Chapter 43

There was still no response. Then, upon thinking of Heidi's stomach, which hurt at the slightest provocation, Maverick's heart lurched, and his expression shifted. What if she had fainted inside? He raised his voice and called, "Heidi! Say something! If you're not feeling well, answer me!" A sound finally came from behind the door. "I'm not dead. I want to sleep. Stop bothering me." Upon hearing her voice, the knot in Maverick's chest loosened somewhat. "Why did you lock the door just to sleep? This is my room," he said, holding his temper in check. "Open up. I need to talk to you." Inside, Heidi sat on the bed, her eyes red-rimmed. What else was there to say? It was always the same tired lines. "Don't overthink it." "Don't make a scene." "Be the reasonable one." She had heard it all so many times that it barely registered anymore. "I don't want to hear it," Heidi flatly said. "Captain Cadwell, if you have energy to spare, why don't you go downstairs and play chess wit