Ch. 351..360
Chapter 351 Mommy Is The Best
Staring at Benjamin, Arissa was thinking about telling him about Danna. However, she held her tongue at the last moment.
Since she had yet to ascertain whether Danna was speaking the truth, she figured it would be pointless to tell him.
After hesitating for a while, she eventually decided to sound him out.
“Benjamin!”
“Hmm?” Benjamin looked at her.
“Was Danna carrying Gavin when she came to find you?” she asked.
Conclusion flickered briefly in his eyes.
Why is she asking this suddenly?
“Yes! Why did you ask?” He observed her expression closely.
Arissa shook her head. “Nothing!”
Benjamin narrowed his eyes.
Could it be that she believed Danna’s words? Does she also not know how many children she gave birth to at that time?
As that thought appeared in his mind, he frowned.
“I’m going to check on the kids.” Arissa feared he might press on the topic, so she retracted her hand from his grip and went upstairs.
Benjamin watched her leave and only headed to his study after a while.
After arriving on the second floor, Arissa looked downstairs and went to the children’s room when she could not see the man’s figure.
The kids were bathing and having fun in the bathroom.
Arissa walked in and was touched to see Gavin bathing Jesse.
“Jesse, come over here. I’ll bathe you.” She then grabbed a stool and sat down.
“Mommy, I can bathe Jesse. You should take a bath too!” Gavin said thoughtfully.
Arissa flashed him a smile. “I will do it later on. Take your bath, and I’ll bathe Jesse!”
Jesse beamed with joy as she ran toward Arissa. “Mommy, it feels so relaxing when Gavin bathed me!”
Arissa pinched her daughter’s nose gently. “Does it not feel relaxing when I bathe you?”
“Of course it does! I love it the most when you bathe me, Mommy!” The little girl’s sweet voice was music to her ears.
Arissa could not help but pinch Jesse’s cheek gently. “Such a sweet talker!”
Jesse giggled joyfully.
With that, Arissa started bathing her.
The other four kids were also taking their baths on their own.
Zachary glanced at the door. “Mommy, Mr. Graham didn’t come up, right?”
Arissa responded, “No! Hurry up! Stop playing around!”
“Got it, Mommy! We will be done before you finish bathing Jesse!” the boys shouted.
“Heh! Let’s see who wins!” Arissa picked up her pace.
By the time she finished bathing Jesse, the other four kids had run out of the bathroom.
“Mommy, they are all done!” Jesse said.
Arissa let out a chuckle. “We’re done too!”
She wiped the water off her daughter’s body and dressed her in pajamas.
Then, she carried her out.
Wrapping her arms around her mother’s neck, Jesse urged, “Mommy, it’s your turn to take your bath!”
“Okay! I will do it now!” Arissa placed her on the bed and glanced at the other four kids.
Jasper teased, “Mommy, you lost!”
Arissa smiled and urged, “Now get ready to sleep!”
“Mommy, do you want to sleep with us?” Jesse, sitting on the bed, looked up at her.
Arissa’s heart melted at her blinking doe eyes, and she lowered her body to peck her on the cheek gently. “Okay. Go ahead and sleep first. I will come here after I finish my bath!”
“Mommy, please hurry up!” Oliver uttered with a smile.
Seeing that she was still wearing his glasses, she walked over and took them off. “Keep this properly!”
The boy smiled. “I am not sleeping yet!”
Arissa looked at Zachary and Gavin. “Go to sleep now!”
“All right. Mommy, come over soon!” Gavin reminded Arissa before calling his siblings to lie on the bed.
With that, the five of them swiftly did as told.
Chapter 352 Come Here To See You
Arissa grinned. “Goodnight, Sweethearts.”
“Goodnight, Mommy!”
The five little ones greeted her goodnight but still kept staring at her.
That filled her heart with affection, so she leaned forward and gave each of them a peck on their cheeks. “I’ll go and take a bath now.”
“Okay!” They nodded.
After tucking them in, she left the room to take a bath.
Arissa had just stepped out of the bathroom when Benjamin walked in. In a panic, she immediately held onto the towel wrapped around her body, covering her chest.
However, as soon as she recalled his words from before, she released her grip and started drying her hair with a hairdryer.
The man’s gaze landed on her curvaceous body, and his eyes darkened.
Having perceived his gaze, Arissa shot him a glance.
Benjamin then walked over. “Let me help you.”
He took the hairdryer from her and continued drying her hair.
Arissa took another glance at him and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Burning passion rose within his dark eyes as he took in her rosy cheeks. “Can’t I just come here to see you?”
When she met his gaze, her eyes flickered.
Benjamin swallowed hard when her scent wafted into his nose.
Feeling his warm breath on her ears, Arissa blinked.
As he continued to dry her hair in sections, he could not stop his gaze from lingering at her fair chest.
The moment she tilted her head to look at him and saw him staring down at her body, she cleared her throat.
That noise caused him to raise his gaze. His deep and dark eyes were like an abyss that could suck a person’s soul out of their body.
“Why do you keep staring at me?” Arissa asked, giving him a side-long glance.
“Can’t I look at you?”
The woman let out a mirthless laugh and deliberately taunted him with his own words. “I remember someone said that I don’t have a nice figure!”
Benjamin knitted his brows. Have I ever said that?
She laughed inwardly upon noticing that he was stumped for a response. “What’s wrong, Graham? Why are you so quiet?”
Narrowing his eyes, he pinned her to the couch and leaned downward.
He pressed his hands against the couch and locked her in his arms.
Arissa stared at him and asked, “Are you trying to force yourself on me?”
As she spoke, she reached out her hand to caress his chest.
Benjamin’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down when he perceived the smirk on her face.
Suddenly, he stood up and headed out. “Come and apply the ointment for me later!”
Arissa blinked. That’s it? He’s leaving?
“Ointment? I thought you’ve recovered?”
Benjamin walked to his bedroom.
Arissa pouted. After tidying up the bathroom and changing into her pajamas, she went to the children’s room.
All five of them had fallen asleep.
Arissa sat on the edge of the bed and gently stroked their faces.
Suddenly, her nagging doubt once again appeared in her mind.
Had I really given birth to more than five kids that year, I guess the other child should be around their height and weight?
A pucker formed between her eyebrows. Is the child doing all right? I tremble to think that something terrible has happened to them.
Arissa bit her lip.
She hated herself for being a useless mother who failed to protect her own children.
I wouldn’t have been separated from my child for years if it weren’t for that woman.
She gently ran her fingers on Gavin’s cheeks, and in response, the sleepy boy rubbed his face against her palm.
Just as she leaned forward and landed a peck on his cheek, Benjamin’s voice sounded from a distance. “Arissa!”
Arissa immediately returned to her senses.
“Bring something over for me!” The man’s voice sounded again, carrying an authoritative tone.
She then stood up and walked toward his room.
Benjamin was taking a shower in the bathroom.
When she neared the door, she asked, “What do you need?”
“Get me my towel!” came his voice amidst the sound of running water.
Arissa’s lips twitched, and she grumbled, “Why didn’t you grab it before taking a shower?”
Despite her complaint, she still went to the closet to get him a towel.
Chapter 353 He Is Jealous
Arissa went back to the bathroom and knocked on the door.
“The door’s not locked!” Benjamin said.
Staring at the door, she found herself at a loss for words.
Is he asking me to deliver the towel inside the bathroom? I’m not a pervert who’s interested in watching others shower!
She hung the towel on the doorknob and said to him, “I put it on the doorknob. Come and get it yourself!”
The sound of the shower stopped.
“Bring it in!” Benjamin ordered in a deep voice.
Arissa could not help but roll her eyes. “Why can’t you get it yourself?”
I don’t want to go in.
“Come in and help me with the ointment!” he ordered once again.
That caused her to sigh. “I’ll help you apply it once you’re done using the shower!”
It won’t be easy to apply the ointment to his body when it’s all wet.
She still refused to go in.
After a short while, Benjamin opened the door and saw her sitting on the couch, facing away from him.
He grabbed the towel and wrapped it around his waist before striding toward her.
Bending his finger, he knocked her head, which evoked a gasp from her.
Arissa turned around and shot daggers at him.
Benjamin’s eyes glinted with mirth as he asked, “Why can’t you just do as I said?”
His question rendered her speechless.
Staring at the man who was exuding an intense manly aura, she voiced, “How do you expect me to help you apply the ointment when your body is wet?”
Benjamin snorted and rubbed a towel over his wet hair a few times before ordering, “Get over here!”
Arissa pursed her lips. “What for?”
“Dry my hair!” He stared at her intently.
The woman complied, going over to his side and taking over the towel to dry his hair.
Benjamin took a glance at her. “Are you hiding something from me?”
Arissa lowered her eyes to look at him. “Nothing!”
Still, he remained unconvinced. Displeased by the fact that she refused to be honest with him, he furrowed his brows tightly.
At that moment, she looked at Benjamin and thought he was behaving oddly.
That question came out of nowhere.
Nonetheless, she did not dwell on it for long, continuing to dry his hair and wiping off the water droplets on his body.
Once that was done, she brought his ointment over and applied it to his body.
The rashes on Benjamin’s skin had almost disappeared.
“Have you taken your medicine?” she asked.
“Not yet!” he replied and tilted his body so that she could apply the ointment to the other side.
“The rashes on your skin should disappear tomorrow once you’ve taken the medicine tonight.”
While listening to her nagging, Benjamin could not keep his eyes away from her.
Yet, Arissa’s attention remained undivided. After completing the application, she said, “Go and eat your medicine now!”
He did not move.
Arissa turned around and looked at him. “Take your medicine and sleep early!”
Benjamin looked at her and asked, “Where are you going?”
Pointing outside the room, she said, “I promised the children I would sleep with them.”
He gazed into her eyes and said in a deep voice, “But they’re already asleep. They don’t need you.”
“I like sleeping with them. Are you happy with the answer?”
With a scowl on his face, he glared at the sharp-tongued woman. “You’re sleeping here tonight.”
Arissa shot a look of disbelief at the domineering man. “Why should I sleep here when you’ve recovered?”
“Why not?” His eyes bored into hers.
Her heart instantly skipped a beat, and she looked away. “I don’t know!”
Benjamin continued to look at her.
“I’m going out now. Don’t forget to take your medicine!”
When Arissa was about to turn around and leave, she heard his imperious voice.
“I won’t!” he declared, glaring at her.
His face had turned grim by then.
To her, the kids are more important than me?
He could not help but start to feel jealous.
Amused by his reaction, Arissa almost failed to stifle a chuckle.
“You’re the one who’s going to suffer if your rashes won’t go away!”
Benjamin pinched his thin lips together and uttered indifferently, “It’s none of your business!”
Her lips twitched.
In the end, she turned around to retrieve the medicine and poured him a glass of water.
Holding them forward, she cooed, “Come on now! Take your medicine.”
Benjamin looked at her and said, “Go and keep the children company.”
Arissa froze for a moment.
Chapter 354 If You Were Not Their Father
Benjamin remained seated but did not reach out to take the glass of water and medicine from her.
“Take your medicine, Benjamin Graham.” Arissa raised her voice.
He shot her a glance and replied, “My stomach hurts. I don’t want to take it!”
His remark evoked a dubious look from her. He was fine earlier on, and now his stomach hurts?
“Are you telling the truth?”
Benjamin’s expression darkened. “No, I lied. Get out!”
Arissa was taken aback by his sudden bellow.
What’s wrong with this man!
“Are you really not going to take this?” she asked.
The man did not reply and merely pursed his lips.
Arissa put down the medicine and glass of water before walking out of the room.
Fine. It’s your problem, not mine! Such a weirdo.
She went straight to the children’s room and lay beside them quietly and carefully.
However, she could not seem to fall asleep as she kept thinking about Benjamin.
Does he really have a stomachache?
A few moments later, her concern for him compelled her to crawl out of bed cautiously and head to Benjamin’s bedroom.
Arissa’s heart sank when she saw him curling up to sleep from afar.
She went into the room and realized he was breaking out in cold sweat and gritting his teeth as if he was in a lot of pain.
While patting his arm, she asked, “Hey, Benjamin. Are you okay?”
Benjamin’s eyes flickered open; his gaze was fierce.
“It’s none of your business!”
Annoyed by his callous behavior, Arissa was tempted to leave him alone to suffer if not for the fact he was the father of her children.
“Is it that bad? Do you have medicine for it?”
Benjamin clenched his teeth and did not respond to her question.
Arissa started panicking upon noticing the sweat droplets rolling down his face. “I’ll take you to the hospital!”
“No!” He squeezed out that word through gritted teeth.
“Should I call Shaun over?” she suggested, taking out her phone.
Just as she was about to dial Shaun’s number, she saw Benjamin glaring at her, his eyes flashing.
“I said it’s none of your business! Get out!”
What a bad-tempered man!
Arissa felt exasperated.
She wanted to walk out of the room and forget about him but eventually went downstairs to find him medicine.
After going through the medical box for a while, she finally found the medicine and headed upstairs hurriedly.
Upon noticing his pale face and how he was pressing hard on his abdomen, Arissa softened her tone. “Take this. You’ll feel better in no time!”
Since he did not give her any response, she bent down to help him sit on the bed, but he refused to cooperate.
Having lost her balance, she fell onto him.
“Get off me!” Benjamin’s attitude was nasty.
Arissa shot daggers at him, and she finally raised her voice. “I just wanted to help you sit up so that you can take your medicine. If it weren’t because you’re the father to my children, I wouldn’t have been bothered to take care of you!”
The children would surely be anxious if they knew he had fallen sick.
Even though they ignored him most of the time, deep in her heart, Arissa knew the children still cared for their father deeply.
Benjamin’s stomach hurt even more after hearing her remark. She only cares for me because of the kids.
His face was as black as thunder as he barked, “Get out!”
The sharp glint in his eyes was so terrifying that it made Arissa shudder.
With an awkward expression, she carefully put down the medicine and exhorted, “Don’t forget to take your medicine!”
She then left the room.
After returning to the guest room, she called Shaun and asked him to come and check on Benjamin.
Struggling to fall asleep, she tossed and turned on the bed until she heard the sound of a car. That had her heaved a sigh in relief.
Soon, a series of footsteps sounded from outside. It seemed that two people had entered Benjamin’s room.
“What happened to you, Mr. Graham?”
Edwin was shocked to see Benjamin’s pallid face and the beads of cold sweat all over his exposed skin.
Even Shaun was taken aback by Benjamin’s miserable look.
“Where do you feel unwell?”
Benjamin looked at them with a deadpan expression. “I’m fine!”
“You’re fine?” Shaun nearly exploded with anger.
“How long have you been in this condition?” He then took a closer look at Benjamin’s complexion and checked his pulse.
Benjamin continued to ignore him by looking out of the room. There was no one at the doorway.
Shaun noticed his gaze, so he glanced at Edwin before asking Benjamin, “Who are you looking for?”
Chapter 355 Did You Two Have A Fight
Benjamin retracted his gaze and pressed a hand against his stomach as he leaned against the headboard.
“How am I going to treat you if you won’t say a word, Benjamin? You look like you’re in a lot of pain here. In fact, you might even need to be hospitalized. Even if you don’t care about your wife, you should at least care about your kids, right?” Shaun exclaimed helplessly.
Benjamin shot him a sharp glance. “Who asked you to come here?”
“Your wife, of course! She’s worried sick about you!” Shaun replied with a chuckle.
The look on Benjamin’s face eased up a little as he let out a cold snort.
Shaun looked at him and guessed boldly, “Did you two get into a fight?”
Edwin, too, was staring at Benjamin curiously from the side.
The latter shot them a glare and asked, “Why are you two looking at me like that?”
The butler quickly lowered his gaze and kept his head down.
His condition probably isn’t serious if he’s able to get angry like this! Shaun shook his head at the thought of that.
Noticing the medicine on the side, he retrieved it and handed it to Benjamin. “You should take your medicine, Benjamin. Everything else can wait until you’re all better.”
“Leave, both of you. I want to get some rest!” Benjamin ordered while shooting him a furious look.
Shaun rubbed his nose awkwardly and glanced at Edwin.
“I’ll go check and see where Ms. York is,” Edwin said, but he only left when he received no response from Benjamin.
Upon arriving before Arissa’s room, he called out to her, “Ms. York?”
Arissa got up and opened the door. “Edwin?”
The older man flashed her a smile and asked respectfully, “Ms. York, could you please go talk to Mr. Graham? He refuses to take his medicine!”
What? Benjamin still won’t take his medicine even when Shaun has come over? Wasn’t he just fine a while back? Honestly, I don’t understand his temper at all!
With that in mind, she replied, “But he kicked me out of the room earlier! He’ll just get even angrier if I go see him now!”
“Mr. Graham is just a little stubborn like that. He actually wants you to coax him a little, Ms. York!” Edwin said as he continued trying to persuade her.
Arissa pouted in response but gave in when she saw how anxious Edwin looked.
Meanwhile, Shaun was trying to talk some sense into Benjamin. “Benjamin, you’ll end up scaring your wife away like this!”
“Oh, I doubt that! She seems pretty bold if you ask me!” Benjamin snapped back at him with a snort.
Shaun’s lips twitched as he replied, “Women like men who are gentlemanly and loving, you know?”
Benjamin narrowed his eyes at him as he retorted, “Women are into guys like you, but I don’t see you having a girlfriend!”
Shaun fumed when he heard that vicious comeback. “You are unbelievable!”
Arissa raised her brows when she overheard their conversation upon entering the room.
“Is he all right, Mr. Bailey?” she asked.
“Judging by his hot temper, I’d say he seems pretty fine to me!” Shaun harrumphed and gave Benjamin the side-eye.
“Thank you for coming over, but maybe you should head back for now. Sorry for troubling you to come over so suddenly!”
“It’s fine!” Shaun let out a sigh and turned toward Benjamin as he continued, “You should hurry up and take your medicine if you want to feel better. I’ll be on my way now!”
Edwin glanced at Benjamin and Arissa before saying, “Mr. Bailey, allow me to walk you to the door!”
Shaun nodded and left the room afterward.
Arissa looked at Benjamin, who was lying on the bed, and asked in a low voice, “Are you feeling any better?”
“Do I look like I’m feeling better?” he retorted while staring at her in displeasure.
She clenched her teeth in response. “Why would you chase Mr. Bailey out if you aren’t feeling better? And you’re not taking your medicine too! Honestly, you’re so childish!”
“What did you say?” he questioned, his deep voice carrying a hint of warning.
Arissa walked up to him, sat down on the side of his bed, and stared at the scowl on his face. “What exactly do you want?”
Benjamin simply kept quiet and looked the other way.
“I admit that I was wrong, okay?”
Unsure of how she should mollify him, Arissa decided to start by apologizing.
In truth, she was clueless as to why he was angry at her.
His unstable and unpredictable temper was starting to give her quite the headache.
“I’m sorry for making you angry when you’re sick. Come on, hurry up and take your medicine, okay?” Arissa cooed while handing him the medicine.
Benjamin glanced at it without saying a word.
“I’ll stay here tonight if you take your medicine!” she added while staring at him.
When he heard that, his eyes flickered.
Chapter 356 Crying While Having A Nightmare
Noticing that it was working, Arissa continued, “I’m serious, Benjamin. I’ll stay here with you instead of keeping the kids’ company.”
She was unsure if he was mad about that, but she gave it a shot anyway.
“I don’t need you to keep me company!” Benjamin gave a snort, but his tone had eased up significantly.
Arissa found his prideful yet childish behavior rather amusing. At the same time, her heart softened.
“Well, I want to keep you company! Is that okay with you?” she asked with an endearing grin on her face.
Benjamin’s eyes flickered once again. “Whatever, do as you wish!”
Arissa let out a chuckle but quickly held it back when she recalled her main priority.
“Now, take your medicine!” she said while holding a few pills up to his mouth.
The man cleared his throat to hide his awkwardness before taking the pills and stuffing them into his mouth.
Arissa then grabbed a glass of water and fed it to him.
After swallowing those pills, he lay down to get some sleep.
Arissa felt her heart flutter a little as she stared at his back.
She then pulled the covers over his shoulder before going to sleep on the couch nearby.
Benjamin pricked up his ears to listen for signs of her leaving the room. When he did not hear the sound of the door opening, he opened his eyes slightly to take a peek.
At the sight of her sleeping on the couch, a smile formed on his face.
Because it was very late at night, Arissa fell asleep shortly after lying down.
Benjamin got up and made his way toward her when he heard her slow, even breathing.
Well, I suppose she’s not so dense, after all!
He made that remark in his mind as he stood beside the couch and stared at her countenance while she slept.
After watching her for a while, he saw Arissa nearly fall off the couch when she turned in her sleep.
Benjamin panicked and quickly tried to catch her, but that did not happen at all.
Instead, Arissa simply turned toward the other side and carried on sleeping.
At that sight, he breathed a sigh of relief and stood up. That was when his gaze fell upon her plump bottom.
He swallowed nervously to soothe his dry throat as he stared at Arissa, who was still fast asleep.
“Mmm…”
Arissa moved slightly in her sleep, causing her pajamas to ride up, which exposed a small part of her slender waist.
The gorgeous curve of her waistline ignited the flames of lust within Benjamin.
This woman is definitely seducing me!
That thought caused him to let out a soft snort. Then, he covered her waist and bottom with a blanket before returning to bed.
Arissa, you heartless woman… How dare you sleep so soundly when you know that I’m sick? Benjamin grumbled in his mind as he stole one final glance at her.
With that, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, he was jolted awake by the sounds of Arissa sobbing helplessly and miserably.
“No… Don’t take my kids away…”
The look on Benjamin’s face changed when he heard her cry, and he quickly rushed to her side.
Arissa’s face was covered in tears as she continued sobbing in her sleep, still deep in her dream.
“No… Give me back my kids… Don’t take them away…”
Benjamin reached out to hold her hands when he saw her waving both of her arms frantically.
Thinking it was the person who took her children, Arissa tightened her grip on his hand and dug her nails into his skin.
He paid no heed to the pain and called out to her, “Arissa! Arissa!”
Arissa was dreaming about the day Danna took her children away from her.
She reached out to snatch them back from Danna, but she could not seem to reach them no matter how hard she tried.
Trapped in a chasm of helplessness, Arissa continued to sob, “My kids… Give them back… You guys are all bad people…”
It pained Benjamin deeply to see her wailing so sorrowfully, so he raised his voice. “Wake up, Arissa!”
Arissa heard a gentle voice coming from a distance, which slowly became clearer.
“Wake up! Wake up, Arissa!”
Benjamin gently patted her on the cheek while pinching her nose from time to time.
Eventually, Arissa opened her teary eyes and stared blankly at the handsome face in front of her.
Still overwhelmed by the grief of losing her children, she did not know whether she was awake or still dreaming.
As her heart continued to ache badly, tears flowed across her cheeks and into her ears.
Chapter 357 Why Are You Hitting Yourself
Benjamin felt his heart wrench in pain when he saw how upset Arissa was, her face covered with sweat and tears.
He reached out to wipe away her tears and said gently, “Arissa, you’re having a nightmare!”
Noticing that Arissa still seemed to be in a daze, the man could not help but worry.
He carried her to the sofa and patted her back softly, sitting by her side.
“It’s all right. It’s just a dream!” Benjamin cooed.
Hearing that, the woman sniffled and gradually returned to her senses.
When she felt the warmth of Benjamin’s embrace, her feeling of helplessness slowly subsided.
“Everything is fine now.”
The man lifted her face and comforted her.
Tears welled up in Arissa’s eyes as she met Benjamin’s worried gaze.
Still feeling helpless, she tried to stop herself from crying as she started narrating her dream to the man.
“Just now, I…”
Unable to hold back her tears, tears flowed down the woman’s cheeks as she spoke.
Patting her back gently, Benjamin said, “It’s just a dream.”
Arissa finally calmed down and stopped crying after a while.
She sniffled and slipped out of the man’s arms. That was when she saw that his shirt was already soaked with her tears and snot.
“Sorry! You should go and wash up!” Arissa exclaimed, feeling awkward.
“It’s all right!” Benjamin replied and proceeded to wipe away the remaining tears on Arissa’s face while she glanced at him.
“Are you feeling better now?” Benjamin asked, fixing his worried gaze on Arissa.
She could feel a dull pain in her heart as she replied, “I dreamed of the kids being taken away just now.”
When Benjamin heard that, he frowned and felt his heart aching.
“I guessed it when I heard you screaming just now.”
Arissa looked at him briefly and said, “You should go and wash up. I’ll sit here for a while more!”
Benjamin sized her up and noticed that her emotions were more or less settled. Only then did he stand up and head toward the bathroom.
Arissa curled up on the couch and a sorrowful expression appeared on her face as she tried to recall how many of her children Danna had taken away.
Was it one or two?
The woman’s head started aching when she tried harder to recall her dream.
Feeling frustrated, she lifted her hand and knocked her head with her knuckles.
At the same time, Benjamin came out and saw Arissa doing that. A crease appeared between his brows as he strode toward her.
“Why are you hitting yourself?” He grabbed her hand, stopping her actions.
Arissa glanced at the man and replied, “My head is hurting.”
Benjamin reached out to touch her forehead and noticed that it felt rather hot.
“Wait a minute!”
After retrieving a thermometer, he checked the woman’s body temperature.
“Thirty-eight degrees Celsius! You’re running a fever,” Benjamin said with his brows furrowed.
When Arissa heard that, she was slightly stunned. She realized that her recent headaches could be due to her fever and not because of her bad mood as a result of the dreams she had been having.
After taking a look at the woman, Benjamin said, “Go and rest in bed!”
Arissa shot a glance at him, stood up and headed to the bathroom.
Benjamin poured a glass of water while waiting for her to come out.
The moment Arissa opened the door, he immediately rushed over to help her to the bed before asking, “Are you still feeling unwell?”
The woman shook her head and took over the glass of water.
“Drink more water! I’ll get Shaun to come over,” Benjamin said as he took out his phone.
“There’s no need for that. I’ll be fine after taking some medicine!” Arissa said, looking at the man.
Ignoring her words, Benjamin continued to make the call. “Shaun, come over right now. Arissa is having a fever!”
Arissa felt a little embarrassed when she heard that. When she stood up to pour herself a glass of water, she staggered for a bit.
“Be careful! What are you doing?” Benjamin hurried over to support her.
Tossing his phone to one side, he carried her to the bed.
“I want some water,” Arissa said, looking at the man.
Benjamin propped her up against the headboard and stroked her head affectionately while replying, “Lie still. I’ll get it for you!”
Arissa stared at the man’s figure as he turned around and headed to the kitchen.
“Thank you!” she said, feeling touched.
Benjamin took a glance at her and replied, “Stop talking and drink up!”
After Arissa drank a few glasses of water, Benjamin took a wet towel and placed it on her forehead.
“You should get some rest too! Your stomach isn’t feeling well,” Arissa looked at the man and urged.
“I’m fine now,” Benjamin said as he sat down by her bed and fixed his gaze on her with tightly knitted brows. Noticing that her lips were unusually red, he flipped the towel over.
Chapter 358 Benjamin Takes Care Of Her Throughout The Night
“Is there any Panadol soluble? I’ll just take two of that,” asked Arissa as she looked toward Benjamin.
She was feeling extremely uncomfortable due to her fever and could feel her teeth aching as well.
Noticing that the woman’s breathing was slightly labored, Benjamin gave Shaun another call, urging him to hurry.
“I’ll go and check. Get some sleep first!” Benjamin said to Arissa before heading downstairs to check if there was any fever medicine in the house.
He managed to find some Panadol soluble and threw them into a glass of water. Then, he went back upstairs and helped Arissa sit up on the bed.
“Arissa, drink some water!”
The woman’s head felt groggy as she started sipping on the water.
She had only detected the bitter taste of the medicine in the water when she had almost finished drinking the entire glass.
“Mmm…”
“Finish it!” Benjamin ordered.
Arissa had no choice but to finish up the medicine with her face all scrunched up.
After making sure that she had drunk it all up, Benjamin helped her lie down in bed.
When the man went to wet the towel to wipe Arissa’s face, Shaun arrived.
Carrying his medical kit, the doctor ran upstairs and asked, “How is Mrs. Graham?”
Benjamin frowned when he saw that Arissa had already fallen asleep in just a few minutes.
“When I called you just now, her fever was at thirty-eight degrees Celsius! She has just taken some Panadol soluble.”
Shaun took out his own medical equipment at once and checked Arissa’s body temperature.
“Thirty-eight point three degrees Celsius!”
The crease between Benjamin’s brows deepened when he heard that.
But it has only been such a short while. Why is it that her temperature has risen?
“Think of a way to bring it down!”
Shaun took a glance at Benjamin and started to treat Arissa without any delay.
However, after half an hour, the woman’s fever still had not subsided.
As such, Shaun gave her an injection.
Another half an hour later, Arissa’s fever finally subsided, and Benjamin heaved a sigh of relief.
Before Shaun arrived, he could only try to cool Arissa’s fever by dabbing a wet towel on her forehead.
The doctor took a look at his friend and teased, “Did you guys agree on taking turns to fall sick?”
Benjamin responded by rolling his eyes.
Shaun chuckled and said, “Look at how worried you are! Luckily, I stay pretty close to Yaleview.”
“Stop your nonsense and go get some rest in the guest room!”
Benjamin raised his voice at Shaun before he continued to take care of Arissa.
Seeing that, the corners of Shaun’s lips twitched.
He looked toward Benjamin and said, “Since Mrs. Graham’s fever has subsided, you can stop worrying. Is your stomach feeling better?”
“Yup!” Benjamin nodded.
“Even though you’re unlikely to have a relapse, you should ensure that you get enough rest as well,” Shaun reminded.
Benjamin nodded again.
He lay down on the bed next to the woman after Shaun left the room, touching her forehead intermittently.
The man felt his heart aching again when he noticed how tired Arissa looked even when she was asleep.
Leaning over, he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Benjamin did not dare to fall into a deep sleep throughout the entire night, waking up at intervals to check if Arissa’s fever had returned.
He only managed to fall asleep at daybreak.
Meanwhile, being tortured by her nightmare and fever, the woman was still sound asleep when the sky was already bright.
When the five little ones woke up, they pouted and frowned in displeasure when they noticed that Arissa was not there.
“Didn’t Mommy promise to sleep in our room?” Jesse said unhappily.
Jasper rubbed his eyes as he grumbled, “Maybe Mommy is already awake?”
Squinting his eyes, Oliver replied, “It’s just 6 a.m. now. Mommy wouldn’t wake up so early.”
Zachary nodded in agreement before glancing at the door. “Is it possible that Benjamin took Mommy away?”
A glint flashed past Gavin’s eyes as a crease appeared between his brows.
“I’ll go and take a look!”
The boy quickly jumped off the bed and ran out of their bedroom, heading toward Benjamin’s bedroom.
Zachary, Oliver, Jasper and Jesse caught up with their brother immediately, wanting to find out if Arissa was in the man’s room.
When the five little ones saw that their mommy was indeed there and was sleeping in Benjamin’s arms, they let out a loud snort and started complaining furiously.
“Mr. Graham is so shameless! How dare he hug Mommy!”
“I hate Mr. Graham for snatching our mommy away!”
Chapter 359 Do Not Touch My Mommy
Benjamin was awoken by the noise made by the kids when they ran into the room.
He looked at the little ones sleepily while touching Arissa’s forehead and felt relieved after making sure that her body temperature was normal.
“You’re not allowed to touch my mommy!” Zachary bellowed in an imposing manner with his brows furrowed.
“You’re so shameless! How can you touch Mommy!” Gavin gritted his teeth and scolded.
Faced with the angry stares of the five little ones, Benjamin chided, “Stop hollering. Your mommy is sick!”
At once, the children went closer to the bed with worried expressions on their faces.
“What happened to Mommy?”
“She had a fever last night. Keep your voice down,” Benjamin reminded the kids before turning around and lying on his back, massaging his temples.
As he did not sleep well, the man was in a rather bad mood. If it was someone else instead of the kids, he would have flared up long ago.
“Mommy looks really pale!” Gavin commented after observing Arissa’s face while touching her forehead carefully.
“Gavin, here’s the thermometer!” Jasper said while passing the thermometer to his brother.
“Gavin, quickly check if Mommy still has a fever,” Zachary continued with his brows still tightly knitted.
After checking Arissa’s temperature, Gavin announced, “Her temperature is normal now. There’s no more fever!”
Only then did the five little ones heave a sigh of relief.
“Since Mommy is still sleeping, shall we go out first?” Oliver suggested.
Jesse sneaked a glance at Benjamin and said softly, “But I want to stay with Mommy!”
“Let’s stay here then!” Zachary decided, with his younger brothers and sister nodding fervently in agreement.
Gavin did not raise any objections as well but reminded the rest of the kids, “Let’s sit over there so that we don’t disturb Mommy.”
His siblings nodded in response before all of them headed over to the side of the room.
Benjamin did not fall back to sleep, keeping his eyes open.
When he glanced over at the children, he saw that they were all looking at him.
Reading the displeasure in their eyes, the man cocked his brows and sat up.
“Have you guys washed up?”
When Jesse yawned, Benjamin could not help but notice how much the girl resembled Arissa, and his gaze softened.
It would be great if only all the four boys were girls instead.
To Benjamin, Jesse was the most adorable one among the five children.
“Hmph!”
Gavin merely shook his head without replying to his father.
“We haven’t washed up yet. What about it?” Zachary replied, meeting Benjamin’s gaze.
The man looked at his five children and said, “Daddy will help you guys wash up. Let’s go!”
The little ones glanced at Benjamin before looking at each other and remained seated.
Sighing silently, Benjamin tried again in a more domineering manner.
“Gavin, bring your brothers to the bathroom to wash up. Come back after that. Mommy won’t be waking up so soon. Let her get more rest!”
Gavin turned around and glared at his father.
Benjamin rubbed his nose awkwardly, wondering where the boy had gotten his hot temper from.
He walked over and patted his son’s head, saying, “A man shouldn’t be angry with his daddy. You should also be setting a good example for your siblings. Go and wash up!”
Hearing that, Gavin pouted before addressing his siblings, “Let’s go and wash up!”
Gavin was the first to run out of the room.
When Zachary saw that, he followed behind his elder brother, taking the rest of his siblings along.
A short while later, the five little ones were all gone.
Staring at the empty doorway, Benjamin sighed.
Arissa rolled over in bed, sniffing, as she sensed the presence of the kids.
When Benjamin turned around, he met the woman’s gaze as she opened her eyes.
Feeling sleepy, Arissa still had a fatigued look on her face.
“You’re awake?”
Benjamin asked, leaning closer, pushing away the strands of hair that were stuck to the woman’s face.
“Yup,” Arissa replied, perking up, even though her voice still sounded rather weak.
“It’s still early. You should get more sleep,” Benjamin urged, tucking her in.
“Are the kids here?”
Chapter 360 You Do Not Have To Go To Work
Benjamin arched his brows and replied, “Yup. Did they wake you up?”
Arissa shook her head in response.
“Then, how did you know that they were here?” Benjamin asked curiously, looking at her.
“I detected their smell,” Arissa answered softly.
The man chuckled and replied, “Sleep for a while more. Don’t go to work today.”
Surprised by his thoughtfulness, Arissa looked at Benjamin and said, “Thanks, Mr. Graham!”
“Get some sleep. I’ll send the kids to school,” Benjamin replied, fixing his gaze on the woman, before heading to the bathroom to wash up.
Meanwhile, instead of going back to sleep, Arissa fell into deep thought while lying on the bed.
Benjamin noticed the woman’s thoughtful expression when he came out of the bathroom. Arching his brows, he lay on his side and asked, “Why are you not sleeping?”
Arissa turned to look at him and sat up.
“I already woke up. I’m not sleepy anymore.”
Benjamin walked toward his wardrobe while replying, “Why don’t you go and wash up then? We’ll head downstairs for breakfast in a while.”
Arissa noticed that Benjamin was behaving in a much gentler manner that day and shot a glance in his direction.
When she was washing up in the bathroom, she noticed that the man’s toothbrush was placed neatly beside hers, and her heart skipped a beat.
Does this mean that we’re already cohabiting?
While Arissa was brushing her teeth, she thought about whether she should look for Danna later.
After washing her face, the woman headed back to the room to get changed when she saw Benjamin sitting on the sofa waiting for her, all dressed up.
The well-dressed man looked exceptionally elegant and exuded a charming aura.
“I’m gonna get changed.” Arissa walked out of the room after taking a glance at him.
Benjamin looked up at the woman and could not help but notice her slender figure.
An unfathomable glint flashed past the man’s eyes before he fixed his gaze on her.
The moment Arissa walked out, the five little ones rushed over.
“Mommy, you’re awake?”
Not only had the children washed up, but they had also gotten changed all by themselves. They look extremely adorable and dressed in the same school uniforms.
“Yup!”
Arissa smiled and hugged the kids before saying, “Mommy is going to get changed now. Wait here for a while!”
The five little ones blinked and nodded obediently.
Arissa bent forward and kissed the children on their cheeks before heading to the guest room to get changed.
The children followed behind her in a single file.
When Arissa turned back, she looked at them, feeling amused.
“Wait outside!”
The woman took a set of clothes and went into the bathroom to get changed while the five little ones waited patiently outside.
Just then, Benjamin walked out and saw the children leaning against the door frame, looking inside the room.
He walked over and took a look as well but did not see anyone.
“What are you guys looking at?”
When the five little ones turned around, they met Benjamin’s gaze and moved toward one side.
“Get your school bags. Daddy will send you guys to school after breakfast,” Benjamin said to the kids.
When the kids heard that, they blinked and exchanged glances. Finally, Gavin said softly, “We want to wait for Mommy!”
Benjamin looked at the little ones and said to Gavin, “Hurry up and get going. Mommy won’t be ready so soon.”
Feeling annoyed, Gavin glared at his father before running toward his own bedroom.
Zachary, Oliver, Jasper and Jesse trailed behind their eldest brother.
“Gavin, wait for us!”
Jesse was the slowest among the five of them.
Looking at his children, the corners of Benjamin’s lips curled up into a gentle smile.
When Arissa walked out after getting changed, she saw Benjamin standing at the door with a benevolent expression on his face.
Smiling, she asked, “Were the kids here just now?”
“Yup!”
Benjamin turned around and saw that the woman was smartly dressed.
“I told you that you don’t have to go to work today.”
“I know,” Arissa replied, looking at the man.
“Then, why are you dressed like that?”
Benjamin took another glance at the woman’s outfit before asking, “Are you going out later?”
A glint flashed past Arissa’s eyes as she replied, “Nope. I’m just getting dressed for breakfast.”
Benjamin stared intently at her for a while before she walked past him and went out of the room.