Claudia averted her gaze and closed her eyes, feigning sleep.

Still, the man was near, and the woody scent of his being would occasionally waft her way, constantly tempting her closer to him.

Caught in an inner turmoil, Claudia finally grasped the silver lining when her blood test results were back at last!

Everything was perfectly normal.

Leaping from her chair, she exclaimed, “Okay, time to head home!"

She wanted to go home. If all else failed, she could always resort to counting endless sheep to lull herself to sleep.

“Let's consult the doctor first."

The mere thought of the doctor's face drained Claudia's bravery.

“No, we must return!”

In that moment, she abandoned all pretense of reservation, impulsively grabbing Bennett's arm.

This was how she typically acted spoiled with Jace. ALL Claudia wanted was to get home quickly. She hadn't thought it through.

Until Bennett gazed at her, his voice calm.

“No temptation, okay?" Claudia was taken aback. What?

Realization hit her, and she pulled her hand away as if shocked by electricity.

Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Claudia stammered, “I'm sorry. I mistook you for my father."

Bennett could only stare, speechless.

A silence fell between them.

Claudia soon recognized her error. How could a man so young and handsome ever want to be seen as her father?

She lingered in discomfort, the medicinal effects having worn off, leaving only awkwardness.

Bennett gave her a brief glance, finally saying, “Let's go home.”

“Alright ."

Claudia nodded, too uneasy to say more.

They left the hospital late in the evening.

The hospital visit seemed to have cooled Claudia's fervor. Instead of feeling hot, she now felt drowsy.