Then, carefully positioning the pillow under her head, he ensured herfort as shey back down.


    Nicole sensed her hand being lifted, finding sce as it rested in Roscoe’s palm.


    Casting a sidelong nce, she observed Roscoe unwrapping her bandages and applying burn ointment.


    Although her burns were not severe, the doctor had advised applying the ointment five times within twenty-four hours for optimal healing.


    However, she had been asleep for a long time and had forgotten to do it.


    Roscoe’s shirt sleeves were casually rolled up, exposing slender yet powerful forearms sculpted by regr exercise.


    His muscles subtly flexed, exuding an appealing strength.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    He didn’t seem to mind the ointment sticking to his hands as he skillfully massaged Nicole’s hand, aiding the absorption of the ointment.


    Nicole observed his well-defined fingers, savoring the repetition of the gentle massage.


    Abruptly, a warm sensation surged from the depths of her heart.


    She diverted her gaze, no longer fixating on their intertwined hands, but rather on the IV stand beside the bed.


    “Why are you here?”


    “My former colleagues informed me,” Roscoe replied.


    Seeing that Nicole was confused, he exined, “I requested them to update me on anyone named Nicole just in case something happened.


    I want to be always reachable.


    ”


    Instantly, indescribable emotions welled up within Nicole, and her eyes teetered on the brink of tears.


    A distinct warmth rose from the sour emotions within her.


    As always, Roscoe was straightforward and honest, concealing nothing.


    It seemed that apart from Austin, she was his sole anchor in life.


    Nicole’s hand was wrapped in breathable gauze, but Roscoe continued to hold it, showing no intention of letting go.


    Feeling a twinge of difort, it was Nicole who finally withdrew her hand.


    ‘m fine.


    You can go back.


    ”


    “No, you sleep.


    I won’t disturb you,” Roscoe insisted.


    Nicole was not naive.


    She understood Roscoe’s feelings for her.


    However, she did notbel it as love.


    She attributed his feelings to the fact that she had once shined brightly in his life.


    Besides, he was probably grateful for her father’s previous financial support.


    Since Nicole assumed most of his actions stemmed out of gratitude, she couldn’t ept his feelings with a clear conscience.


    It would be too unfair to Roscoe.


    In fact, theck of contact between them since theirst encounter at the hotel had brought Nicole a sense of relief.


    She deemed herself unworthy of his kindness.


    She had hoped that Roscoe woulde to this conclusion on his own, but it seemed that he hadn’t realized it yet.


    With resolve, Nicole shut her eyes and ruthlessly uttered, “Roscoe, I don’t need you.


    ”


    Roscoe’s body stiffened for a second but quickly returned to normal.


    “I know.


    I’m the one who needs you.


    ” A palpable mncholy tinted his voice.


    Nicole felt a pang in her heart as though a weighty stone pressed upon her, hindering her breath.


    This oppressive sensation made her hands tremble uncontrobly.