Chapter 485
Sophia Sullivan shot to her feet.
Alexander Laurent's eyes were tightly shut.
An unnatural flush colored his cheeks.
His breathing was heavy and rapid.
"Professor? Can you hear me?"
His eyelids fluttered.
But he couldn't open them.
"Alexander Laurent! Wake up!"
This time, he finally reacted.
His eyes snapped open.
"...Sophia?"
"You scared me to death..." She had just begun to relax.
Her wrist was suddenly seized.
A strong force yanked her forward.
Sophia tumbled into his embrace.
She was instantly stunned.
"Sophia..." His heavy breathing sounded above her head.
Through the thin layer of her pajamas.
Their bodies pressed tightly together.
His body heat was scorching, almost melting.
Alexander couldn't suppress a low groan.
Sophia's entire body went rigid.
She looked up, disbelief in her eyes.
He was actually...
The next second, she met his clouded gaze.
She had no time for shyness.
She pushed him back onto the bed.
Broke free from his grip.
Freed a hand to feel his forehead.
So hot!
"Alexander Laurent! Can you hear me?"
He continued to murmur, "Sophia... Sophia..."
Just two simple words.
Yet strangely intimate.
Paired with his ragged breathing.
It felt charged with desire.
Sophia's cheeks burned.
She lowered her eyes.
The sight that met them was even more stimulating.
His robe had fallen open.
Revealing a well-defined chest.
She hurriedly pulled his robe closed.
Tightened the belt.
The drug's effects hadn't subsided.
They were only temporarily suppressed.
They would come back with a vengeance.
This time, she didn't hesitate.
She took out her phone—
"Hello, 911..."
Alexander Laurent opened his eyes.
White ceiling.
The smell of disinfectant.
"Professor, you're awake."
A familiar voice spoke.
He turned his head.
Met Sophia's worried gaze.
He was stunned for a moment.
Then quickly realized he was in the hospital.
He smiled wryly.
Even without memory.
He could guess what had happened.
He had overestimated himself.
He hadn't been able to withstand the drug.
"...You were burning up in the middle of the night, delirious, and I couldn't wake you. I was afraid to give you the wrong medication, so I had to bring you to the hospital. How do you feel now?"
He nodded. "Much better. Thank you."
Sophia smiled. "You've helped me so many times. It's only right that I help you."
"I..." He hesitated.
"What is it?"
Alexander looked directly into her eyes. "I didn't do anything... out of control, did I?"
Images flashed through Sophia's mind.
The dim room.
Herself being pulled into his arms.
His ragged breathing.
The desire-filled murmurs of "Sophia"...
"No." She answered immediately, her tone firm.
Alexander let out a slight sigh of relief.
The doctor said he was fine.
He could be discharged by noon after finishing the IV.
The blood analysis Sophia had requested last night was ready for pickup.
She had also asked for a "Medical Report of Injury."
After being informed the police were involved.
The doctor promptly provided the relevant reports.
She kept copies of the test results and diagnosis.
She handed them to Alexander.
"These should be helpful for the case."
"That's very thorough. Thank you."
"Second time."
"Huh?"
"That's the second 'thank you' since you woke up."
"Well..." He scratched his head, displaying an uncharacteristic awkwardness. "I don't know what else to say..."
Sophia said seriously, "You could say: Let me treat you to a good meal."
"Okay. How about I treat you to hot pot?"
"!"
How did he know she was craving hot pot!
But...
"The doctor said you need a light diet."
"We can get a split pot."
"Deal!" Sophia agreed immediately.
It was already noon by the time the IV finished.
They went to complete the discharge procedures.
Sophia went to the pharmacy to get his medication.
Alexander went to get the doctor's stamp on the forms.
As the doctor stamped the papers, he peered over his glasses at him.
His look was meaningful.
Alexander: "...Is something wrong?"
"How's your throat?"
"My throat?"
"Any hoarseness? Or a dry throat?"
Alexander shook his head. "No."
"Oh, good. With all that calling out you did last night, I was worried about laryngeal edema..."
Alexander: "???"
"Doctor, last night... was I calling out loudly?"
"Not loud." The doctor shook his head. "It was constant. Non-stop."
Alexander's breath hitched. "What was I saying? What was I calling?"
The doctor glanced at him. "Relax. No strange noises. The words were normal. Don't get the wrong idea."
Alexander's tense nerves relaxed slightly.
His breathing returned to normal.
The doctor added—
"It was just 'Sophia, Sophia, Sophia,' over and over. Different tones and inflections. Your girlfriend was so embarrassed, her face was bright red..."
Alexander: "..."
Just kill me now.
Really.
Sophia returned with the medication.
She found Alexander standing outside the doctor's office.
He looked like a statue, completely stunned.
Only when she spoke—
"Professor? What's wrong?"
Did the man snap out of it. "...What did you say just now? Sorry, I was spacing out. I didn't hear."
"Did you get the stamp?" Sophia asked.
He nodded. "Got it."
"Let's go finish the discharge then."
As she spoke, Sophia reached out to support him.
But...
The man walked straight ahead. "Let's go. Hurry and get it done. Then we can go for hot pot."
Right, hot pot!
Sophia: "?"
She had a feeling Alexander seemed... afraid to look at her?
...
Discharge completed.
They found a hot pot place.
Although they ordered a split pot.
Alexander kept fishing things out of the spicy side.
"...What are you doing?" Sophia asked, amused and exasperated.
Alexander coughed awkwardly. "Who eats the plain side for hot pot... It's so boring..."
"Professor, I'm suddenly discovering you can be quite willful."
"Yeah, well, I'm being willful this once."
"..." She was speechless.
The next second, he placed seaweed shoots and cilantro meatballs in her bowl. "Eat more, Sophia."
The way he said "Sophia" made her pause.
Alexander: "What's wrong?"
"Nothing... nothing... The meatballs are good..."
They had bought tickets back for 5 PM.
Professor Eleanor Watson had returned with the main group earlier that morning.
After hot pot, they still had time before their flight.
They decided to go to the police station...