The Bigshot's Superstar Wife - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Bitten by Parasite

Mors stood there for a few moments, before quietly offering, “You should get up and drink some water. You’ve pushed yourself too hard.”

Athena opened her eyes slowly, nodding in agreement. “I know,” she replied softly. “I just need a moment.”

Mors nodded, understanding her need for rest. He offered her the water, and she took it gratefully, drinking in silence as the world around them felt still for just a moment.

But even in the quiet, the eyes of millions were on them, watching, judging, fascinated by their every move.

By the afternoon, Athena and Mors stood on a gently elevated slope near the beach, surveying the area they had chosen for their shelter.

The spot was high enough to escape the reach of high tides and offered firm soil, perfect for constructing a sturdy hut.

The shade from nearby trees added a layer of comfort, while the salty breeze from the ocean carried a hint of freshness.

As Athena returned from her walk, she carried an armful of bamboo stalks, her eyes glinting with determination. Time to build a small house.

“I found this while scouting. Bamboo is lightweight, durable, and easy to work with. We can use it to build the framework of the hut,” she explained to Mors.

Mors raised an eyebrow, examining the smooth, hollow stalks. His expression betrayed his curiosity.

“Bamboo? I’ve never seen this plant before,” he admitted, his deep voice carrying a hint of intrigue. “It’s not something that grows on Asenus or Sinalta.”

Athena shrugged, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “It’s common in certain parts of the galaxy. People use it for all sorts of things, building, crafting, even as tools.”

She glanced at Mors, noticing the unspoken questions in his eyes but choosing not to address them directly. “I’ll show you how to work with it.”

[What’s that? I’ve never seen a plant like that.]

[She’s so resourceful. She even knows how to use random plants to build!]

[Major Mors looks so confused! This is hilarious.]

[Athena is full of surprises. Is there anything she can’t do?]

[I feel like I’m learning more from her than I ever did in survival training.]

[Is bamboo really that useful? Can someone explain?]

[This CP is giving me serious leader vibes.]

Athena also gathered fibrous plants during her walk, holding up strands of sturdy vines and long grass. I hope we can build it as soon as possible.

“These can be woven into ropes to tie the bamboo pieces together,” she explained, showing Mors how to strip and braid them into strong cords.

The two worked side by side, collecting bamboo and vines. Athena demonstrated how to cut and trim the bamboo into manageable pieces, her movements precise and practiced.

Mors followed her lead, his natural strength making the task easier.

As they carried their supplies back to the chosen spot, they worked in quiet harmony, each step coordinated as if they had been doing this for years.

[She’s weaving ropes now? Where does she learn all this?]

[Major Mors is just silently following her lead. I’m starting to think she’s the real boss.]

[Can we take a moment to appreciate how strong they both are?]

[This is turning into a masterclass in survival techniques.]

[The way they’re working together is kind of beautiful.]

[Do they have chemistry, or is it just me?]

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, the framework of their hut began to take shape. It’s great to have a smart and fast-working partner.

At least I don’t need to do all the labor alone. The bamboo was stacked and tied into place with the handmade ropes, forming the skeleton of their new home.

Athena’s hands moved quickly, her expertise evident as she adjusted and secured each piece. I had done this several times in my last life.

Mors watched her silently for a moment, then spoke, his voice low but steady. “You’ve done this before.”

Did he notice something? Athena paused, glancing at him. A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Let’s just say… I’ve had some unique experiences.”

Mors nodded, his questions still lingering but unasked.

Together, they continued their work as the first stars began to twinkle above them, their combined effort turning the wilderness into something that felt, if only a little, like home.

When the live broadcast ended for the day and the camera bots retreated, the silence of the wilderness enveloped them.

Athena and Mors shared a simple dinner by the flickering light of their campfire. Life’s not bad even if I was sent here to live again.

The air carried the salty tang of the sea mixed with the earthy aroma of the bamboo hut they were building.

Athena, always eager to push forward, was about to continue their work when she noticed Mors standing unsteadily. What’s wrong with him?

He excused himself to clean up by the nearby freshwater spring, but as he walked away, Athena’s sharp eyes caught something unusual, his neck was flushed red, an alarming contrast to his usual complexion.

“Something’s not right,” she murmured, concern knitting her brows. Is he allergic to something?

Before Mors could take another step, his legs gave way, and he began to collapse. Athena rushed to his side, catching him just in time. Damn it!

“Mors!” she exclaimed, panic creeping into her voice.

When she touched him, his skin was searing hot, his body trembling slightly. Fever.

Summoning all her strength, Athena dragged him toward the nearby cave they had chosen as a temporary shelter. Too heavy! What has he been eating all these years?

The hut was still under construction, and the cave, though not ideal, would provide the protection they needed.

“Mors, talk to me. What’s wrong?” Athena pleaded as she propped him against the cool wall of the cave. His usually strong, commanding presence was now fragile, and vulnerable.

“So hot…” he murmured weakly, repeating the words as if they were the only thing anchoring him to consciousness.

Athena’s heart raced as she worked to remove his shirt, hoping to find the cause of his sudden fever.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she searched his body, and then she saw it, a tiny bug latched onto his neck, its dark body pulsating.

Her eyes widened. “A venomous parasite?” she whispered.

The sight jolted her memory, but try as she might, she couldn’t place the creature. It wasn’t something she had encountered on Earth or read about in interstellar manuals.

“Mors…” Her voice cracked as she stared at the bug. How am I supposed to detoxify him?