Chapter 39 Selling Myself for Money

The next day, I awoke to the aroma of congee. It had been nearly twenty-four hours since I last ate, and my throat was parched with thirst. I glanced around at the unmistakable setup of a bachelor's apartment. I already knew exactly where I was. I tried to sit up, but the moment I moved, the room spun violently— I fell back onto the bed. Then the door opened, and Luke Jordan stood in the doorway, holding a small tray with a bowl of congee and a side dish. Seeing me trying to rise, he immediately set the tray on the nightstand and rushed to steady me. "You're burning up—where do you think you're going?" Without a word, he gently pushed me back down and handed me the congee. I reached for it, but he stopped me. "The bowl's hot. Let me hold it." I felt awkward and wanted to finish quickly. But the congee was scalding. I blew on it for a long time before managing a single sip. Luke watched me, his eyes filled with anxiety. "How is it? Does it taste all right?" "Mm, it's good." I nodded. Th