But she complied, hesitantly parting her lips.

"You shouldn't strain yourself right now." Gerard looked at Lilah with care in his eyes as he gently fed her the pastry.

“My back hurts, but..." Lilah began.

She trailed off as she took a bite of the pastry.

Throughout breakfast, Gerard tended to Lilah's needs with unwavering attention.

His gestures were so thoughtful that Lilah felt as though she were not just injured in her back, but completely paralyzed.

It was a new experience for her, being cared for in such a way by a man.

The realization stirred something within her.

"Lilah." Gerard's voice was soft.

She looked up at him, her expression gentle. “What is it?”

"Take it easy for the next few days. Stay in bed until you're feeling better," Gerard said earnestly.

Lilah chuckled softly. “Okay.

Seeing the seriousness in his expression, she couldn't help but smile.

Breakfast was soon over. It was then Gerard noticed that the infusion bottle was empty.

He pressed the call button and requested, “Could you please change the infusion bottle?"

"Sure. Which room?"

As night descended, the sky darkened to a deep shade of ink.

While Gerard spoke with Lilah, his phone rang, displaying Effie's name.

"Hey, how's Lilah?" Effie's voice came through the phone.

Gerard put the call on speaker and replied, "She's awake, but still resting in bed. What's wrong?"

"I'm going to see how Lilah is doing." Effie was visibly relieved to hear that Lilah was no longer in danger.

"Of course, you're welcome to. And how's Jerrold?" Gerard asked.

Before Effie could respond, Jerrold eagerly added, "I can stand up and walk now, Dad. I want to visit Mom with Aunt Effie."

Lilah, with a soft voice, asked, “Jerrold, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?"