CHAPTER 426: GIVE ME A HUG

Roger’s his sleep abruptly broke in the middle of the night. He rubbed his eyes as he saw her standing near the window of the wardroom. "Varya, why aren’t you sleeping?"

Hearing Roger’s voice, she wiped the tears from her cheeks and eyes before turning to him.

"I–I was going to bring the nurse to ask her to give you another bottle of glucose. The current one is almost finished." Varya came up with a quick excuse.

Before Roger could ask her, she excused herself and walked out of the room.

"She was definitely crying. Her eyes..." He murmured in a low voice while keeping his head on the pillow, not trying to sit up because of the abdominal wound.

Varya shortly returned with a nurse, who quickly put another glucose bottle on the hanger. She checked Roger’s vitals as well before leaving.

Varya tucked the blanket over Roger, who held her hand. "Sit," he whispered. She sat down while keeping her gaze fixed on him.

Roger lifted his hand, and his fingers brushed against her cheeks. "Why were you crying?" he asked, his eyes affectionately looked into hers. "I never saw you crying... Except for the day, you went to Matteo’s grave. Why were crying alone at night?"

"I wasn’t crying," Varya lied. "You must have noticed something wrong." She tried to brush it off and lowered Roger’s hand.

"Don’t lie. You think I can’t read your face and eyes. You may lie to everyone and convince them with your straight face, but not me. I am different from all the people you’ve met so far, that’s why you fell in love with me." Even in the tough moment, Roger knew how to keep the conversation light-hearted and it made Varya smile.

"I was overwhelmed by everything," Varya admitted. "You know I’ve only lost people in my life, so I was a bit scared." While delivering the truth, her eyes once again turned misty.

"I’m sorry," Roger whispered.

"Why are you apologizing?" Varya confusedly peered at him.

"Because I stressed you out," Roger replied. "Now, give me a hug." He opened his one arm.

Varya chuckled and leaned down to hug him while being careful. She kissed his cheek before straightening up.

"Sleep by my side. You are not sleeping on the couch," Roger told her.

"That will be uncomfortable for you," Varya opined.

"The bed has enough space," Roger stated.

"No. I’ll sleep on the couch. Now, don’t argue," Varya told him.

"What if you keep crying even after I fall asleep?" Roger inquired.

"I won’t," Varya promised. "Close your eyes," she whispered, her hand patted his chest gently.

Roger was still under the influence of the medicinal injection drug and ended up falling asleep.

Meanwhile, Varya returned to the couch and laid down before covering herself from the blanket. After tossing and turning, repeatedly checking on Roger, she finally drifted off to a slumber.

~~~~

Lucius and Aiden arrived at the hospital early in the morning. While Varya was away handling some discharge paperwork, Roger was caught off guard by their unexpected appearance.

"Boss, I told you we could manage," Roger said, trying to sit up straighter.

"Stay quiet," Lucius ordered firmly. "We ran into Varya in the lobby. You’re being discharged. So, get dressed," he added, striding over to the bedside and offering Roger a hand.

"But Boss, you should be with—"

"Layla is surrounded by enough people," Lucius cut in, steadying Roger as he stood. "And it would’ve been wrong if I didn’t come. I’m not heartless. If I were the one injured, wouldn’t you have stayed by my side through the night?" he asked, guiding Roger carefully toward the bathroom.

Roger didn’t reply, but the look in his eyes said he understood.

Aiden, meanwhile, followed them into the bathroom carrying a clean set of clothes and a towel for Roger.

Lucius took the towel from him, dampening it under the running tap. With quiet care, he wiped the sweat and tiredness from Roger’s face before placing the towel on the counter. Then, without a word, he helped Roger into his clothes, ensuring he didn’t strain himself.

By the time Varya returned, Roger was already dressed and seated back on the bed, looking more stable.

"Roger, you’re not allowed to work for a week," Lucius said firmly. "I’ll assign someone else to handle your responsibilities."

"Boss, I’ll take care of it," Aiden assured him. "You don’t need to worry about a thing."

Just then, Varya stepped into the room, holding a discharge booklet and an envelope. Her eyes landed on Roger, now dressed in casual clothes and looking more put together. A small smile curved her lips. "Thanks, Lucius, Aiden, for being here," she said softly.

Lucius returned her smile. "Don’t mention it. Roger’s like a brother to us."

A brief pause followed before Aiden asked, "Did you get the meds?"

"Yes, the nurse handed them to me," Varya replied, raising the envelope slightly to show him.

"Good. Then let’s head home. I’ll drive," Lucius said, already moving into action. Aiden quickly picked up the duffle bag, while Lucius supported Roger gently, helping him walk with care. Varya led the way, and together they made their way to the parking lot.

Roger and Varya settled into the backseat while Lucius took the wheel and Aiden sat beside him in the front. The engine started, and Lucius carefully pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

"Varya, I’ll send someone to help out at home," Lucius said, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I know you both were managing fine before, but it’s necessary now."

"That would be really helpful, Boss," Roger responded.

"When is your father’s surgery?" Varya asked in a concerned tone.

Lucius replied, though as he spoke, a deep frown creased his brow, betraying the worry he kept to himself.

"We’ll come too. If Roger can’t, then I will," Varya offered softly.

"No, that’s not wise," Lucius replied, keeping his tone firm but gentle. "Roger’s wound will take time to heal, and he needs your constant support. My father will be surrounded by plenty of people. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you updated on everything after the surgery."

Though he spoke with steady resolve, his knuckles tightened slightly on the steering wheel. He was doing his best to stay strong, but deep down, a fear gnawed at him, which he refused to show.