the young woman.

"It's none of your business," Alex said coldly. "She agreed to my terms. There's a price to pay."

"…Can you even… respond to her? Does touching her not disgust you?" Dr. Evans asked, his voice laced with concern.

Alex hesitated.

He couldn't stand to touch any other woman besides Isabelle. He always stopped himself at the last moment, pushing them away. But with Ellie… it was different.

He felt an undeniable pull towards her, a desire he couldn't explain.

"Is it because she looks like Isabelle? You're playing a dangerous game, Alex. This isn't going to end well. She's not Isabelle, and she's not going to let you hurt her the way Isabelle did." Dr. Evans sighed.

"Just tell me how to treat her," Alex said, his jaw clenching at the mention of Isabelle.

The mere thought of her brought a wave of bitterness.

"I'll give you some medication. And make sure she's cleaned up. You can't just leave her like that." Dr. Evans shook his head, a hint of disapproval in his voice.