Chapter 9

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, illuminating the room.

Once only Ryder and I were left in the ward, the air suddenly grew quiet.

I ordered some porridge for delivery. When it arrived, I blew on each spoonful to cool it before feeding it to him.

Ryder’s eyelashes were lowered, lost in thought.

“The doctor said you need to eat something, or your stomach will feel worse when you get the IV.”

I reminded him, and he finally looked up at me.

His eyes, catching the sunlight, reflected a shimmering light.

“…Okay.”

He responded softly, finally opening his mouth.

After he’d eaten half a bowl of porridge, Ryder motioned for me to put the bowl down.

“My phone.”

I handed him my phone, puzzled, and watched him key in a string of numbers.

“What’s this?”

“Director Harrison’s number. The oncology specialist you were so keen on hiring.”

I looked up sharply, seeing Ryder’s slightly pale face and a faint, bitter smile on his lips.

I suddenly understood.

Even now, he thought I had an ulterior motive.

“You brought me to the hospital; I’m giving you what you want. We’re even.”

“I don’t want next time, when you come to beg me for his sake again, for you to bring this up and say you felt disgusted just watching me eat my porridge.”

“Aria… I’m human too.”

The sunlight slanted in, painting a rare fragility across his sharp features.

My chest tightened painfully, and I couldn't speak.

I remembered the incident Ryder was referring to.

Three months ago, Julian’s studio wanted a project, and Ryder was the client’s decision-maker.

So I pestered him relentlessly, cooked him a meal, and even brought him gifts.

Just as Ryder was looking pleased, I asked him, “Could you just… ease up a little and give that project to Julian’s team?”

The smile on Ryder’s lips vanished instantly.

He put down his chopsticks and looked at me: “So, you came to see me today, still for your boyfriend?”

“Julian really is capable!”

I tried to argue, but his voice, cold and firm, cut me off.

“Capable people don’t need to go through the back door to secure projects.”

“Go home. I’ve already reviewed the proposal and made my decision.”

“I won’t choose him.”

Ryder stood up, pulled out his chair, and practically threw me out.

I lost my temper, pointing at him and yelling:

“If it weren’t for Julian, I wouldn’t even want to see you!”

“Just watching you eat my food makes me sick to my stomach!”