Chapter 1984

Nathaniel seemed like an outsider, standing awkwardly in the corner. Sheena was clearly irritated and scolded, "Even Elliot knows to go to a nearby hotel to arrange a nutritious meal for Mae tomorrow morning. Yet you, as her husband, are just standing there and watching. Nathaniel, what's going on with you?" Nathaniel was not offended and responded calmly, "It's my fault. Nana, why don't you and Elliot head back to rest? I'll take care of Mae." Sheena shot him a cold glance. All that should have been Nathaniel's responsibility as a husband. Otherwise, he would be as good as a random stranger on the street. Elliot had been incredibly attentive when she was pregnant, handling everything personally. If it had not been the issue with the Lawson family because of Sheila, her delivery would have been smooth. Moreover, Nathaniel was meticulous in his care for her during pregnancy back in Laubabwe. Yet, he did not do the same for Mavis. It seemed he still did not love Mavis enough. Sheena sighed, thinking that Nathaniel might one day regret not cherishing Mavis. "Nathaniel, you should learn to care for your own wife. If you lose Mae in the future, you'll definitely regret it." Throwing the hot towel back into the basin, she added, "Life is short. Avoid making any more regrets. You're out of second chances." Nathaniel's face paled, his hands clenched beneath his sleeves, stirred by Sheena's words. Sheena did not have time to worry about his feelings and left the room. Soon, the VIP ward was left with just Nathaniel and the sleeping Mavis. He sat at the bedside, his long lashes fluttering as he struggled to contain his emotions. "Yes, if I hadn't gone to the Special Investigation Department training camp back then, I'd be standing by your side now," he murmured with a bitter smile. "I'm such a loser, always missing out and regretting." He slowly raised his head, his blue eyes fixing on Mavis's peaceful sleeping face. Over the past few days, she seemed to have become even more haggard. Unable to bear it any longer, Nathaniel took the hot towel Sheena had left behind and gently wiped Mavis's face and hands. … The next morning, Mavis woke up to the harsh sunlight streaming through the window. She looked around the pristine white ward and realized she was alone. An air of solitude filled the space, making it feel even emptier. She rubbed her rounded belly, silently encouraging herself to hang on. She hoped that once the baby was born, everything would get better. Suddenly, the door opened, and Nathaniel entered carrying a bowl of nutritious soup from a local chef. "You're awake. Do you feel any pain?" He placed the soup down and sat on the edge of the bed. Mavis propped herself up, leaning against the headboard. She asked, "Is my baby okay?" "The baby is fine. The doctor said it was due to shock. You need to manage your emotions and avoid extreme highs and lows." His tone was calm, offering no hint of emotion. Mavis felt uncomfortable and turned her gaze toward the sunlight outside. "Can you please shut the curtains?" Her request was polite, lacking the tone one might use with a spouse. The sunlight was too bright and uncomfortable for her weakened state. Otherwise, she would not have asked Nathaniel for this favor. Nathaniel held the soup and stirred it to cool. He glanced at the window but did not immediately respond to her request.