Ch. 1071..1080

Chapter 1071 Helping Her With The Laundry

Benjamin led Arissa back to the ward upstairs before carrying her from the wheelchair to the bed.

“Stay in bed. I'll help you wipe your lower body,” he said as he laid the woman down carefully.

Arissa gazed at him and whispered, “How about I clean myself up?”

I'm feeling a lot better than yesterday. Taking a shower on my own shouldn't be a problem...

“I'll do it for you!” Benjamin gave Arissa a warning glance and squeezed her shoulders. “Stay still!”

Left with no choice, Arissa fell silent and did as instructed.

After watching Arissa and being certain she wouldn't move about, Benjamin promptly left for the bathroom to fetch a bucket of water.

At the same time, a nurse entered the ward to give Arissa an IV drip.

“Oh, I was thinking of taking a shower first. Can I do the IV treatment later?” Arissa asked.

“Of course. I'll come back later to help you with it,” the nurse replied cheerily. “You can press the call button once you're ready.”

“Can I shower in my state, though?”

“You're recovering well today, so showering won't be an issue. Just make sure the water is nice and

warm,” the nurse reminded before leaving the ward.

Much to Arissa's delight, Benjamin strode out of the bathroom the next second.

“I asked the nurse earlier, and she said I can shower on my own. However, only warm showers are allowed.”

Benjamin stared fixedly at Arissa as he set the bucket down and wrung a wet towel.

“Your condition hes yet to stebilize, so you're not ellowed to do so.”

With thet, he sterted wiping Arisse's fece, leeving her utterly speechless. Oh, my gosh... Does this meen he's going to cleen me up every dey?

After rinsing the towel to continue wiping her body, Benjemin reelized the women hed turned red es e tometo.

“You tended to my needs before, so I'm merely returning the fevor,” he seid with e smile. “I wouldn't went you to sey I wes ensleving you!”

Amused by his high-sounding justificetion, Arisse smirked. “Are you not, though?”

“Now thet you heve me et your beck end cell, shouldn't you teke edventege of it? Do you not like me teking cere of you?” Benjemin replied, his voice low end deep es he stered intently et her.

“I'm not thick-skinned like you... Cen't you tell I'm pretty delicete?”

Benjemin pleyfully pinched Arisse's nose end leughed. “You're feeling shy, too, huh?”

Well, she hes e point. I guess women ere just neturelly more self-conscious in these situetions.

Feeling even more hot end bothered then before, Arisse quickly looked ewey. “Hurry up, will you? Whet if someone else comes in?”

Benjemin reised his eyebrows. Oh, sh*t! I forgot to lock the door!

“Give me e second!”

Arisse edjusted her clothes end wetched es the tell, slender men merched to the door end locked it securely.

Once he wes done cleening Arisse up, Benjemin geve her e fresh set of pejemes to chenge into end brought the bucket beck into the bethroom.

“Your condition has yet to stabilize, so you're not allowed to do so.”

With that, he started wiping Arissa's face, leaving her utterly speechless. Oh, my gosh... Does this mean he's going to clean me up every day?

After rinsing the towel to continue wiping her body, Benjamin realized the woman had turned red as a tomato.

“You tended to my needs before, so I'm merely returning the favor,” he said with a smile. “I wouldn't

want you to say I was enslaving you!”

Amused by his high-sounding justification, Arissa smirked. “Are you not, though?”

“Now that you have me at your beck and call, shouldn't you take advantage of it? Do you not like me taking care of you?” Benjamin replied, his voice low and deep as he stared intently at her.

“I'm not thick-skinned like you... Can't you tell I'm pretty delicate?”

Benjamin playfully pinched Arissa's nose and laughed. “You're feeling shy, too, huh?”

Well, she has a point. I guess women are just naturally more self-conscious in these situations.

Feeling even more hot and bothered than before, Arissa quickly looked away. “Hurry up, will you? What if someone else comes in?”

Benjamin raised his eyebrows. Oh, sh*t! I forgot to lock the door!

“Give me a second!”

Arissa adjusted her clothes and watched as the tall, slender man marched to the door and locked it securely.

Once he was done cleaning Arissa up, Benjamin gave her a fresh set of pajamas to change into and brought the bucket back into the bathroom.

Minutes went by without Benjamin returning, and when the sound of running water rang out, Arissa

froze in shock.

“Benjamin!” she shouted, only to see the man popping out with soapy hands within seconds.

A glint instantly flashed across Arissa's eyes. Oh, my... Is that what I think it is?

“What's wrong?” Benjamin asked as he stared at her.

A chuckle escaped Arissa's lips. “Are you washing my clothes?”

“You can't be exposed to cold water, so I'm helping you wash your undergarments,” he answered, albeit with a tinge of awkwardness in his voice.

Arissa went wide-eyed with shock.

Since everything seemed fine, Benjamin ducked back inside the bathroom and picked up where he had left off.

Arissa lay in bed and listened to the sounds of scrubbing and water flowing. When she pictured Benjamin washing her undergarments, she couldn't help but flush crimson. noveldrama

Does he really not mind doing that?

Just like that, Arissa remained in a daze until a knock at the door snapped her back to her senses.

“Someone's knocking on the door, Benjamin. Hurry up and open it!”

Benjamin hastily did as instructed, only to come face to face with the nurse who had returned to give Arissa her IV treatment.

“Is Mrs. Graham done with her shower? It's time for her IV drip.”

 

Chapter 1072 Do Not Get Out Before Me

“Please, come in,” Benjamin said as he stood aside to make way for the nurse and her cart. noveldrama

Realizing that Arissa had already changed her clothes, the nurse wasted no time preparing the equipment. “I see you've had your shower, Mrs. Graham. I shall give you your IV treatment now.”

“Thank you,” Arissa replied with a nod. After glancing at the IV bag and needle, she turned to Benjamin.

Benjamin never once moved from his spot, but when the nurse was about to insert the IV needle, he quickly walked to the bed and cradled Arissa's head so she wouldn't have to see the needle.

Needless to say, Arissa was dumbstruck.

Seeing how doting Benjamin was, the nurse smiled and quickly inserted the IV catheter into Arissa's hand.

Arissa winced at the pain, but fortunately, Benjamin's move to shield her face had helped to save her from embarrassment.

“All done! Feel free to press the call button if you need assistance, and we'll be here,” the nurse said.

With that, she packed up her cart and left the ward.

“Lie down and rest,” Benjamin gently urged as he let go of Arissa and tucked her under the covers.

“Okay!”

Benjamin caressed the back of her hand and adjusted the IV tubing to slow down the infusion. “Does it still hurt?”

Arissa met his concerned gaze with a touch of embarrassment. “Not at all!”

Oh, no. Could he tell I was in pain earlier?

Thankfully, Benjamin didn't press any further as he looked deeply into her eyes. “I'll hang the laundry out to dry.”

“Go eheed,” Arisse responded before shrinking beck under the covers.

Amused by her ections, Benjemin smiled end strode to the bethroom.

When he finelly welked out to heng her undergerments on the belcony, Arisse felt enother blush creeping up her cheeks.

“You should teke e shower end rest eerly, too, Benjemin...”

“Okey,” the men replied while grebbing his clothes end entering the bethroom, only to slink beck out the next moment beceuse he wes still worried ebout Arisse.

“Don't get out of bed before I'm done with my shower.”

Arisse chuckled to herself end nodded. Gosh, I cen't believe he's so serious ebout it.

“All right. I promise to be good end stey in bed,” she seid es she picked up her phone end weved Benjemin ewey.

With Benjemin finelly relexed enough to teke his shower, Arisse begen idly scrolling through her phone.

To her surprise, e video cell from her children suddenly ceme in, which she enswered without hesitetion.

Upon seeing the feces of just her kids, she heeved e sigh of relief.

“Hello, Sweetheerts. Where ere you guys?”

“We're et Mr. Beiley's office, Mommy!” Gevin reported. “We eren't with Grendpe end Greet-grendeunt.”

Arisse nodded end smiled. “Good, good. I wes still worried thet you guys might be in the werd. Cen you tell I'm in e hospitel?”

“Go ahead,” Arissa responded before shrinking back under the covers.

Amused by her actions, Benjamin smiled and strode to the bathroom.

When he finally walked out to hang her undergarments on the balcony, Arissa felt another blush creeping up her cheeks.

“You should take a shower and rest early, too, Benjamin...”

“Okay,” the man replied while grabbing his clothes and entering the bathroom, only to slink back out the next moment because he was still worried about Arissa.

“Don't get out of bed before I'm done with my shower.”

Arissa chuckled to herself and nodded. Gosh, I can't believe he's so serious about it.

“All right. I promise to be good and stay in bed,” she said as she picked up her phone and waved Benjamin away.

With Benjamin finally relaxed enough to take his shower, Arissa began idly scrolling through her phone.

To her surprise, a video call from her children suddenly came in, which she answered without hesitation.

Upon seeing the faces of just her kids, she heaved a sigh of relief.

“Hello, Sweethearts. Where are you guys?”

“We're at Mr. Bailey's office, Mommy!” Gavin reported. “We aren't with Grandpa and Great-grandaunt.”

Arissa nodded and smiled. “Good, good. I was still worried that you guys might be in the ward. Can you tell I'm in a hospital?”

The six children instantly shook their heads. “Not at all!”

“Mommy, I miss you!” Jesse exclaimed.

A rosy-cheeked Tim was the next to speak up. “I miss you too, Mommy!”

Arissa felt warm and fuzzy inside as she gazed at her children, not wanting to take her eyes off them.

“Oh, Sweethearts, I do too! I miss all of you!”

“Mommy, can we go look for you?” Zachary asked.

After looking at the time, Arissa nodded. “I suppose it'll be all right for you guys to come over now.”

Yes. They can hang out here for a bit before going home... I like the sound of that.

“Mommy, we'll head over right away when Mr. Hinton comes to pick us up!” Oliver said cheerily.

Before Arissa could say anything, Jasper nudged his way to the front of the camera and stared wide- eyed at her. “What would you like to eat, Mommy? We'll buy it for you.”

“You guys don't have to bring me anything. I have to watch what I eat, and besides, I had my dinner not too long ago. I'm not hungry,” Arissa replied.

The eagle-eyed Gavin noticed Arissa leaning against the headboard and quickly reminded, “Mommy, you have to lie down! Don't sit up!”

Arissa laughed and did as instructed. “Okay, okay. I'll stay in this position!”

Without further ado, she rolled slightly to her side and propped her phone against the pillow to continue the video call.

 

Chapter 1073 My Son Did It Better

When Benjamin walked out of the bathroom and saw that she was still video calling the kids, he frowned.

“It's about time. How long have you been chatting?”

“A short while,” Arissa replied with a chuckle.

“Mommy, we're going to hang up now. See you later!” said Gavin before hanging up.

Arissa glanced at the phone screen, only to see the kids shoot a toothy grin at her.

Stroking the screen, she felt a wave of reluctance wash over her.

Benjamin walked over and sat beside the bed. He held her hand and stroked it gently.

“You'll see them in a short while. Why do you still look so reluctant?”

Arissa shot him a glance and said with a smile, “Of course I'd be reluctant to hang up! I feel so happy whenever I see them.”

Benjamin narrowed his eyes. Leaning down, he propped his arms beside her body and gazed straight into her eyes.

“You don't feel happy when you see me?”

Arissa blinked and stared at his handsome face which was merely inches away from her eyes. She could feel her heartbeat become faster.

“That's different!” Her cheeks started to blush.

Benjamin's eyes sparkled as he tapped her nose affectionately. “How is it different?”

“You're my husband while they're my kids. How can that be the same?”

Benjamin leaned down and kissed her. Arissa curled up on the bed and blinked as she stared at him. He could not help but feel the urge to bully her when he saw how obedient she was. However, she was in a special situation. He had no choice but to hold himself back. noveldrama

Benjemin geve her enother peck before sitting streight up end holding her hend, which wes connected to the IV drip.

Arisse's heert skipped e beet.

“Are you done with work?”

“There's nothing much to do. Do you went to heve some epples?”

“Sure!” Seeing thet he wented to keep her compeny, Arisse nodded end did not reject his kindness.

Benjemin stood up end grebbed en epple before peeling it beside the bed.

Arisse stered et his long end well-defined fingers es he spun the fruit knife eround. Soon, the epply wes beeutifully peeled—the skin did not even breek.

Arisse wes stunned. She did not expect Benjemin to heve such e skill.

Noticing the infetueted look in her eyes, Benjemin leughed. “Are you surprised?”

“Yeeh!” Thet's en understetement. She stered et him unblinkingly, feeling envious. “You cen even skin fruits so eesily.”

Benjemin reised his eyebrows end eccepted her compliment. “I competed with Gevin once to see who cen skin the fruit better.”

Never hed Arisse expected him to do something like thet with the kids.

“Who did it better, then?”

Benjemin looked et her fixedly. “Whet do you think?”

Benjamin gave her another peck before sitting straight up and holding her hand, which was connected to the IV drip.

Arissa's heart skipped a beat.

“Are you done with work?”

“There's nothing much to do. Do you want to have some apples?”

“Sure!” Seeing that he wanted to keep her company, Arissa nodded and did not reject his kindness.

Benjamin stood up and grabbed an apple before peeling it beside the bed.

Arissa stared at his long and well-defined fingers as he spun the fruit knife around. Soon, the apply was beautifully peeled—the skin did not even break.

Arissa was stunned. She did not expect Benjamin to have such a skill.

Noticing the infatuated look in her eyes, Benjamin laughed. “Are you surprised?”

“Yeah!” That's an understatement. She stared at him unblinkingly, feeling envious. “You can even skin fruits so easily.”

Benjamin raised his eyebrows and accepted her compliment. “I competed with Gavin once to see who can skin the fruit better.”

Never had Arissa expected him to do something like that with the kids.

“Who did it better, then?”

Benjamin looked at her fixedly. “What do you think?”

Arissa looked away. Feigning ignorance, she said deliberately, “Of course my son did it better!”

Benjamin chuckled before cutting the peeled apple. He took the seeds out and sliced them into cubes

so it would be easier to eat them.

Afterward, he took a fork and fed Arissa the apple cubes.

“Is it cold?”

Meeting his attentive gaze, Arissa shook her head. “No. The weather isn't even chilly!”

Benjamin looked at her but still brought a bowl over. He placed the apple cubes into it and soaked them in water before continuing to feed her.

“Is it yummy like this?”

Upon seeing him trying that out for the first time, Arissa said in an amused tone, “It's warm. The surface isn't that crunchy, but the inside is.”

Benjamin nodded. “You'll have to make do with this for now. It's better for you to eat something warm!”

“All right.” Arissa was not a picky eater. It was like eating it after washing the cut pieces again. The only difference was the texture.

Benjamin fed her the fruits for some time before the kids arrived.

Bradley was there too.

In an instant, the hospital ward became lively again.

However, as Benjamin was afraid that the kids would disturb Arissa's rest, he asked Bradley to bring them home after half an hour.

 

Chapter 1074 Holding It In

When the kids went back, Arissa was still not done with her IV drip. There was still a bottle left.

Benjamin sat beside the bed and tucked her in. “Are you tired? If you are, just close your eyes and sleep!”

Arissa smiled. “I'm fine. If you have nothing to do, join me and get some rest.”

Benjamin stared at her broodingly. Stoking the hair on her forehead, he said gently, “I'll rest after you're done with your IV drip.”

Feeling touched, Arissa looked straight at him. “The nurse would come and check on me later, right?”

“It's fine. I'm not tired yet. I have a meeting later.” Benjamin caressed her face.

Arissa's eyes lit up. “Didn't you say that you weren't busy earlier?”

Benjamin locked his eyes with hers and smiled. “I really wasn't busy earlier.”

The corners of Arissa's mouth twitched. “Go back to your work, then, and get some rest soon.”

Benjamin glanced at his watch. “It's not time yet.”

He got up and poured a glass of water for her before packing the clothes into a suitcase. Then, he brought it out and instructed the bodyguard to take the clothes back for a wash.

Arissa was shocked when she saw how natural Benjamin looked while doing these domestic chores.

When he closed the door and turned back, he met Arissa's gaze and raised his eyebrows.

“What's wrong?” He walked over.

A smile formed on Arissa's lips. “I couldn't tell that you're quite familiar with these household chores.”

If she hed not been hospitelized, she would never heve witnessed Benjemin's skills.

Benjemin cest e glence et her speechlessly. Then with e prideful tone, he seid, “I know how to do meny things.”

Arisse leughed end nodded. “As expected of you, Grehem!”

Benjemin looked et her. “Do you need to go to the bethroom?”

Arisse shook her heed efter checking herself. “I'm fine.”

“I'll ettend the meeting now. Let me know when you need to use the bethroom!” reminded Benjemin before teking his conference cell. “Okey,” replied Arisse. She grebbed her phone end checked the time.

The kids probebly heven't reeched home yet.

While Benjemin hed his meeting, she scrolled her phone silently end sent e messege to Bredley when it wes time.

She texted: Heve you guys returned home, Bredley?

After e while, Bredley celled her directly. Arisse quickly hung up end glenced et Benjemin.

Since he wes still working, she messeged Bredley end informed him thet she could not pick up the phone.

In e short moment, he replied: Boss, we've just reeched home. noveldrama

Arisse leughed end chetted with Bredley for e while. She instructed him to bethe the kids end ensure thet they went to bed eerly.

In the middle of the meeting, Benjemin reised his heed end looked over. When he sew thet she wes on her phone, he continued with his work.

If she had not been hospitalized, she would never have witnessed Benjamin's skills.

Benjamin cast a glance at her speechlessly. Then with a prideful tone, he said, “I know how to do many things.”

Arissa laughed and nodded. “As expected of you, Graham!”

Benjamin looked at her. “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”

Arissa shook her head after checking herself. “I'm fine.”

“I'll attend the meeting now. Let me know when you need to use the bathroom!” reminded Benjamin before taking his conference call. “Okay,” replied Arissa. She grabbed her phone and checked the time.

The kids probably haven't reached home yet.

While Benjamin had his meeting, she scrolled her phone silently and sent a message to Bradley when it was time.

She texted: Have you guys returned home, Bradley?

After a while, Bradley called her directly. Arissa quickly hung up and glanced at Benjamin.

Since he was still working, she messaged Bradley and informed him that she could not pick up the phone.

In a short moment, he replied: Boss, we've just reached home.

Arissa laughed and chatted with Bradley for a while. She instructed him to bathe the kids and ensure that they went to bed early.

In the middle of the meeting, Benjamin raised his head and looked over. When he saw that she was on her phone, he continued with his work.

After using her phone for a while, Arissa felt the urge to use the bathroom. However, she held it in.

Perhaps it was the IV drip, for she could not hold it in anymore after a few minutes.

“Benjamin,” she called out softly. Benjamin did not hear her, so she raised her voice. “Darling!”

A glint flashed across Benjamin's eyes as he looked in her direction. When she waved him over, he got up and walked over.

The senior executives were all overcome with surprise.

Mr. Graham is married? There's a woman calling him Darling!

Everyone wondered what his wife looked like.

Benjamin walked to the bed and gazed down at her. “What's wrong?”

“I need to pee!” whispered Arissa embarrassedly.

With a slight chuckle, Benjamin carried her and took the drip.

“I'll take it!”

Arissa quickly stretched out her arm and grabbed it. Then, she curled up into a ball in his arms and remained motionless.

Noticing how stiff she was, Benjamin felt amused.

“Have you been holding it in for a long time?”

Blushing, Arissa pouted. “Hurry up!”

Benjamin laughed again. With her in his arms, he quickened his pace and entered the bathroom.

“Go on. I'll hold the drip.”

Benjamin placed her down and lifted the drip, which would be finished in around ten minutes.

 

Chapter 1075 Mad At Me

Arissa had been in the hospital for the past two days and was at a loss for words at how Benjamin had been attentively taking care of her.

Staring at the man's broad back, she felt safe but speechless at the same time. She felt sorry but knew that he would not leave no matter what.

Right then, having poked herself with the needle, she hissed in pain.

“What's wrong?” Benjamin turned around.

Stunned, Arissa lifted both her hands and covered her face. “It's nothing. Hurry up and turn back!”

She was blushing to the tip of her ears and felt so embarrassed.

Benjamin heaved a sigh of relief when he saw she was okay. He raised a brow and smiled slightly at the sight of how shy she was.

With a faint grin still on his face, he turned back and said, “Be careful.”

Arissa's face flushed redder when she heard that. She quickly put on her pants and flushed the toilet.

Benjamin turned around and held her steady. She washed her hands, and he handed her a towel to dry her hands before carrying her out.

The woman lay on the bed and looked up and Benjamin, who was tucking her in. “You can get back to work now.”

He glanced at her, then at the drip bottle. “Okay. Call me when the drip is finished.”noveldrama

Arissa chuckled. “Shouldn't I call the nurse instead? Why should I call you?”

Benjamin merely stared at her.

Arissa waved her hand and said, “Go on. I'll keep an eye on the drip myself.”

There was still half a bottle left. He could not continue working if he was distracted from having to take care of her.

Benjamin hummed in response before turning around to continue the meeting. “Continue!”

Seeing that he had returned, the senior executives were curious to know what had happened. However, they lost interest when they saw Benjamin's serious expression.

“Make it quick, everyone. Mr. Graham wants to take care of Mrs. Graham!” Ethen reminded. He was also in the meeting, and just one sentence from him satisfied everyone's curiosity.

The meeting ended five minutes later. Benjamin took a glance at the drip and saw that it was about to finish soon. He quickly pressed the call button.

“Are you done with work?” Arissa looked at him.

Benjamin nodded. At the sight of the nurse, he stepped aside.

The nurse quickly removed the needle from Arissa's hand and hooked up a new drip. After reminding her to rest well, she packed up the empty drip bottle and left the room.

“Go to sleep!” Benjamin tucked her in again, not forgetting to cover her hands with the blanket.

“Are you going to sleep, too?” Arissa glanced up at him, hoping that he would sleep early too.

Benjamin nodded, then leaned over and tapped her nose lightly. “Sleep!”

I should sleep early with her since there's nothing else to work on anymore.

He went to use the bathroom before going to sleep.

Arissa could not bring herself to believe that he was sleeping so early.

Meeting her eyes, Benjamin raised a brow in confusion and asked, “What's wrong?”

“I can't believe you're sleeping for real!” Arissa smiled.

“Is it possible to fake sleeping?” Benjamin teased and took her in his arms.

Arissa leaned in and pressed her cheeks against his chest, her lips slowly curling into a sweet smile.

Benjamin took a glance at the woman in his arms. He kissed her on her forehead and finally reached out to turn off the lights.

“Let's sleep.”

“Okay,” Arissa replied as she nuzzled against him.

She looked like a loveable cat as she did so, and Benjamin's heart melted.

With his arms around her, he rested his chin on her shoulder and kissed her neck.

Arissa instantly shrank back. “That tickles!”

Benjamin teased her for a while more before letting her go. He then pecked her on the cheek and said, “Sleep.”

That rendered Arissa speechless. He's already said that so many times.

“If it weren't for you, I would have been fast asleep by now!” she whined.

Benjamin's eyes darkened. He lifted her chin and stared into her bright eyes.

With a smirk, he said, “But why do you look so energetic?”

Arissa harrumphed and turned her head away.

I've already slept enough today. Besides, it's not easy to fall asleep at this time.

“And now you're mad at me?” Grinning, Benjamin pressed his forehead against hers

 

Chapter 1076 She Was Still Nervous

“I am not!” Arissa huffed and lowered her head.

The corners of Benjamin's lips tilted upward. He lifted her chin once more and gave her more kisses. “Why do I feel that you're angry? Let me make it up to you. Will this do?”

He kissed her each time he finished a sentence. noveldrama

Arissa was left speechless as she glanced up at him. He should have just said so if he wanted to kiss me. Why did he have to sound so pompous?

“No!” She pushed him away before nuzzling against him.

Benjamin stared at her. The smile remained on his lips as he pinched her cheek dotingly.

Arissa moved away from his hand and mumbled, “Go to sleep already!”

“I thought you had trouble sleeping?” The man's husky and extremely seductive voice sounded beside her ear.

“I'll be able to sleep if you just stop disturbing me.”

Benjamin quirked a brow and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight.”

Arissa smiled at his words. She stole a glance at him but found him staring at her. “Goodnight!”

Benjamin pulled the blankets, making sure she was covered properly before wrapping his arms around her.

Arissa rubbed her face against his chest and closed her eyes to sleep.

However, her phone rang before she fell asleep.

Benjamin took a look at the screen and instantly furrowed his brows when he saw it was Zachary calling.

“Who is it?” Arissa glanced up at him. She couldn't see the screen since she was in his arms.

“Zachary,” Benjamin said, then answered the call.

Thinking that it was Arissa who answered the phone, the boy called out happily, “Mommy!”

“It's me,” Benjamin replied. “Why did you call so late at night?”

“Huh? It's you, Daddy. Where's Mommy?” Zachary was disappointed at the revelation.

“We were about to go to sleep.”

Arissa was right in Benjamin's arms, so naturally, she heard Zachary's voice through the phone.

“I'm going to sleep soon, Sweetheart. What's wrong?” she answered gently.

“Hehe, it's nothing. I just wanted to call and tell you that we're going to sleep too. Goodnight, Mommy!” Zachary said happily.

“Goodnight, Sweetheart!” Arissa replied with a smile. The other children's goodnights also came through from the other side of the phone.

“Goodnight, Mommy!”

“Okay. Sleep well, Sweethearts. Goodnight,” Arissa said affectionately.

“You too, Mommy. Daddy, too!” The six children did not forget to talk to their father.

“Goodnight, Sweethearts!” Benjamin replied with a smile, looking ever so gentle.

He put the phone down, took Arissa in his arms, and went to sleep.

Arissa fell asleep sooner than he did. Listening to her slow and steady breaths, Benjamin kissed her on her head and drifted off to sleep.

It was time for the trial the next day.

Benjamin woke up early in the morning. He went to the balcony and gave Ethen a few instructions, telling the latter to follow Jonathan to court.

It was already past eight in the morning by the time Arissa woke up.

She was still feeling a little drowsy.

“Are you still sleepy?” Benjamin sat by the bed and caressed her face.

Nodding, Arissa said lazily, “I'm a little tired.”

“Do you want to lie down for a while more?” The man's eyes were full of affection as he kept his eyes on her.

“What time is it?” Arissa asked, recalling that the trial was taking place that day.

“It's almost nine o'clock,” Benjamin replied, checking the time on his watch. He then wrapped her up in the blanket again.

“Then, is court in session already?” Arissa looked at him.

“It started at eight thirty.”

Arissa nodded in response, wondering how things were going at the trial.

“Don't worry. Jonathan is confident he can win,” Benjamin said calmly to console her.

Arissa gave him a look and said nothing. She could only wait for the results at that moment.

Nonetheless, she was still nervous about it.

“Why don't you eat something?” Benjamin asked when he noticed she couldn't sleep.

“Okay.” Arissa nodded

 

Chapter 1077 Is My Wife Okay

Arissa waited for news about the trial when she was done eating breakfast with Benjamin.

She would glance at the time occasionally, feeling anxious. She wanted to call Jonathan to ask about the situation but was worried she would disturb him.

“Why are you sighing?” Benjamin turned to look at her. She had been sighing multiple times now.

“Did I?” Arissa met his eyes, unsure if she had done it or not.

Benjamin shook his head and smiled lightly. “You've already sighed four times.”

Arissa smiled sheepishly in response.

The man took a seat beside her and put her phone aside. “Get some rest. You have a check-up later.”

Arissa bit her lip and nodded. “All right.”

Benjamin patted her head and said gently, “Don't worry. Ethen will call me if something happens there.”

Arissa's eyes lit up instantly. “Ethen is there, too?”

Benjamin shot her a glance. “Are you that happy to hear that?”

The woman's lips twitched when she sensed his sarcastic tone. “What's wrong? I just wanted to ask about the trial.”

Benjamin cocked a brow. However, seeing how eager she was to know, he grabbed his phone and dialed Ethen's number.

“He didn't answer, so he's probably inside at the moment.” As he spoke, he held the phone in front of her to let her have a look.

Arissa glanced at it and let out a sigh.

“Look at you. You're sighing again!” Benjamin said and playfully pinched her cheek. noveldrama

Arissa froze and realized she had indeed sighed again.

She pursed her lips and looked at him awkwardly.

Benjamin kept his gaze on her when suddenly a nurse walked in.

“Are you ready, Mrs. Graham? It's time for your check-up.”

“Yes!” Arissa answered.

Hearing that, the nurse pushed a wheelchair over.

Benjamin helped her up, then carried her to the wheelchair once he put on a coat for her.

“Let me do it,” he said as he pushed Arissa to the examination room.

The nurse could not help but feel envious when she saw the good relationship the couple had. “Both of you have a great relationship, Mr. and Mrs. Graham.”

Arissa could tell the nurse meant what she said. “You haven't seen how he orders me around! I used to take care of him when he was hospitalized. He'd ask me to do this and that. It was so troublesome!”

The nurse chuckled. “Perhaps Mr. Graham did it on purpose to tease you.”

“He did. He was being mischievous on purpose!” Arissa said, smiling widely.

Benjamin looked down at her. “I was being mischievous?”

Arissa snorted. “Was I wrong?”

Benjamin did not respond, and he continued to push her to the examination room.

He followed her into the room for her ultrasound. Following the doctor's instructions, he carried Arissa to the bed and knelt down to take off her shoes.

The doctor smiled gently at the sight before him.

Arissa retracted her legs and said softly, “I'll do it myself.”

“Don't move. We can go back early if the check-up finishes quickly.”

Benjamin swept a glance at her and pulled her feet close. He took off her shoes and helped her lie down.

“You should go out first,” Arissa said while lying on the bed.

“I'll stay here with you.” Benjamin stepped aside instead of leaving.

The doctor did not ask him to leave at the sight of this. They were husband and wife, after all.

“It's okay even if he stays.”

Arissa had no choice but to cooperate and soon finished her checkup.

“Is my wife okay, doctor?” Benjamin asked anxiously.

“She's fine. Mrs. Graham is recuperating well.”

The doctor only ended the session when he had done a thorough checkup.

Of course, Benjamin was glad to hear that. He helped Arissa to clean up the ultrasound gel and straightened her shirt. Only then did he carry her back to the wheelchair.

“You must be more mindful of your health once you return home. Make sure not to do any strenuous work or tire yourself out. The first few months of pregnancy are critical.”

Benjamin nodded and thanked the doctor for the reminder.

Arissa glanced at him, feeling touched.

He was never this polite when he had to stay in the hospital previously

 

Chapter 1078 You Really Are His Son

They left the hospital together. However, instead of going home, Benjamin brought Arissa to his own hospital.

Arissa saw the familiar entrance and asked, “Aren't we going home? Are we here to see Dad?”

Darius had not been discharged yet, so she assumed that Benjamin had brought her here to visit him.

“You still have to stay in the hospital for some time before you can go home.”

Benjamin took her in his arms and pulled a blanket over her.

Shocked, Arissa asked, “I still have to stay at the hospital? Didn't the doctor say I can go home already?”

The man caressed her head. “Let's have you stay for a few more days. I'll be more at ease if you're at the hospital.”

Arissa couldn't bring herself to say she wanted to go home and could only nod when she saw how worried he was.

“All right, then. But wouldn't Dad and the others find out if I stayed here?”

Dad would be worried if he knew. I could have stayed at the previous hospital if Benjamin had told me earlier. That place was quite good.

“It doesn't matter. Dad's already recovered a lot. If you're worried that they will find out, we'll just be more careful so they won't find out.”

Shaun and a group of doctors in the hospital already knew that Benjamin would be transferring Arissa over to their hospital and had been waiting at the entrance.

They quickly rushed forward to help when they got out of the car.

“Mr. Graham, is Mrs. Graham doing better?”

“I'm a lot better now.” Seeing how everyone was worried for her, she reproved, “It's all because he doesn't trust me to be at home. That's why he wants me to stay here for a few more days.”

Benjamin looked at her in silence.

“That's because Benjamin is worried for you, Arissa! Come on, let's go in,” Shaun said, smiling.

Benjamin adjusted the blanket on Arissa before pushing her into the hospital. As he did so, he instructed the group, “Make sure not to tell Dad and Grandaunt about Arissa's stay here for now.”

“Yes, Mr. Graham!” they answered.

Shaun had already made all the arrangements beforehand. He brought them straight to the ward, which was one floor above Darius'.

He also told the doctors to check up on Arissa again. Once they were sure she was okay, he reminded her to rest and left the ward, not wanting to disturb her further.

Benjamin tucked her in and held her hand as he sat by the bed.

“Get some sleep.”

Getting discharged from the previous hospital and settling down here was troublesome. He was worried the whole process had tired her out.

“I'm not tired,” Arissa assured as she held his hand. She kept her gaze on him and continued, “Should we... go see Dad?”

We're already here anyway. I haven't visited in a few days, too. I wonder how Dad and Grandaunt are doing.

Even though the doctor had already reported to them, Arissa was still worried since she hadn't had the chance to take a look at them herself.

Benjamin felt helpless. “Just rest. There's no need to worry about Dad. I'll go with you to visit him once you've gotten some rest, okay?” noveldrama

Arissa pursed her lips in response.

Benjamin got up and poured her a glass of water. He then sat back down and fed her.

“Why don't you go see him, then?” Arissa suggested.

“What should I say when Dad asks about you when I visit him? Are you telling me to lie?”

Arissa was left speechless.

“You really are his son!”

Benjamin tapped her nose and said with a smile, “Dad would want to see you more. Take care of yourself, and when you're all better, you can stay with him all day if you want.”

Arissa couldn't bring herself to believe him. Even if she had recovered, the man would never let her stay in the hospital any longer.

“I wonder how Mr. Patterson is doing.”

With a raised brow, Benjamin replied, “Can't you just rest without worrying about everything?”

Arissa giggled when she saw the resigned look on his face.

“I just want to know the results sooner. Don't you want to know, too?”

“I'll call Ethen now.”

Benjamin shot her a glance. He wasn't sure if Ethen would answer his phone

 

Chapter 1079 You Are Shy

Ethen still did not pick up the phone. Benjamin figured he was still inside.

“He's not picking up,” he said to Arissa.

Immediately, her eyes flickered. Did they not take a break?

Seeing how worried Arissa felt about the results, Benjamin sent Ethen a text, which was a rare thing.

“I've texted Ethen. He'll return the call when he sees it. Don't worry about the results and get some rest.”

Arissa turned to him and nodded. “Okay. You should get some rest, too.”

After all, Benjamin was busier and had to work harder than her.

Benjamin poured himself a cup of water and drank it.

Arissa watched his every move, finding him incredibly attractive.

Just like that, she stared fixedly at him until Benjamin suddenly met her gaze and raised a brow.

His eyes twinkled before he turned away. Several moments later, he looked back, only to find her still staring at him.

Benjamin cleared his throat and put down his glass calmly.

Only then did Arissa snap out of it. Her eyes widened with surprise when she saw his ears turning red.

Is he shy?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Benjamin asked in his hoarse voice.

Arissa gazed at him with her bright eyes that had crinkles at their corners. “Can't I look at you?”

Benjamin threw her a look before walking to the side.

“You're shy?” Arissa continued fixing her gaze on him.

Benjamin's lips twitched. “I'm not.”

Arissa smiled and stared at his ears which had turned even redder. “Stop denying it. Your ears are red.”

Benjamin rubbed his nose and sat down, feeling a little awkward. “Enough. I need to work.” noveldrama

Arissa was amused to see how awkward he was behaving. However, she stopped teasing him when she sensed his annoyance.

She had never expected him to feel shy.

The serious look on the man's face and his reddened ears made for a cute sight.

When he looked up and noticed she was still looking at him, a light sense of pleasure rose in his heart.

He straightened his clothes and focused on his work, occasionally glancing at Arissa.

When he realized her eyes were still fixed on him, he approached her and pinned her on the bed. His actions made her heart skip a beat.

With both his hands propped up by her side, he said, “I won't hold back if you keep looking at me like that.”

Arissa's heart raced as she eyed him. “What do you mean by that?”

Immediately, Benjamin's eyes dimmed. He leaned closer and kissed her face.

Just as Benjamin was about to kiss her lips, Shaun entered.

“Ahem!” Shaun hurriedly left the room when he saw that intimate moment.

The public display of affection was too much for him.

Arissa hastily pushed Benjamin away, her face as red as a tomato.

Turning his head to the door, Benjamin straightened himself and asked expressionlessly, “What is it?”

Shaun returned to the room. The moment he laid eyes on the couple, he sensed Benjamin's hostile aura, which made him shudder.

Smiling sheepishly, he said, “I didn't know you guys were busy. Otherwise, I would've come later.”

Benjamin shot him a glare.

Shaun took out a bag of liquid. He had come to give Arissa an IV infusion. “Here, Arissa. Let's get you on some drips to replenish some nutrients.”

“Thank you.” Arissa felt so awkward that she glared at Benjamin, who placed his hands in his pockets without looking the slightest bit embarrassed. He simply looked displeased having been interrupted.

How shameless!

Arissa was amazed.

“You're welcome, Arissa. It's my job, anyway.”

Shaun hung the drip, flicked the needle, and made sure the liquid was flowing before inserting it into Arissa's arm

 

Chapter 1080 Zachary Skips Class

Seeing Arissa frown, Benjamin shot daggers at Shaun and said, “Be gentle!”

Shaun's hand trembled. He looked at Benjamin to find the latter glaring at him.

“Does it hurt?” Shaun asked Arissa carefully.

“It's bearable.” Arissa flashed him an awkward smile. The pain lasted only for a while. Turning to Benjamin, she said, “Don't be mean to Mr. Bailey. It's only normal to feel a little pain.”

“Didn't you say it didn't hurt when the nurse inserted it for you? The reason you're feeling pain is that he doesn't know how to do it,” said Benjamin while continuing to glare at Shaun.

That rendered Shaun and Arissa speechless.

“Don't listen to him. I'm fine,” Arissa said to Shaun.

“It's my fault for not doing a good job at it,” said Shaun with a smile. After fixing the needle for her, he adjusted the speed of the drip.

Arissa gave him an embarrassed glance before glaring at Benjamin, who merely quirked his brow.

“All right, I've got other work to do. I won't bother you two anymore,” Shaun informed, then packed his things and left.

“Look at you. Why were you so fierce to him? He didn't mean to walk in on us. I bet he won't dare to give me an injection anymore,” she scolded.

Benjamin sat by the bed and placed a pillow under her hand. “If I didn't tell him that, he'll still do it carelessly the next time. Did it hurt just now?”

Arissa pursed her lips and said nothing more. She did not want to argue with him on that topic anymore.

Benjamin held her hand and gently stroked the back of it.

His thoughtful gestures filled her heart with a warm sensation. “Do you want to lie down for a while?” she asked in a gentler tone.

Benjamin's eyes gleamed. “I'm not tired.”

He continued sitting there and stroking her hand for some time before leaving to do his work.

Arissa glanced at her phone. Since Ethen had not returned Benjamin's call, she did not think it was appropriate for her to call.

He must be too busy to return the call.

When she recalled her children had not been asking for her that day, she wanted to give them a call, only to remember they had gone to school.

She gave Bradley a call to check if he was the one who sent them to school. However, no one picked up the phone.

She did not ask Benjamin either, for he seemed to be busy.

He's been keeping me company at the hospital the entire time. He probably doesn't know who sent them to school, too.

Just then, her phone rang. It was a video call from Zachary.

Arissa quickly answered it. “Zachary!”

“Mommy! Are you feeling better?” Zachary stared at her unblinkingly.

“I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm supposed to be discharged today, but your daddy is worried and made me stay for a few more days,” Arissa said.

“You should stay in the hospital for a few more days, Mommy.” Zachary looked at her with his bright eyes.

The sight of his face cheered Arissa up.

“Why are you alone? Where are your siblings?”

“They're in class!” Zachary giggled.

Puzzled, Arissa asked, “Aren't you in class, too?”

“I came to the restroom to give you a call because I was worried,” explained Zachary guiltily.

Smiling, Arissa said, “I'm fine. Go back to your class. Don't skip them!”

Zachary pouted and said, “I already know everything that's being taught. It's so boring. Anyway, we'll pay you a visit after school.”

“Okay. Who sent you kids to school this morning?” Arissa asked while looking at him. noveldrama

“Mr. Hinton. I think he went to the court after dropping us at school.”

Arissa was taken aback.

Bradley went to court? No wonder he didn't answer his phone. Did something happen to them? I haven't heard from them the entire morning.

Seeing the frown on her forehead, Zachary asked, “Mommy, are you worried about the results?