CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Joyce fell silent.

Stanley waved her away. “Leave me alone. I'm feeling a little dizzy.”

“Dizzy?” Joyce frowned anxiously. “Are you feeling okay? Is the dizziness very bad? Is it because you're still concussed? I'll call for the doctor.”

Joyce immediately reached over to press the nurse call button.

Stanley grabbed her wrist, stopping her in mid-air. “No need! It's nothing. Just let me sleep for a bit.”

Joyce had not expected him to grab her hand. His touch startled her. She looked at his fingers curled around her wrist, and all words were lost on her.

Stanley, too, realized that he had crossed a line. Slowly, he released his grip and hid his hand under the blanket. He clenched his fist tightly as if he could trap the warmth from her hand that still lingered on his palm.

He lowered his eyes to hide his expression from her. His voice sounded a little hoarse when he said, “Go on out. Let me sleep.”

“Okay...” Joyce replied in a small voice, looking down. She dared not meet Stanley's eyes.

What happened to me just now? Why did my heartbeat suddenly start racing? The moment Stanley's hand touched mine, my heart started beating wildly! Could it be because the old me used to love him, so his touch would always trigger me? If so, I must be more careful in the future and avoid any skin contact with him. Otherwise, who knows what will become of my state of mind!

Joyce was afraid that Stanley's touch would diminish the effects of the hypnosis. It would be terrible if he were to enter her thoughts again.

“Rest well, Mr. Quinn. I'll leave you alone now.” Joyce turned away from him and headed for the door. She drew in a deep, shaky breath and tried to calm herself down.

Stanley suddenly called out, “I'd like to have pumpkin soup for dinner tonight!”

“Huh?” Joyce paused in her steps. “Pumpkin soup?”

Stanley grunted in affirmation.

Pumpkin soup was Joyce's favorite.

She had made it for him on many occasions in the past, but he never had once accepted it. He had even thrown her thermal food jar into the trash can several times in front of her.

He could still recall the way all the color had drained from her face.

Back then, he would not bring himself to taste her soup, but now, he wanted to give it a try.

Joyce was oblivious to the memories flashing through Stanley's mind.

She did not remember ever having made pumpkin soup for him. After all, she had no memory of their past at all. His dinner request had caught her off guard.

She recovered quickly and nodded. “Pumpkin soup, is it? I know how to make that. I'll make it for you tonight.”

Since she was taking care of him during his recovery, it was natural that she would make him his dinner.

Stanley's expression softened after Joyce had voiced her agreement. He relaxed into his pillow and closed his eyes without another word.