Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 280: Friendzone

Chapter 280: Friendzone

At Elysium Biotech Institue

Clifford carefully spooned another bite of food for Kelly, watching her with an encouraging smile. Her azure eyes, clear and bright, never ceased to captivate him, resembling the deep, endless waves of the ocean.

He had longed to see those lively, expressive eyes again. One of the things he admired most about Kelly was how her gaze always felt engaged, as though her eyes were truly listening to the person speaking. The genuine sincerity reflected in them had a way of making anyone feel valued.

"Mrs. Johnson is going to be over the moon when she sees you awake. She’s been waiting for this moment for so long," Clifford said cheerfully, taking a bite of his own food as he continued their shared breakfast.

Sharing meals had become second nature to them over time. Kelly had started the habit, playfully tasting his food and letting him do the same with hers. What began as an odd routine soon became something Clifford secretly cherished. He couldn’t explain it, but there was a comforting intimacy in the way they shared with each other.

Clifford reached for his phone, ready to call Mrs. Johnson with the joyous news, but Kelly gently placed her hand on his, stopping him.

"Let her finish what she was doing," Kelly said softly, her voice tinged with warmth. "Let her be surprised when she comes back."

Clifford hesitated for a moment, then nodded, tucking the phone back into his pocket. Her calm demeanor and the sparkle in her eyes made it clear she wanted to savor this moment and share the surprise with her mother in person.

"I can’t wait to see her again," Kelly hummed, a serene smile gracing her lips as she leaned forward for another spoonful of porridge he held out for her.

Clifford’s chest tightened at her words, and he couldn’t help but mirror her smile. Watching her eat, watching her ’be present’ after so many days of uncertainty, was a relief unlike any he’d ever felt.

Kelly stretched her arms slightly, wincing as she flexed her fingers. "My muscles feel stiff, like they’re cramping. I think I need to move around a bit after this," she murmured.

Clifford nodded, his enthusiasm evident. "We’ll take it one step at a time. You’ve just started recovering, so there’s no need to rush." He recalled Ivan’s reminders about her rehabilitation and Mrs. Johnson’s meticulous care. When Mrs. Johnson wasn’t around, Clifford often stepped in, even arranging for a therapist when necessary.

Kelly’s gaze softened as she turned to him, a faint smile gracing her lips. Slowly, she raised her hand and touched his cheek. Clifford froze, his breath hitching at the unexpected warmth of her palm against his skin.

"Thank you, Cliff... for everything," Kelly said softly, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. Her thumb brushed lightly over his cheek, a tender gesture that sent a jolt through his chest. "I was so ready to leave... But somehow, hearing your voice and my mother’s sobs stopped me from going."

"Who told you to leave us?" Clifford’s voice was uncharacteristically gruff as he placed his hand over hers, keeping it against his cheek. "Don’t you dare leave us. Not yet."

The intensity in his voice was matched by the depth of emotion in his eyes. He wasn’t ready to lose her, and holding her hand against his skin felt like holding onto a lifeline.

"You’ve been so kind and thoughtful, taking care of me like this. Whoever ends up with you one day... a wife, maybe... will be incredibly lucky," she added, her tone carrying an innocent affection.

Clifford blinked, her words sinking in. ’A friend?’ The label rang in his mind like an unwelcome bell. Her gratitude was genuine, but the word "friend" pierced through his thoughts.

He clenched his jaw briefly, masking the sudden pang in his heart with a small, polite smile. He had been here before... he knew the friendzone all too well. But this felt different, harder because, during the long, agonizing hours of her coma, he had realized the truth. Kelly wasn’t just a friend to him.

Her brief absence had shown him how deeply he cared, how much she had come to mean to him. Watching her slip away had made him fear losing something he hadn’t even admitted wanting.

He cleared his throat, gently pulling back while keeping his tone light. "You’re welcome, Kelly. But for now, let’s focus on you getting stronger. That’s the most important thing."

Kelly smiled back, unaware of the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. For now, Clifford decided, her health and happiness would remain his priority... even if it meant suppressing his own feelings.

Deep inside, Clifford couldn’t help but muse, *I can’t believe I’m doing this again... the second time around.*

Kelly’s situation was delicate, and he knew now wasn’t the time to burden her with his feelings. Still, the emotions stirred within him, impossible to ignore. He took a steadying breath as Kelly finally withdrew her hand from his cheek, her face slightly flushed.

"I’m sorry," she murmured, her voice soft and a bit shy. "It just felt nice and warm."

Clifford’s lips curved into a grin, the sight of her timid smile making his heart skip a beat. "It’s alright," he replied, his tone light and playful. "Feel free to borrow my warmth anytime you need it."

He followed the remark with a quick wink, causing Kelly’s blush to deepen. She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible," she muttered, though the warmth in her tone betrayed her amusement.

In that moment, Clifford realized he didn’t need to rush anything. Just seeing her smile again, hearing her laugh, was enough for now.

Their laughter was interrupted when Ivan entered the room, his expression a mix of exhaustion and concern. "I have both good and bad news," Ivan announced with a long, frustrated sigh. Clifford’s face immediately darkened, his cheerful mood dissipating.

"Can’t it just be good news for once?" Clifford muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening.

Kelly, however, seemed unbothered by the mention of bad news. Her usual warm and friendly smile lingered as she addressed Ivan. "Go ahead and start with the bad news, Dr. Ivan. That way, the good news can be my consolation prize," she said, her voice calm and steady.

Ivan gave her a tight smile, appreciating her composure. "Alright," he began, looking between Kelly and Clifford, "but brace yourselves... it’s about the treatment."