Chapter 5: Angel’s care
It was another day in the modest house, and Noelle was enjoying slices of watermelon, the juicy sweetness a welcome change from the bitter porridge. He grumbled about a pesky stray bird that had taken to raiding his tomato plants. "You know," he muttered between bites, "I found this little vermin trying to peck at my tomatoes. It's been a thorn in my side for days. If I catch it, it's going to be dinner for sure."
His frustration was abruptly interrupted when Thorne began to cough, a harsh, rasping sound that cut through the room. Alarmed, Noelle sprang into action. He hurried over to Thorne's side, gently helping him sit up and rubbing his back in soothing circles. The coughing fit seemed to stretch on, but Noelle remained by his side, a comforting presence.
When the fit subsided, Noelle quickly moved to the kitchen, filling a cup with water and returning to offer it to Thorne. He carefully helped Thorne sip from the cup, dabbing at his mouth with a cloth. As he set the cup down on the nearby table, Noelle found himself caught in the gaze of Thorne's piercing blue eyes. They were an intense, vivid shade that reminded him of the deep, endless ocean—a sight he had never actually seen but could vividly imagine.
Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a blush creeping up his cheeks. The intensity of Thorne's gaze was almost overwhelming, and he found himself at a loss for words. "Uhm... I..." he stuttered, unsure of what to say or how to bridge the awkward silence.
Thorne attempted to respond, but his voice emerged as nothing more than a weak croak. Noelle's concern deepened, and he quickly offered more water, urging Thorne to take it slowly. "Hey, don't strain yourself," he said softly. "You just woke up. Relax, okay?"
Despite Noelle's attempts to soothe him, Thorne's blue eyes continued to observe him with a mix of curiosity, wariness, and an emotion that Noelle couldn't quite decipher. The scrutiny made Noelle feel self-conscious, a stark contrast to his earlier confidence. He wondered what Thorne saw in him—just a peculiar omega, perhaps?
Aunt Nancy had always said he was exceptionally attractive, but Noelle questioned her judgment, given that she had never ventured beyond their village. As the thought of possible disappointment crossed his mind, he quickly shut it away, pushing his insecurities into a mental box. He reminded himself that they were married, and any doubts about Thorne's perceptions were irrelevant now.