Obsessive Devotion Ice-Cold Tycoon's Calculated Proposal

"No." Daniel stretched his neck, his jaw clenched so tightly that it felt like his back teeth might shatter.

This wasn't medicine being applied; it felt more like torture.

The two of them faced each other, her left hand resting on his neck, while her right hand carefully applied the ointment. She worked with such concentration.

Her hands were soft, delicate, gliding over him like the finest silk. Every touch sent a ripple of shivers through him.

Their breaths intermingled, so close that if either of them lowered their gaze even a little, their lips would meet.

Her lashes, thick and dark like a fan, brushed against his soul.

Her skin was as smooth and pale as porcelain, her nose straight and defined, her lips full and inviting—he couldn't get enough of the way she looked.

As she worked, her lips naturally puckered, and the air seemed to become thick with her presence, drawing him in deeper.

The crystal chandelier overhead cast brilliant light, reflecting off her like a halo, making her look as if she had descended from another realm.

Her scent, subtle and delicate, lingered in the air, wrapping around him, too tempting to resist.

They were so close now, and through the reflection in the glass, it looked as if her entire body was nestled against his shoulder.

Outside, lightning flashed and rain poured, but inside, the air felt warm, peaceful—a stark contrast to the storm outside.

This tranquil scene was something Daniel could never have imagined, not even in his wildest dreams.

He held back, struggling to resist the urge to pull her into his arms.

"Are you cold?" He noticed the goosebumps rising on his neck, glancing at the temperature display in the room—it was perfectly regulated.

It wasn't the cold; it was the effect she had on him.

Daniel swallowed, his gaze slipping away from her, murmuring, "A little."

She assumed he was hinting that she was taking too long, so she hurried her movements. "I'll do it faster."

Once the iodine was applied, she carefully placed Band-Aids over the more serious areas, finally letting out a long breath.

"All done. Remember, no water, and don't scratch if it itches. It'll be fine in a few days."

Her touch was assured, experienced.

"You're quite skilled. Did you learn this before?" The atmosphere, once heavy with intimacy, seemed to shift, though Daniel seemed reluctant to let it fade.

Not wanting her to leave so soon, he asked, "Is this something you've learned?"

Vivian, finishing tidying up, smiled as if remembering something, "No formal lessons. It's just... self-taught. Leo's always..."

She paused, a soft smile fading as she realized her slip-up.

Daniel's eyes sharpened, catching every detail.

"Leo?" he pressed, his voice dipping with curiosity.

Vivian tightened the bottle of iodine, her expression unchanged, "My friend's nephew. He's a little rascal, always getting himself hurt. I learned all this from taking care of him."

Her explanation held no flaws.

Daniel remembered—her friend was the daughter of the Rosewood Hotel's owner. She indeed had a brother. As for whether he was married, that was of no interest to him.

"A boy?" Daniel inquired, his tone soft yet inquisitive.

Vivian's fingers curled slightly. "Yeah."

"I see. He must be special if you think about him so often." There was an unexpected bitterness in his chest.

He felt an unfamiliar jealousy stirring—this little boy had her attention even while she was tending to him. And though the child was young, Daniel couldn't suppress the jealousy, even if it was irrational.

But he kept his emotions in check, not wanting to scare her.

Vivian, sensing his mood shift, smiled lightly, "Boys are like that, especially when they're young. They're like puppies—everyone's annoyed by them. But, he's just a little too energetic."

Her gaze softened with affection, clearly remembering the child fondly.

Daniel suddenly wanted to drop the subject. He stood up, his expression unreadable. "It's getting late. You should rest."