The weekend had come to an end, and it was a new week at work. That morning, Hank hadn't sent his usual good morning message to Chelsy. He was a little under the weather, and had not gone to work that morning.
Chelsy didn't really pay attention because she had left the house thirty minutes earlier than her usual time. She had a lot to do in the office that day, and had wanted to be early.
She was busy on her computer, when Erica walked in. ''Good morning Chelsy. Hope your weekend was splendid.''
Chelsy returned Erica's greeting with a warm smile. ''Greetings Erica. My weekend was amazing. I'm sure yours was too.''
Erica just shook her head. ''It would have been great if my boyfriend had been around. But that guy is always busy working from one town to the other. I am beginning to think he is a pastoral nomad.''
Chelsy chuckled and replied. ''Come on Erica. It shows he is a hard-working guy. Anyway, I have to finish this proposal before midday. The head of department wants this sent in by one pm.''
As they were talking, Nicole, who was usually known for walking in and throwing side comments at Chelsy and the others every day, just solemnly walked to her seat as though she had just returned from a confession with a priest.
Erica was shocked to see Nicole this composed. She just shrugged her shoulders and walked over to her seat.
Chelsy was finally done with her task and forwarded it to the head of department. She could finally have a breather.
She went into the bathroom to ease herself. When she was done washing her hands, Nicole walked out of one of the stalls. When she realized that Chelsy was standing in front of the sink, she was startled for a second. She quickly washed her hands and left the bathroom without uttering a single word. Chelsy was shocked. The normal Nicole would always say something negative to Chelsy or look at her condescendingly.
''What is wrong with Nicole? She has been acting strangely since morning. She looked like she had seen a ghost. Anyway, whatever is going on with her, is none of my business.'' Chelsy mumbled to herself.
She remembered she had not heard from Hank since morning, and it was already lunchtime. She took out her phone and typed Hank a quick message. ''Hey Hank. How has your day been? Hope okay.'' She pressed sent and walked out of the bathroom.
After lunch, Hank had still not replied. Chelsy was a little disappointed. Since she had a few more minutes before the end of her break, she walked to the stairwell and tried calling Hank. The phone rang twice, but there was no response.
I hope he is okay though. Maybe he is just busy with work, and can't take my calls at the moment. I will try reaching him again later. Chelsy thought to herself.
Chelsy decided to let it go and just focus on her work. It was the end of the day, and Chelsy was so exhausted from the load of work she had done. She stood by the bus stop, waiting for her bus to arrive.
Suddenly, Daniel's car pulled up in front of her. ''Hey Chelsy. On your way home?'' He asked with his usual friendly tone.''
Chelsy smiled and replied. ''Greetings Mister Rivers. Yes I am on my way home.''
Daniel smiled and said, ''Okay then. Hop in, and I will give you a ride home. I am heading your way though.''
Chelsy contemplated turning him down, but realized it would be so rude of her. ''Okay sir. Thank you very much.'' She walked over and got into the car.
As they were seated, Chelsy contemplated asking Daniel about Hank, but decided to swallow her words. They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, and then suddenly, Daniel's phone started ringing. When he checked who was calling, it was Gina.
''Hey Gina. What's up?'' When Chelsy heard that it was Gina calling, her heart skipped a bit because she knew the call had something to do with Hank.
She couldn't hear what Gina was saying, but she could see the frustration in Daniel's face.
''Okay then. I will do just that. By the way, how is Hank feeling now?'' Daniel asked.
When Chelsy heard this, her eyes were wide open. Is Hank sick? She thought to herself. She was anticipating Daniel's call ending as soon as possible. But as the seconds ticked by, it seemed as if the call took all eternity to end.
After about three minutes, Daniel's call finally ended. Before Daniel could say anything, Chelsy hurriedly asked with a panicked voice. ''Mister Rivers, is Hank okay?''
Chelsy didn't realize that she was holding Daniel's suit jacket as she asked with so much concern in her eyes.
Daniel looked at Chelsy's hand grabbing his suit and was astonished. When Chelsy realized what she had done, she immediately let go and apologized. ''I am so sorry, Mister Rivers. I didn't mean to do that.''
Chelsy was so embarrassed. She cussed herself inwardly. Chelsy, you are such an idiot.
Daniel just smiled and replied with a little laugh. ''It is okay Chelsy. And to answer your question, Hank isn't feeling too well. He has been down since last night.''
Daniel thought of an idea and gave a mischievous smile. He cleared his throat and said, ''Well, since Hank is sick, he hasn't been able to eat anything. Gina just called and said he didn't eat the food that was prepared by the cook. And you know if he doesn't eat, he will definitely not get better.''
Before he could continue, Chelsy chimed in. ''Which hospital is he?''
Daniel had a victorious smile plastered on his face. He cleared his throat and said, ''Well, he is at home. He doesn't really like hospitals.''
Chelsy nodded and said, ''please can you take me to his house?''
Daniel nodded and said, ''Sure. I will gladly do that.''
He asked the driver to take them to Hank's penthouse. Hank, you will definitely love this surprise and should thank me later. Hank thought to himself with a big grin plastered on his face.
Hank's penthouse was situated in the most luxurious part of Central London. It was found in the tallest landmark building, which overlooked the north shore of the River Thames. It had the most panoramic views of most of London, and it was called El Corazón. Meaning, The heart.
When Chelsy and Daniel got to Hank's penthouse, Chelsy was speechless. It seemed as if she had entered the most luxurious house ever. She used to think Ken's villa was the most luxurious house she had ever seen.
Compared to Hank's penthouse in terms of luxury, Ken's villa was just a grain of rice in a bag full of rice.
Chelsy's mouth was still agape when Daniel tapped her on the shoulder and said, ''Chelsy, come back to earth.'' He gave a little chuckle and walked into the massively well decorated living room.
Hank's living room was thoughtfully designed with gray, black and white furniture, which created an atmosphere that instantly made guests feel comfortable and at home. It was large, bright and airy, with lights flooding through the tall glass windows which made the room seem like the entrance to heaven.
A couple of matching but exclusive and very comfortable sofas with assortments of silk cushions and hand woven rugs could be seen at first glance.
Expensive copies of rare Claude Monet and Leonardo da Vinci paintings were spotted around the walls. It shows Hank had the taste of luxury and class imbibed inside of him.
As Chelsy stood there mesmerized by the grandeur and beauty of Hank's penthouse, Daniel spoke up. ''Chelsy, Hank is inside. He will be out soon.
Chelsy nodded and sat down on one of the sofas waiting for Hank to come out.
Nathan walked into the living room and was surprised to see Chelsy. ''Hi Miss Powers. Welcome. Please, what can I offer you?'' He asked.
Chelsy smiled back and replied. ''Greetings Nathan. It's nice to see you again. Please can I have a glass of water? Room temperature please.''
Nathan nodded and went into the kitchen.
''Erm. Chelsy, I need to step out for a second and make a quick call, okay? I will be back shortly.'' Daniel spoke and left the house.
Daniel knew he wasn't going to come back. He wanted to give Chelsy and Hank some space. He had told Nathan not to let Hank know that Chelsy was around until he had left.
Nathan had informed Hank that Daniel had come to see him.
After giving Chelsy the glass of water, Nathan informed her that Hank could not make it to the living room. And that he was too weak to come out.
''Miss Powers, Mister Fitzwilliam is really down. He cannot make it to the living room. If you would like to see him, please you can go over to his bedroom and see him. And one more thing, he hasn't eaten since morning. He keeps rejecting everything I give him.''
Chelsy gave a big humph and said, ''It is okay Nathan. I will take it from here. Please can you direct me where his bedroom is?''
''Sure ma'am. This way please.'' Nathan asked Chelsy to follow him.
When she got to Hank's bedroom, it was dimly lit and there was a figure lying in bed. Hank's once handsome and radiant face was looking all pale with his cheeks and nose looking a little bit red.
As she took a step closer, Hank's back was facing the door, and he spoke in a low voice. ''Daniel, please I am not in the mood to talk right now or be forced to eat. Just come back tomorrow.''
There was a little smile tugged at the corner of Chelsy's mouth. She had always seen Hank to be this poised, elegant and serious man. Seeing this naughty and stubborn side of him was so cute.
She cleared her throat and spoke softly. ''Is that the reason why you didn't return my calls nor my message?''
When Hank heard Chelsy's voice, his eyes were wide opened with shock. He mumbled softly, ''Chelsy?''
Chelsy walked over and sat by his bedside. ''Yes, it's me. Why didn't you tell me you weren't feeling okay? I tried calling you, but you didn't return my calls.''
As she spoke, she placed her hand on his forehead, and it showed his fever was already declining. But he was weak due to him not having had anything to eat.
Hank felt quite embarrassed. He didn't want Chelsy to see him in such a state. Before he could say anything, Chelsy beat him to it.
''I know you must be wondering how I came here. Well, long story short, Mister Rivers brought me here, and I am here to ensure that you eat and take your medication. We are not debating on that, okay? Just wait here, and I will be back shortly.''
Chelsy stepped out of the room and went into the kitchen. She asked Nathan if they had white beans with some kale. Nathan nodded and showed her where to get the ingredients.
Chelsy put on an apron, and quickly made a creamy Kale and white bean soup with some tenderly cooked chicken. The aroma from the soup could wake the dead.
Even Nathan, who had tasted all sorts of foods, couldn't resist the aroma. ''Erm. Miss Powers, that looks so yummy.''
Chelsy smiled and took out a spoon. She scooped some of the soup and put it in a bowl. She asked Nathan to taste it. When Nathan tasted it, his eyes shone bright like a bright bulb had been switched on.
''Holy Moly. I have never tasted anything like this before. How did you do it? It is so delicious.'' Nathan complimented.
Chelsy just smiled and said. ''Well, my father used to make this soup whenever my brother and I were down with a cold or a fever. Sometimes, I would pretend I was sick just so he would make this soup.''
Meanwhile, Hank was in his room with all sorts of emotions and thoughts running through his mind. He picked up his phone and placed a call to Daniel. When the call got connected, Daniel's quirky voice sounded at the other end of the line. ''Hey H. I am sure you are feeling much better now after seeing your mountain fairy. I should definitely get a vacation to the Alps or a private jet.''
Hank, who didn't find it funny, snorted and replied, ''I guess what you should be getting now is a punch across your face. How could you bring Chelsy here when I am in this kind of state?''
Daniel couldn't believe his ears. ''H, are you embarrassed before the woman you claim you love? The poor girl was worried sick. She said she had called you several times and even left a couple of messages, but there was no response from you. As a kind and loving brother that I am, I decided to bring your little moon goddess over to tame her cranky little demon. I guess I deserve some thank you.''
Hank couldn't stand Daniel's wit and just muttered, ''How did I end up with a brother like this?'' Daniel scoffed and replied, ''You just have to deal with this silly brother of yours, dear Hanky.'' He gave a mischievous cackle and ended the call.
It took Chelsy about forty five minutes to prepare the soup. She put some in a bowl and took it to Hank's room.
''Hey you. It is time to eat. So please come over here.''
She placed the bowl of soup on a little glass table that was by the window in the room.
Hank was still hesitating whether to get up or lie down.
Chelsy scoffed and continued. ''There are two options here sir. It is either you come over here and eat, or I will come over there and feed you like a baby. So which one would you prefer?''
Hank, who was still in disbelief that Chelsy was at his house, slowly walked over to the table and sat down. ''I will take option two.'' He spoke with a little smile tugged on the corners of his lips.
''That is more like it.'' Chelsy spoke with a grin on her face.
She scooped some of the hot soup on a spoon, gently blew on it, and raised her hand toward Hank's mouth. ''Open your mouth.'' Chelsy spoke with the most beautiful smile plastered on her face.
Hank had a smile on his face, and simply obeyed like a little boy.
After tasting the soup, Hank's palates were all over the place. The savory sensation that the soup had, captured not only his taste buds, but his soul. ''This is good.'' He told Chelsy.
Chelsy just smiled and responded, ''I am glad you like it.''
He looked at Chelsy and held her hand. ''I have missed you.'' He spoke with his usual husky voice.
Chelsy's cheeks and ears were flushed red. She stuttered and said, ''Erm. Why don't you continue eating? So that the food won't get cold. I have to go clean the dishes in the sink.''
She quickly handed Hank the spoon and rushed out of the room. She stood by the door, and her heart was thumping like a bongo drum. She took a deep breath and walked over to the kitchen and started cleaning the dishes.
Hank finished the bowl of soup, and before he could take the plate to the kitchen, his grandmother called him. They spoke for quite a while before he could leave his room.
As he stepped into the kitchen, he couldn't find Chelsy. He dropped the bowl and walked over to the living room. There on the couch, Chelsy had curled up and fallen asleep.
It had been an exhausting day for her, and she could not help but crash. Hank, who was already feeling much better, walked over to her and stooped to the level of her face. ''Oh my poor little fairy. You left work and couldn't go straight home. But you decided to come here and take care of me.''
As he spoke, he gently caressed her hair and pushed the loose hair that was stuck in her face.
Slowly, Chelsy opened her beautiful eyes and looked at the man who stooped so close to her face. When she realized what was happening, she quickly sat up and spoke apologetically. ''I am so sorry I dozed off.''
She checked her watch and the time was already ten-thirty pm. She quickly stood up and spoke with a worried look on her face. ''Oh my goodness. It is late. I need to rush back home. I have to be at the office tomorrow very early.''
Before she could take a step, Hank held her by the shoulders and said, ''Hey Chelsy. Breathe and slow down, okay? Let me change, I will drive you home.''
Chelsy protested, ''No, no Hank. You aren't feeling too well. I will just take a taxi home.''
Hank didn't listen to what Chelsy was saying. He called out to Nathan. ''Tell Asher to get the car ready. We are taking Chelsy home.''
Chelsy knew she couldn't beat him at this and just gave in.
It took them about forty five minutes to get to Chelsy's house. Before Chelsy could step out, Hank held her hand and said softly, ''Chelsy, thank you for coming over to see me, and even cooking that delicious soup for me.''
Chelsy just smiled, ''For nothing Hank. This cannot be compared to what you did for me when I was sick. Anyway, just rest well so that you can get well soon, okay?''
The two of them sat staring at each other so deeply. Everything seemed to have disappeared and the only thing they both could see was each other. The passion and fire that was growing between them could set the whole car ablaze.
As their lips were about to touch each other's, the sound of Hank's phone ringing jolted them back to reality.
Chelsy cleared her throat and said embarrassingly. ''Good night and talk to you tomorrow.''
She didn't wait for Hank to respond, and bolted out of the car like a marathon sprinter.
Hank clenched his fist and cussed under his breath as he saw that it was Daniel calling. He ignored the call, but Daniel kept calling. He could not stand the incessant ringing of the phone and answered the call without uttering a single word.
Daniel, on the other hand, spoke with his usual jovial voice. ''H, how did it go? Did you and little Miss Fairy have a good time?''
Hank clenched his fist and spoke coldly. ''Daniel, make sure I don't see you in the next couple of days because I will personally squeeze life out of you.''
He spoke and ended the call.