Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 164: Chapter 164 Why did she look so happy?

When Cedric finally opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was pain.

A dull ache spread through his entire body, throbbing in waves that seemed to pulse with every heartbeat. Even moving his fingers made his muscles protest.

His head felt heavy, his lip still hurt, and there was an uncomfortable soreness around his ribs and shoulders. For a moment, he simply lay there with his eyes half-open, staring at the ceiling and trying to remember where he was.

Then the sunlight hit his face.

Harsh afternoon sunlight was pouring through the hospital window, far too bright for his already aching head. The light stabbed at his eyes, making him wince.

Cedric frowned.

"Seriously..."

His voice came out rough and tired, barely above a whisper. He wanted to curse whoever had left the curtains open but before he could even complain, he noticed someone moving near the window.

Daisy.

She was wearing a simple light-blue dress, her hair falling naturally around her shoulders as she hurried toward the window. Her movements were quick and hurried. She pulled the curtains together, blocking most of the sunlight before turning around and letting out a small sigh of relief.

Cedric watched her silently.

She hadn’t noticed that he was awake. Her attention was elsewhere, her eyes distant and thoughtful.

She looked completely different from the way he usually saw her. She simply looked tired but peaceful as she walked toward the couch and picked up her phone.

She sat down and began typing something, her fingers moving quickly across the screen.

A few seconds later, her expression suddenly changed. A soft, happy smile appeared on her face. Her eyes curved into crescents.

Cedric stared at her.

Something inside him unexpectedly went still.

Because at this moment, she looked almost ethereal to him. The afternoon light filtering through the curtains caught the edges of her hair, softening her features. She looked relaxed and genuinely happy.

His gaze remained fixed on her.

Who was she messaging? That Alessio guy?

Why did she look so happy?

His eyes narrowed slightly, a strange discomfort settling in his chest.

Daisy glanced toward the bed. Cedric immediately closed his eyes.

His heartbeat suddenly sped up.

Why was he pretending to sleep?

He didn’t even know. It had been an instinct, a reflex he couldn’t control.

A few moments later, he heard her moving around the room again.

Daisy had actually taken the day off from work because of what had happened. Before coming to the hospital, she had already contacted Ace and explained that she wouldn’t be able to come in. He had told her not to worry and promised to handle her work on her behalf.

Then Rafael had messaged her.

What happened? Why aren’t you at work today?

Daisy had explained everything.

Rafael’s response had come almost immediately.

Don’t worry. I’ll help you find out who did this.

Daisy had stared at the message for a moment. She hadn’t expected him to take it so seriously.

She quickly typed back that it wasn’t necessary but Rafael wouldn’t accept that.

Then another message appeared.

Have you eaten?

No, She texted.

Then I’m sending someone with lunch.

Daisy had smiled helplessly. She told him she was fine and that she could get something herself.

His response came almost instantly.

Would you refuse your own brother?

Daisy had stared at those words. Something warm had spread through her heart.

She had never really had an older brother who would worry about whether she had eaten, whether she was safe, or whether she needed help. Yet Rafael kept behaving as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

After sending him her address, a little later, one of his men had arrived with lunch for her.

Daisy had thanked him repeatedly, but Rafael had simply replied that she didn’t need to keep thanking him.

Now, sitting on the couch, Daisy looked at the message again and another small smile appeared on her face.

Cedric, who was still pretending to sleep, saw that smile.

For some reason, it bothered him.

Who was making her smile like that?

His fingers curled slightly against the bedsheet.

He slowly opened his eyes again, pretending that he had just woken up.

Daisy immediately noticed. Her eyes widened slightly before she stood from the couch. She walked toward him, concern returning to her face and gently leaned closer to check whether he was awake properly.

Cedric looked at her.

Then his gaze drifted toward the phone still in her hand.

He wondered who she had been talking to.

He shifted slightly on the bed but the movement made his body ache again. A sharp twinge shot through his ribs, and he winced, his jaw tightening. He frowned and swallowed, his throat feeling dry and scratchy after hours of sleep. He tried to speak, but his voice came out rough and weak, barely more than a whisper.

"Water..."

Daisy immediately looked at him. Her eyes softened with concern, and she nodded quickly. She reached for the glass on the nearby table, her movements quick and careful. She poured fresh water into it, the sound of the liquid filling the quiet room, and carefully walked back to the bed.

Cedric slowly tried to sit up, but his face tightened from the pain. The muscles in his abdomen protested and he let out a low grunt.

Daisy noticed immediately. She placed the glass down for a moment and gently adjusted the pillow behind his back, her hands light and careful. She fluffed the pillow and positioned it so he could sit more comfortably.

Cedric looked at her hands.

She was still taking care of him without hesitation. Without asking for anything in return.

Once he was settled, Daisy picked up the glass and held it toward him.

Cedric took it, but his hand was slightly unsteady. The glass trembled in his grip, and a few drops of water spilled onto the blanket.

Daisy quickly reached out, her fingers brushing against his to steady the glass. Her touch was warm and gentle, and for a brief moment, Cedric forgot to breathe.

"Sorry," he muttered, his voice still rough.

Daisy shook her head, silently telling him not to worry. She gently guided his hands until he had a firmer grip on the glass, then stepped back slightly to give him space.