Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 63

During the second week of their pastoral honeymoon on the enchanting island of Santorini, Alexander found himself abruptly awakened by a peculiar heat that pricked through his skin, stirring him from his sleep.

With a gentle flitter of his eyelids, he slowly awakened from his dreams, his senses adjusting to the waking world.

As he tried to reorganize himself, he found out that Camilla was curled up closely against him underneath the sheets, clinging to him as if in search of solace or warmth.

This unanticipated intimacy left him feeling stumped and a combination of concern and curiosity flooded within him, forcing his hand to carefully examine Camilla's form.

Gently brushing the hair away from her forehead, at contact he detected that the heat coming from her body went beyond the bounds of normal warmth, raising alarm bells in his mind.

His worry deepened as he realized she was enveloped in a feverish condition.

This revelation activated a rush of concern, overshadowing the initial confusion that had escorted his awakening.

Worrying for her well-being, he tried to disentangle her grip from himself, but she resisted, reluctant to let go.

Softly, he whispered, "Camilla..." his voice crammed with worry.

However, she merely stirred and mumbled incomprehensible words in reply.

"Camilla, you're burning up, and I need to take care of you. Can you please let go for a moment?" he implored, running his hand gently through her soft hair.

She let out a sound of protest before snuggling deeper under the covers, her warm breath brushing against his neck as she pressed herself closer to him.

"Camilla..." he called out softly once again, but all he got in response was a groan fleeing her lips.

"No..." came her faint reply, "I'm cold..." she added, her voice carrying a hint of a pout.

He soughed, unsure of how to carry on.

Her fever was high, obvious from the heat emitting from her body, and it wasn't good for her or their child.

Nonetheless, she refused to release her hold, preventing him from providing proper care to her.

"Camilla... please," he begged, his voice flushed with desperation.

His hands outlined a gentle path down her back, offering a soothing caress to coax her into allowing him to help.

Letting out a frustrated groan, Camilla's breathing gradually slowed, and her hold on him lessened slightly before she finally released him completely.

Taking advantage of the prospect, Alexander quietly slipped out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, he returned with a mix of caution and tenderness.

Carefully, he peeled back the covers that shrouded Camilla's feverish body, despite her feeble protests.

He lifted her gently from the bed, cradling her in his arms, her weight supported against his chest.

As he did so, her eyelids flapped open, showing weary, questioning eyes.

"What are you doing?" her voice came up, unsteady and filled with confusion, as her eyes fluttered closed back indicating that she was still half-asleep. "Put the covers back on." She mumbled.

Without saying a word, Alexander held her even closer, resolution shining in his eyes.

Ignoring her protests, he carried her to the bathroom, hoping to provide the relief and comfort her overheated body desperately needed.

As they entered the steam-filled bathroom, the warmth swathed the exposed parts of Camilla's body, stirring her from her fever-induced haze.

Her eyes slowly opened again, and upon discovering her surroundings, they instantly fixated on the gently cascading water in the tub.

Realizing Alexander's intentions, she started to shudder, shaking her head, desperately wanting to break free from his hold.

"No... I thought you... I'm cold!" she opposed, a trace of panic evident in her flimsy voice as she tried to struggle, even though her weakened state made it futile.

"Alexander, I don't want a bath," she protested, clutching onto his pajama shirt with the last remnant of her strength.

"Shhhh..." His gentle whisper reached her ears, causing her to relax a little.

For a moment, their eyes locked, conveying a silent understanding that went beyond words.

"It's just to help lower your fever. Trust me, you won't feel even an inkling of cold," he assured her, hoping to ease her concerns.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Camilla nodded, permitting him to proceed.

With utmost care, he gradually lowered her into the warm bath, joining her in the soothing embrace of the water.

The warmth encircled them, its touch offering respite and relief.

The comforting sensation seeped into every part of their bodies, immediately delivering warmth as their skin made contact with each other.

Seizing the opportunity, Alexander wrapped his arm around Camilla's shoulders, pulling her close to him and guiding her face to his chest.

With a soothing movement, his hand glided across her back, supplying comfort and reassurance and Camilla felt a sense of contentment, snuggling deeper into his embrace, permitting herself to completely soak up the warmth and relaxation.

The heat penetrated her muscles, melting away any strain, and slowly rocked her into a state of peaceful unconsciousness.

Observing her calm expression, Alexander's lips curled into a smile and grew wider.

He cherished these moments when he could see her at ease.

However, his admiration was abruptly interrupted as Camilla awakened, escorted by a slight gagging sensation, causing her to pull back, alerting Alexander to her distress.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern, his hand went on to rub gentle circles on her back.

However, before she could answer, a higher wave of nausea hit her, causing her stomach to churn.

In an instant, she quickly got out of the bathtub and squatted down by the toilet, her body heaving as she retched up a thin stream of vomit into its bowl.

Alexander, who had immediately risen to his feet and also got out of the tub when she got up, stayed by her side, comforting her by stroking her back and gently rocking her from side to side.

He made alleviating sounds, providing support as she continued to vomit.

Once the intensity of the nausea lessened somewhat, Camilla sat down on the cool marble floor, leaning against the wall as she caught her breath.

Alexander promptly flushed the toilet, then dropped down on the floor beside her, his eyes filled with empathy as he observed her red-rimmed and glossy eyes, understanding that her pregnancy hormones were causing this episode of sickness.

Having witnessed his mother's similar experiences during her pregnancy with his sister, Isabel, Alexander was no stranger to these happenings.

He understood that Camilla's vomiting was a normal part of her pregnancy journey.

"Sorry..." he whispered, gently brushing her hair away from her forehead, offering a gesture of consolation.

"You're going to be okay," he assured her, his voice filled with sincerity.

Camilla simply nodded in response, grateful for his comforting words, though still feeling miserable from the sickness.

"I want my mommy, Alexander," she suddenly voiced, her voice coming out raspy and fragile as she wiped the residue from her lips with the back of her hand.

He stared at her, momentarily taken aback by her statement and the sudden vulnerability she showed.

It was a total distinction from the self-reliant and strong-willed Camilla he knew before.

Uncertain of whether to find amusement or feel pity for her changed behavior, he simply held her hand and pulled her closer to him, letting her rest her head on his shoulder as he continued to rub her back.

"Would you like me to book a flight to Los Angeles in the morning so you can see her?" he hesitantly proposed, hoping it would bring her some comfort and Camilla immediately nodded in agreement against his shoulder, her sobs escaping involuntarily.

Her stomach continued to churn again though not as violently as before, and tears welled up in her eyes as she twisted her lip in disgust, irritated that her sickness had provoked such intense emotions.

She loathed the way she felt in general, but deep down, she knew that being in her mother's embrace was the one thing that could make her feel significantly better at the moment, more so than being in Alexander's.

"Okay," Alexander replied, his hand now gently gliding through her hair in a comforting movement.