Emma frowned, her concern deepening. "Are you sure it's safe? I mean, these are herbal remedies. Could they be bad for your health?"

Emily was about to shake her head when Tristan's voice drifted in from the doorway. "Not at all. The doctor I found has been practicing for over fifty years-he's a highly respected physician."

Tristan walked in, offering Emily a reassuring smile. "His clinic always has a waiting list a mile long. You don't need to worry about the quality-use whatever you need, and when you run out, just let me know. I'll get more."

Emma grinned teasingly. "Tristan, you really went all out."

Emily glanced at Tristan, then lowered her eyes and took a slow, thoughtful bite of her roast chicken.

Tristan turned to her again. "Did you sleep well last night?"

That question was... a little much. If Emily didn't know for certain there was nothing between her and Tristan, she might have read too much into it.

She replied, "Yes... Thanks for the candle, by the way."

Tristan's smile grew a touch smug.

Emma shot Emily a look, her tone teasing. "You know, when you were in that coma, I was a nervous wreck. If Tristan hadn't been here to comfort me, I'd have cried my eyes out."

Emily kept her attention on her food.

Not getting the reaction she wanted, Emma nudged Emily's arm, seeking backup. "Emily, do you realize Tristan stayed here at the hospital with you those three days while you were unconscious? Have you even thanked him properly?"

Emily looked up at Tristan, catching the playful glint in his eyes.

Emma wouldn't let it drop. “Come on, Emily, give Tristan a proper thank you. He's been running himself ragged these days, looking after you and keeping me sane.”

Emily set down her chicken, cleared her throat, and-seeing no way out-mustered up a deliberate, "Thank. You."

Tristan raised an eyebrow, looking thoroughly pleased with himself. "Hey, don't mention it."

Emma burst out laughing.

Typical. Emily just rolled her eyes and picked up her chicken again. Meanwhile, Emma was bustling around, inviting Tristan to sit. “Have you eaten yet, Tristan? I've got some homemade chicken soup here. Want some? It's really good for you." "Not yet," Tristan admitted.

He sat down, happily polished off the steaming soup Emma ladled out for him, and watched as Emma, beaming with satisfaction, added a huge drumstick to his plate. "Eat up while it's still hot."

Tristan grinned at Emily, drumstick in hand, and said, "Sorry, I couldn't refuse. Looks like this one's mine."

Emily shot him a glare.

He looked delighted with the attention, and took a hearty bite, still managing to look refined despite his enthusiasm.

When Emily finished her chicken, Emma immediately filled her bowl with more tender meat. “Eat up! There's plenty more if you want. Want some rice?"

She wheeled over the little dining table so Emily could set her bowl down, then filled two more bowls to the brim with fluffy rice for her and Tristan.

Emily swallowed her mouthful. "Mom, aren't you eating?"

Emma, busy and cheerful, waved her off. "I already ate at home. You two go ahead. Good thing I brought plenty, or you'd both still be hungry."

While she was busy dishing out the food, Emma stood up, and that's when Tristan finally noticed the stack of supplement boxes under the bedside table.

They weren't close, but Tristan's sharp eyes easily caught the expensive brand

names.

All high-end stuff.

At first, he hadn't paid much attention, just assuming they were gifts from Emily's business partners.