Chapter 974

Oliver was feeling a bit uneasy. "What's up? Did something happen?"

Josefina hesitated, as if she was trying to find the right words but couldn't quite get them out. "Oh, it's nothing. Just that it's getting chilly. We should bundle up."

But Oliver wasn't buying it. He had a hunch that Josefina was keeping something from him. Still, he didn't press her. Instead, he served her a bowl of porridge.

"Josie, have some warm porridge. It'll warm you right up."

"Thanks," she said, taking the bowl and sipping it. It was a traditional chicken and rice soup, but the taste hit her wrong, and she nearly gagged.

Oliver quickly handed her a glass of water and gently patted her back. "Josie, maybe you should see a doctor, just to make sure everything's alright."

"No, really, I'm fine. I just need to take it easy for a bit."

Oliver took her hand and pulled her into a comforting hug, his eyes full of concern. "Are you sure there's nothing you're hiding from me?"

"No, you're overthinking things," Josefina replied, stepping back from his embrace. "I'll just stick to some plain porridge."

She figured something bland might be easier on her stomach. Despite Oliver's gentle nudging, Josefina was firm about not going to the doctor.

Oliver walked Josefina back to her place, and they headed into the Harrison family living room together.

Hattie was engrossed in a TV show, while Garrett was playing chess with Grandpa Robert. Her three brothers were tied up with work and hadn't made it home yet.

"Oliver, just in time! Play a few rounds with me. Garrett's chess game is dreadful," Grandpa Robert teased.

Garrett sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed in front of his future brother-in-law.

Oliver laughed and joined them. "With your skills, Grandpa Robert, it's no surprise you're winning. You've really upped your game."

"Oliver, you always know how to sweet talk. Come on, sit down and let's play."

Oliver settled in to play chess with Grandpa Robert, while Josefina joined her mom, Hattie, on the couch to watch TV.

Hattie noticed something was off

with Josefina. "Josie, you look a bit under the weather, Are you okay?"

okay

She placed a gentle hand on

Josefina's forehead to check for a

fever.

Grandpa Robert put the game on pause, concerned. "We should get the car ready

and take my granddaughter to the hospital."

"Grandpa, Mom, Dad, I've just been pushing myself too hard and haven't been sleeping well. A good night's sleep will do the trick, and I'll be fine by moming Josefina reassured them.

Trying to ease their worries, she added, "Don't forget, I'm a doctor. I can check my

own pulse. Really, I'm okay."

In their concern, they almost overlooked Josefina's medical expertise.

"Please, no need to worry. I'm truly fine," she insisted.

རོ།

Hattie, still worried, suggested, "Josie, take it easy. Have a nice long bath tonight and get to bed early. Tomorrow, take the day to relax at home. tal have Annika whIR U

Something delicious for you."

Garrett added, "Josie, just name it and I'll get a chef to make you whatever you want."

Grandpa Robert nodded. "That's a great idea. My granddaughter shouldn't have to stress herself out."

Josefina felt a warm glow from all their care and concern.

Oliver, sensing she needed rest, said softly, "Josie, maybe you should head upstairs and rest. I'll head out now."

Grandpa Robert nodded, acknowledging Oliver's words. "Oliver, we'll continue our game another day."

"Grandpa Robert, I recently got a new set of chess pieces. I'll bring them over for you to check out sometime."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Oliver headed out.

On his way home, Oliver made plans to have fresh ingredients flown in, hoping to cook a hearty meal for Josefina the next morning to help her regain her strength.