When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 98

Chapter 98



Finally making it to a villager's place after a rough journey, I was greeted with warmth. Their cozy two-story home was inviting, but my body betrayed me, falling ill.

Already frail, the travel had worn me down, and a fever had taken hold, leaving me delirious.

When Clyde called, it was Lina who answered. I didn't catch their exchange, but his urgency was palpable.

Two days later, as the rain ceased, my fever persisted. Vinson, taking no chances, hoisted me onto a tractor.

"We've got to get you to the hospital for a shot, or you'll be out of your mind with fever."

He borrowed a military coat from our host, wrapping me in it before pulling me close to his chest.

Looking up at his profile, I was suddenly reminded of Clyde.

During our junior year, after three nights without sleep, I'd collapsed from exhaustion. It was Clyde who'd rushed me to the infirmary, concern etched on his face.

And now, in this moment, I saw that same concern on Vinson's face.

I reached out, touching his chin, whispering, "Clyde, you need a shave... you look... scruffy."

Vinson paused, then tightened his hold on me.

Awakening to a patchy wall, it took a moment to place myself.

Only when I saw Vinson, stubble and dark circles under his eyes, did I remember where I was.

"Vinson, what happened to me?"

brought on by exhaustion. Keep pushing yourself like this, and you'll make

me back into bed, making sure I was

entered, giving me a once-over before fixing

already. Can't you let her rest? You look well-off enough; she shouldn't

could interject, Vinson bowed

fault. I shouldn't

"A second recurrence isn't trivial. We can only do so

"You seem like a hard worker. But what's more important,

doctor had a way of being stern yet caring, ending his visit by sharing some homemade pork trotters, claiming they

at the trotter, unsure,

"Not feeling it?"

"It's all yours."

the fat and offering me the

them, a bit embarrassed

enjoyed his

of transporting materials

you get it back.

tell him about your

his meal,

shook my head. "Vinson, let's not. Just say I'm

transport

video, downplaying my condition, leading

over? I'm

I'll be back soon

had found a semblance of the early days of our marriage; not perfect,

peace shattered when

on camera, back

me to

call

ignoring Clyde's attempts at