CEO's Passion: Love by Mistake

Alas, Joyce could only keep her true thoughts to herself lest she risked angering Stanley further. He would think she thought poorly of his character.

Men who struck women never saw themselves at fault; the problems always lay with the victims.

When it seemed clear that Joyce would not answer his question, Stanley sighed in defeat and said, “It's fine if you don't want to tell me why. I won't force you.”

“Thank you,” she eked out.

Stanley stretched his scalded hand forward and drawled, “In any case, you should take care of these burn blisters.”

“Of course.” Joyce nodded and checked his injured hand. The parts which were only red before were now covered in burn blisters. She yelped, covering her mouth in shock. “What happened? Why are there blisters already?”

He explained, “The stew was burning hot, and the fats in the dish will only raise the boiling point past that of pure water. Plus, I've always taken extra care of my hands because I have to operate frequently. The skin there is more sensitive than any other part of my body. How could blisters not form under such conditions?”

Joyce shook her head frantically and said, “I'm so sorry. I didn't know that.”

She never imagined the skin across his hands could be even more sensitive than hers.

“It's fine. Just take note of it in the future,” he replied.

“I understand. I'll be more careful in the future. This will not happen again. Mr. Quinn, let me get the doctor. I have no idea how to deal with blisters.”

As she spoke, Joyce turned toward the door.

Before she could take a step, Stanley called her back.

“There's no need to summon the doctor.” He pointed at the drawers near his headboard and said, “There's a first aid pouch in the drawer. It contains simple supplies to treat cuts and burn wounds. You used the same ointment on your father last time. Just use the same on me.”

“Really?”

Stanley retorted coolly, “I'm a doctor. I wouldn't lie to you about it.”

“Okay, I'll get to it.” Joyce nodded and opened the drawers, retrieving the first aid pouch inside.

She opened the pouch and confirmed his instructions. “The same ointment, yes?”

“Yes.” He nodded in affirmation.

Joyce closed her eyes and tried to recall the medication and procedures she used to treat her father's wound. Then, she took all the supplies she needed from the first aid pouch and began treating Stanley's burns.

She tended to his wound so gently and carefully, trying her best to avoid inflicting the slightest hint of pain on him as though worried it would infuriate him. Her nervousness was palpable.

Even Stanley noticed her tension and wanted to help her calm down. Still, he knew anything he said now would only put her more on edge.

He eventually opted to remain silent, hoping she would forget to focus on his mood and calm down as she concentrated on treating his burn wounds.