,

"I'll have two servings of spaghetti, one with no tomato sauce, just pepper sauce, and a side of mango juice and a glass of water, oh, and a low-fat blueberry mousse.

", Yates ordered with a certain grace, and it was clear he was ordering for two., The order was unmistakably tailored to Fanny's taste, especially the detail about the black pepper sauce. That was something only someone who paid close attention or was very close to her would know., Fanny never fusses about her food in public, but she steers clear of anything with tomato sauce., Yates hadn't seen her for years, and they had only recently made their relationship official. Yet, he knew her preferences so well, a testament to his genuine care for her., I had once teased them about being a cliché couple, but here he was, proving me wrong with his attentiveness.,

"Let's go order,

" Ernest whispered, giving my hand a gentle squeeze as a reminder., I understood it wasn't the right time to intrude on Yates and Fanny's rare moment together., Besides, choosing a spot so close to the hospital suggested they were probably squeezing this date into a tight schedule., Interrupting them now would be nothing short of annoying., Ernest ordered our meal, opting for things I liked but were also mild and soothing, considering my fever and sore throat.,

"We can skip dessert today. It might make your sore throat worse,

" Ernest suggested, showing the same kind of thoughtfulness as Yates. He didn't order it but made sure to explain why., Watching Yates and Fanny quietly enjoying their meal, barely conversing, I couldn't help feeling a bit indignant, which made me a bit playful with Ernest.

"What if I want dessert?

", Sometimes, a little whimsy in a relationship is harmless, as long as it's not overdone., Being pampered and indulged is, after all, a little joy in love., Fanny's version of romance seemed as bland as my meal that day, lacking flavor.,

"Then, have a little, but not too much,

" Ernest surprisingly agreed but set conditions., I looked up at him, and seeing my silence, he continued,

"Please, you can have as much as you want once you're better.

",

"Ernest,

" I called his name,

"I was just kidding.

", I was sick, and insisting on sweets would be just silly., Teenage girls might do such things, but not me., Ernest paused, then laughed, playfully tapping my nose,

"You're such a tease.

", When the dessert arrived anyway, I was surprised.,

"Have a little,

" Ernest said, glancing, at, Oranny and then back at me. don't, you'll still have.

" Copthat, others have, you'll have. What they, , Ernest, usually so stern and serious, spoke with a gentleness that touched my heart., I tasted the dessert.

"That's really sweet.

", But the sweetness wasn't just from the dessert; it was from Ernest's care.,

"Do you see them? It feels like they've hardly spoken, almost like strangers sharing a table,

" I mused, my attention split between our table and Fanny's. , Ernest smiled softly, saying,

"You can always ask Dr. Willis later.

",

"I think Fanny's just not taking the initiative. It's strange, she's so bold and unstoppable with me, yet turns into a timid kitten around someone she likes. Way too docile,

" I O complained. ,

"People are multifaceted,

" Ernest handed me the juice, urging me to drink., Looking at him, I realized,

"Yeah, like you.

", Outwardly, he's the tough, no-nonsense guy, but alone with me, he's the most gentle, thoughtful, and patient person.,

"No, I have to remind her,

" I said, reaching for my phone., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.