Chapter 89: A Quiet Departure

Chapter 89: A Quiet Departure

Vanessa slept peacefully, the trace of worry between her brows fading gradually. Bruno, too, felt drowsy and dozed off at the bedside. Unknowingly, Vanessa moved closer in her sleep, her face almost touching his thigh, as if needing to feel his presence to rest more comfortably.

Perhaps the medicine was taking effect because, about half an hour later, Vanessa shifted in her sleep. Bruno noticed sweat on her forehead and neck. He gently wiped it away with a towel. The wide neckline of her somewhat loose nightgown revealed more than intended, compelling Bruno to look away.

He wasn't interested in taking advantage of anyone, even if part of him was curious. Recognizing her lips were dry, a common cold symptom, he prepared some cool water for her. Touching her lightly, Vanessa woke groggily, accepted the glass from Bruno, and drank most of it in one go before lying down again.

Bruno figured she would probably be better after this sleep, assuming the fever would subside and she'd recover in a day or two. Still, he felt it wasn't right for him to leave just yet, so he decided to stay the night.

Time passed unclearly until Bruno was roused by some noise. Opening his eyes, he saw Vanessa attempting to get up and quickly sat up himself, asking, "What's wrong? Feeling better?"

"It's nothing serious, just broke into a sweat and the nightgown's all wet," Vanessa replied, looking slightly more spirited, albeit still pale.

"Do you want to change? I'll get you a fresh one, and you shouldn't get up, you might catch a chill again," Bruno said, stopping her from rising and asking which drawer to find her nightgown in.

Vanessa felt a wave of emotion seeing Bruno so earnestly looking for a clean nightgown. She recalled how he had prepared water and medicine for her, care she hadn't often experienced, and thought, "What kind of person could deserve such a gentle and exceptional man?"

"If I could..." she thought, feeling even dying would be worth it if she could be with him.

"First drawer on the left..." she whispered softly.

Following her directions, Bruno opened the specified drawer, which was filled with various female garments. He didn't inspect closely, simply picked something that felt soft and lightweight, and handed it to Vanessa, saying, "Change into this."

Blushing slightly and realizing Bruno had not really noticed the nature of what he'd grabbed, Vanessa took the nightgown and slipped it under the blanket to change.

Bruno realized she was changing and awkwardly said, "I'll step out…"

"No need, I'll change under the covers," Vanessa replied, and after a moment's pause, she emerged slightly from under the blankets to add, "You should step out for a bit—I need to use the restroom."

Surprised, Bruno left the room and heard the soft sounds of movement followed by a distressing noise. Rushing back in, he found Vanessa unsteady on her feet, probably dizzy from getting up too quickly after being in bed so long.

Without thinking, he quickly supported her, accidentally noting the sheer fabric of her white nightgown which left little to the imagination. Vanessa realized this too and cried out in embarrassment.

Trying to focus on helping her, Bruno carried her back to bed. Vanessa's tearful eyes and the intimate proximity overwhelmed him; he felt an urge to comfort her more personally but restrained himself, knowing it wasn't appropriate.

As he settled her into bed, Vanessa's eyes asked for something he hesitated to give. But seeing her close them in quiet anticipation, he softly kissed her, sparking an intense moment between them.

However, as he noticed her tears, he gently covered her with the blanket, realizing any further interaction should wait until they knew each other better and she was feeling well. He assured her he'd stay in the room until she fell asleep.

In the morning, Vanessa woke to find Bruno gone, with only a note left behind explaining he had returned to Portugal. He encouraged her to take care and invited her to visit him once she was better, promising to see her again when he returned to Italy.

(End of Chapter)

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