My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 237: What Are You Doing To Yourself?

Katherine’s heels tapped lightly against the polished hallway floor as she walked toward her apartment, the faint echo mingling with her humming. A small smile curved her lips, one she couldn’t quite erase no matter how much she tried to act composed. She still felt the ghost of Felix’s hand brushing against hers beneath the desk, the subtle warmth lingering like an ember on her skin. The teasing exchange they’d shared at the office earlier kept replaying in her mind, making her cheeks heat up all over again.

It was ridiculous, really. She was no teenager, yet her heart beat with the same giddy rhythm, her steps light and unguarded. A part of her wanted to scold herself for being so easily swayed by Felix’s rare smiles, but the truth was undeniable, he had this way of reaching past her defenses, making her feel seen. Safe. Wanted.

But her cheerful rhythm faltered.

Her smile slowly faded as her gaze fell ahead, narrowing at the sight of something out of place near her apartment door. A figure slumped against the wall, head bowed forward, shoulders sagging unnaturally.

Katherine froze. Her heartbeat stumbled, confusion giving way to alarm.

"...Leonard?" she whispered, almost unconsciously, as recognition dawned.

The name slipped past her lips before she could stop herself.

Her chest tightened as she took cautious steps forward, each click of her heels amplified in the unnerving quiet of the hallway. "Leonard?" she tried again, her voice firmer now, laced with a growing edge of panic.

There was no response. No movement.

"Leonard!" Her voice sharpened, louder this time, cracking with urgency.

She quickened her pace, her heart pounding wildly against her ribs. Kneeling down beside him, she reached out with trembling hands and shook his shoulder gently. His body slumped instantly against her, far heavier than she anticipated. Katherine gasped, gritting her teeth as she struggled to keep him upright.

Her palm pressed instinctively to his forehead, and her eyes widened in shock.

"God, you’re burning up," she muttered, horror threading through her voice. His skin was blazing hot, damp with sweat, his hair clinging messily to his forehead.

Her throat tightened. She glanced toward his apartment door just a few steps away, frustration sparking. She didn’t know his passcode. She couldn’t just leave him here like this. What if someone else passed by, what if he collapsed completely? The thought twisted something deep inside her chest.

Without thinking further, she shifted his weight against her shoulder, half-dragging, half-supporting him toward her own door. It was clumsy and exhausting, her knees straining and breath hitching, but adrenaline fueled her movements. She fumbled for the keypad, entered her code with shaking fingers, and pushed the door open.

"Jazz!" Her voice was sharp, urgent. "Jazz, come here quickly!"

She appeared almost instantly, eyes widening as she took in the sight. "What the hell-Katherine?!" Her gaze snapped to the man collapsing heavily against her side. "Is that Mr. Ford?!"

"Yes! Help me. He’s burning up, I can’t hold him alone!"

Jazz darted forward without hesitation, looping Leonard’s other arm over her shoulder. Together, they half-carried, half-dragged him inside, maneuvering awkwardly until they managed to lower him onto the couch. Leonard sagged against the cushions, his face pale beneath the sheen of sweat, lips pressed into a faint grimace even in unconsciousness.

Katherine bent down immediately, brushing damp strands of hair from his forehead. Her own breaths came fast, shallow from the effort, and she exchanged a strained look with Jazz.

"What happened to him?" Jazz asked, her voice still catching with disbelief.

"I—I don’t know. He was just outside the door like this." She pressed her lips together tightly, fighting to steady her voice. "He’s burning with fever. Look at him."

Jazz crouched beside her, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "Should we...call someone? A doctor?"

Before Katherine could answer, small voices interrupted.

"Mommy?"

She turned sharply. The twins stood at the hallway corner, their little hands clutching the wall as they peeked around it, eyes wide and frightened.

"Is Uncle Leonard... okay?" Maya asked, voice trembling.

Katherine forced her face into something calm, though her heart was still thrashing. She stood quickly, crossing the room to them, crouching down so her gaze met theirs.

"Hey, hey. Don’t worry, sweethearts," she said softly, smoothing back their hair with steady hands. "Uncle Leonard is just sick, that’s all. He’s resting now."

"Really?" Nathan’s lower lip trembled.

"Yes." Katherine smiled, though it felt heavy and fragile on her lips. "Mommy and Jazz will take care of him. You two don’t need to be scared. Why don’t you go back inside your room and read until I come check on you, hmm?"

They nodded hesitantly, their small footsteps retreating as they glanced back one more time before disappearing into their room.

As soon as they were gone, Katherine’s shoulders sagged. She let out a shaky breath, returning quickly to Leonard’s side.

He lay unmoving, his chest rising and falling raggedly, each breath uneven. His brow was furrowed faintly, as though he was still fighting something even in unconsciousness. His hand twitched once, before falling still. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Katherine sat down on the edge of the couch, staring at him, her thoughts spiraling.

Frustration burned in her chest, mingling with something far more complicated. Anger that he would let himself deteriorate like this. Guilt that she still cared despite everything. Fear at how frail and breakable he seemed in this moment.

She reached out, pressing the back of her hand against his forehead again. Still searing hot. Her other hand moved instinctively to adjust the pillow beneath his head, then tugged the damp fabric of his shirt slightly away from his skin so he could breathe easier.

Jazz returned with a damp towel, handing it to her. "Here. For the fever."

"Thanks." Katherine pressed it gently to Leonard’s forehead, brushing it across his temple, his jaw. Her movements were careful, almost tender, though her lips pressed into a tight line.

Her eyes were fixed on Leonard’s face, tracing the sharp angles now softened by exhaustion, the lashes resting against his pale skin. Even now, unconscious, he seemed stubborn, like he refused to give in completely.

She swallowed hard. Her chest ached with the weight of unspoken words.

And though she told herself she shouldn’t care, Katherine couldn’t pull her eyes away.