Psycho villain I Raised Wants to Marry Me-Chapter288 – So sweet…
His fists clenched tightly at his sides as he fought the storm inside his chest. Blood slowly welled where his nails cut into his palms.
Soon, the medicine dragged him into sleep.
But even in sleep, he couldn’t escape her. His dreams were filled with her face, her scent lingering in his breath. It took him back to his weakest moments—when she had held his hand, told him she didn’t hate him, begged him not to cry.
Cool relief spread across his overheated body.
Something soft and cold touched his forehead.
In the latter half of the night, his fever finally began to break.
When Atticus woke again, his clothes were soaked with sweat. It was already dark outside. His limbs felt heavy, but his head no longer throbbed as violently.
He shifted—and felt something on his forehead.
A cooling patch.
His gaze sharpened slightly. He dragged himself to the bathroom, took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and stepped out of the bedroom.
The moment he entered the living room, a rich, comforting aroma filled the air.
A slender figure moved in the kitchen.
He unconsciously quickened his steps.
Clarissa stood at the stove, her long hair braided over one shoulder, an apron tied neatly around her waist. She was stirring something in a pot. Hearing him, she turned and smiled faintly.
“You’re awake. It’ll be ready soon. Please wait outside.”
Atticus stared at her in silence. His eyes were faintly red. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something—but in the end, not a single word came out. He turned away.
Moments later, Clarissa brought the food over.
“I bought the plums,” she said softly. “They’re sweet and sour. I removed the pits. You don’t have to eat them if you don’t like them.”
Atticus picked up a piece and placed it in his mouth.
Sweet. Slightly sharp.
The flavor washed the bitterness from his tongue.
So sweet…
His eyes stung. He lowered his head quickly, unwilling to let her see. Every time he was at his weakest, fate seemed determined to place her before him.
Seeing him bow his head, Clarissa mistook the reaction and hurriedly passed him a tissue. “If you don’t like it, just spit it out.”
“No.” His voice was quiet. “It’s delicious. Thank you…”
She smiled faintly. “Eat while it’s hot. I’ve been simmering the soup for a long time.”
His eyes were red as he ate. Clarissa reminded him gently, “Slow down. Don’t burn yourself.”
He finished the entire bowl of porridge in silence and pushed the tray toward her. “May I have another?”
Clarissa looked genuinely pleased as she took it. “As many as you want.”
After tidying the kitchen, she prepared his medicine. It was already late, and Abyss would be waiting for her at home.
“Dr. Atticus,” she said softly, “I’m going to leave now.”
He was wrapped in the blanket she had just given him. After a long pause, he asked in a low voice, “Why… did you come back?”
“I accidentally left my phone here,” she replied.
She had two phones—one for work, one private. The private one she used to contact him had been left in the dust bag.
Atticus’s gaze dropped. “…I see.”
“Well… I’ll be going then,” she said quietly.
He drew a deep breath and didn’t look at her. “Okay.”
Clarissa felt an unexpected ache in her chest. She parted her lips as if to say something more, but in the end only whispered, “Take care.”
The door closed.
Only then did Atticus raise his head and stare at the place where she had disappeared. Under the blanket, his hand clenched so hard it trembled.
He was using sheer willpower to crush his desire for her.
If he frightened her again, perhaps he wouldn’t even have the right to remain quietly by her side.
From his pocket, he took out a white lace hairband.
The one he had unfastened from her hair in the fitting room.
It still carried the faint trace of her scent.
He leaned back against the sofa, lifted it to his face, and inhaled softly.
“Clarissa… Clarissa…”
With her presence surrounding him like this, the chaos in his chest finally eased. The stabbing ache in his heart dulled.
He folded the hairband carefully and pressed it against his chest, his gaze drifting up to the chandelier. After a long while, a cold, self-mocking laugh escaped him.
Atticus… you’ve finally met your match.
So be it.
His fingers tightened around the lace. His eyes slowly closed.
Just being able to stay beside her like this was enough.
And yet—he didn’t know how much longer he would be allowed to remain.
One day, Clarissa would meet a man of her own age, of equal standing, and build a life with him.
That man would never be him.
Callum. Phoenix. Everyone around her would oppose it.
These remaining years were stolen from fate.
All he could do was hold them carefully and humbly in his hands— Like this fragile ribbon.
The moment Clarissa stepped through the door, she felt it—the heavy, oppressive atmosphere hanging in the air.
It was already past nine at night.
She cursed silently under her breath and hurried into her bedroom. On the carpet lay a dark figure, back turned to her.
Abyss heard the sound. It caught her scent and stirred, but as if remembering something, it snorted and deliberately turned its back again.
Clarissa understood immediately what it was sulking about.
She walked over slowly and sat on the edge of the bed, rolling her sore shoulders. “I’ve been running around all day cleaning up your mess. I’m exhausted. And when I finally get home, you turn your back on me? That really breaks my heart…”
Abyss’s ears twitched.
It lifted its head and saw her massaging her shoulders. Guilt flickered in its eyes—but it immediately hardened again. So what if she spilled coffee all over Atticus’s clothes? Why should it starve over one ruined coat? And she’d come home this late—she was obviously enchanted by Atticus!
It huffed and turned away again, tail slapping loudly against the carpet.
Clarissa blinked, surprised that it still refused to come over. Abyss had really been getting out of hand lately.
She ignored it for the moment and stood to rummage through the wardrobe for fresh clothes. Behind her, Abyss let out a few low, dissatisfied howls.
She paused.
Abyss finally stepped forward, grabbed the hem of her skirt in its teeth, and whined softly.
Clarissa looked down at it, her expression turning serious. “Abyss, you’ve been getting more and more disobedient. How am I supposed to take you out like this? Do you really want to go back to Phoenix?”
Abyss seemed to consider it—then shook its head stubbornly.
Clarissa knelt and stroked its large head, her tone softening. “Then be good, okay? Stop being naughty. I don’t like naughty kids who ruin other people’s things. Even if you don’t like Dr. Atticus, you have no right to destroy his belongings. Understand?”
Abyss was clearly unwilling—but it still nodded.
Clarissa hugged its head and pressed a kiss to it. “Good girl. You must be starving. I’ll go make you something to eat.”
Abyss immediately forgot its sulk and began devouring the food.
Clarissa stroked its glossy, beautiful fur before taking a long bath and sinking into bed. Incense burned softly beside her.
Ever since she’d started seeing Atticus, her sleep had steadily improved. Those strange, disturbing dreams had almost completely disappeared.
Thinking of him, Clarissa recalled what had happened that day. She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling.
She couldn’t tell whether Atticus had feelings for her—or whether everything she sensed was merely part of the doctor–patient boundary.
She sighed and slapped her own forehead. “Clarissa, what are you thinking? You’re ridiculous. Go to sleep. You still have to go to Phoenix’s tomorrow.”
The dinner at the Wraith family estate was tomorrow. She had already agreed to go with Phoenix.
As the incense worked its quiet magic, sleep claimed her once more.
And just like the night before, she slept deeply and soundly.
.......
The next day — Wraith Family Residence
Phoenix, enjoying a rare day of rest at home, woke in exceptionally good spirits.
Knowing Clarissa would be coming, Phoenix stood outside early in the morning.
“Mr. Phoenix, Miss Clarissa won’t arrive until this afternoon at the earliest,” a servant reminded carefully. “There’s also the succession ceremony later. The old master will be present. You should go bathe and change.”
Phoenix waved a hand impatiently. “I know, I know. I’m the head of the family now—why so many damn rules? It’s exhausting.”
“Mr. Phoenix…”
“Fine, fine. I’m going right now,” Phoenix sighed, then glanced toward Maximilian. “Let’s go.”
Inside, the servants had prepared everything. On a tray lay the ceremonial uniform once worn by past heads of the Wraith family.
Phoenix was assisted through a bath, changed, and dressed in the formal attire. When Maximilian entered and saw Phoenix like this, emotion welled painfully in his chest.
Phoenix turned and met his gaze.
“Mr. Phoenix… you finally succeeded.”
Phoenix paused, then smiled. “You’re wrong, Maximilian. This is the result of all our years of effort.”
Stepping forward, Phoenix gently patted Maximilian’s shoulder. “Thank you—for following me all these years.”
“Mr. Phoenix, the old master has arrived.”
“Grandfather’s here?” Joy flashed across Phoenix’s eyes. “I’m coming right away. Maximilian, why are you still standing there? Hurry up.”
Watching Phoenix’s retreating figure, Maximilian could only smile helplessly and follow.
.......
Clarissa called Phoenix around one in the afternoon, just as Phoenix finished handling official matters.
The moment Phoenix saw her approaching, she froze for a second. “Clarissa, you…”
“Hm?” Clarissa smiled. “What’s wrong?”
Phoenix blinked in genuine astonishment. “You look… absolutely stunning today.”
Clarissa wore a white formal dress, her jewelry subtle but elegant. Her makeup was flawless. The contrast between crimson lips and the pure white gown made her dazzle.
Phoenix looked her up and down. “Have you been sleeping well lately?”
Clarissa touched her cheek. “I’ve been sleeping really well.”
“You should’ve done this ages ago. Dressing beautifully like this—it lifts your mood.”
“I think so too. Lately…” Clarissa trailed off, instinctively avoiding any mention of her visits to the therapist.
After returning from the family dinner, Clarissa went straight to the hospital to see Whitney.
When she entered the room, Wesley was already there, quietly tending to her.
Whitney had taken sleeping pills. By the time she was discovered, it had been dangerously late. If Atticus hadn’t happened to be there, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
Whitney’s face was still pale as paper. When she saw Clarissa, she instinctively tried to sit up, but Clarissa immediately stopped her.
“Don’t move. Stay where you are.”
She placed the tonics and flowers she had bought on the table. Wesley quickly stepped forward to take them. “Thank you, Miss Clarissa. I’ll take care of this.”
Clarissa took a seat across from Whitney. Her face was calm—so calm that it made Whitney’s heart tighten with unease.
“Clari… Miss Clarissa…” Whitney lowered her head, afraid to meet her gaze.
Chapter288 – So sweet…
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