After the CEO Divorced Me, He Wants Me Back (Aveline and Lucas)

Maria blinked a few times, then said, "I'm feeling a bit thirsty."

Herman shook his head gently. "You can't drink water right now. How about this-I'll use a cotton swab to moisten your lips. It'll help a little, alright?"

Maria was silent for a moment before asking, "When can I drink water?"

"In 24 hours," Herman replied.

Immediately, Maria's expression turned despairing, and she closed her eyes, looking defeated. "I'm really thirsty..."

Herman didn't say anything more but turned and busied himself.

Moments later, Maria felt something cool and moist on her lips.

Startled, she opened her eyes to find Herman sitting at the bedside, holding a cup of water in one hand and a cotton swab in the other, carefully moisturizing her lips.

His expression was focused, his eyes resting solely on her lips, without any other intention. The room was brightly lit, casting clear lines across his handsome features. His calm, attentive gaze made Maria pause for a moment.

It was a strange feeling, unfamiliar yet oddly intriguing. She found herself momentarily wanting to explore it further.

But she quickly stopped herself from going down that road. She was already entangled with Sidney-getting involved with another man would make her feel like a player.

"I'm feeling much better now," Maria quickly said.

Herman nodded, tossing the cotton swab away. "You should try to get some more sleep. It'll be morning soon."

"What time is it now?" Maria asked, still feeling curious.

"It's three in the morning," Herman replied.

Maria gazed at him for a while, then said, "Why don't you hire a nurse for me? That way, it won't interfere with your own schedule, and you can still fulfill the task Tiana gave you." Herman shook his head slightly. "I just got back to the country, and work hasn't fully started yet. I'm not in a rush."

After a brief pause, he looked at her more seriously and added, "You don't have to push me away or resist me so quickly. Maria, I want you to take the time to get to know me." His words were gentle, but the meaning was clear.

Maria immediately understood what he was trying to say.

She looked at him calmly and replied, "With you saying that, it feels like I really can't refuse, can I?"

Herman gave a soft smile. "Then don't refuse. Just accept it as it is."

Maria responded with a quiet "Thank you" and closed her eyes.

Herman didn't say anything further. Instead, he turned off the light and returned to the small sofa. With his tall frame, the sofa was clearly to cramped for him, making sleep uncomfortable. But he didn't mind, as it allowed him to stay alert to any care of

Sound Maria made and alert

her promptly.

...

The next morning, Tiana arrived early, bringing breakfast made by their family's chef. Unfortunately, Maria wasn't allowed to eat any of it.

"Poor thing, you can only watch us eat," Tiana said with mock sympathy, giving Maria a playful look.

Maria replied, "Or maybe there's another option-you two could eat outside so I won't have to watch at all?"

Tiana laughed. "You're right, it's too cruel to eat in front of you. Alright, we'll head out."

She then turned to Herman. "Come on, let's grab some food."

Herman shook his head. "You go ahead first, I'll stay here a bit longer."

Tiana thought for a moment, then said, "How about you go now, and I'll stay with Maria for a while?"

Herman nodded. "That works."

He stood up and left the room.

Tiana turned back to Maria with a smile. "Do you need to use the restroom?"

Maria chuckled. "You really think of everything. Help me up."

As Tiana helped her out of bed, she

grinned. "Of course! As your best

this."

friend, I'm pretty much crelin