Chapter 1988

Mavis grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his back. "I hate you, Nathaniel. I really do." He paused, his expression unreadable as he glanced back. "Hate me if you want. Without love, where would the hate come from? Whether you want to mock me or get revenge, you need to take care of your health first." With that, he strode out of the room. The cold VIP room felt lonelier as she was left alone, making her feel all the more helpless. However, Mavis did not lose her composure. She quickly realized that Nathaniel had her trapped. With no family nearby to turn to, she could only rely on Sheena and Ella. She needed to find a way to escape! Mavis placed her hands on her belly and immediately dismissed her initial plan. She absolutely could not reveal the baby's true parentage to Nathaniel! If he found out the child was his, she would never be able to escape from him. She no longer loved him, and she did not want to. She was exhausted and just wanted to flee, to make sure Nathaniel could never find them. How could she break free from this situation? … Leaving the ward, Nathaniel headed to the smoking lounge and lit a cigarette. He took a deep drag, not minding the silence of the room. While it was hard to tell what he was thinking, it was clear that his mood was foul. Troy stood by the door, cautiously suggesting, "Mr. Nicholls, neither Mrs. Nicholls nor the baby should be exposed to secondhand smoke. It could have an impact. Perhaps you might consider… quitting for a few months?" Nathaniel was caught by surprise by the comment, and he extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray with an impassive expression. "Yes, she's not in good health, and pregnant women shouldn't be exposed to smoke or alcohol." He sniffed his collar, noticing a faint tobacco scent. "Drive me back to the estate." Nathaniel decided to shower and change into clean clothes before seeing Mavis again. Later that evening, Nathaniel returned to the ward with dinner. He carefully blew on the nourishing soup to cool it and fed Mavis spoonful by spoonful. Mavis offered no resistance, no mockery. She was compliant, though her eyes lacked the previous spark when she looked at Nathaniel. He had not seen her so obedient in a long time and gently patted her head. "It would be nice if you could stay this cooperative." Mavis's face remained cold, and she tightened her grip under the covers, feeling a deep chill. It was clear that he only wanted an obedient accessory. Nathaniel was unaware of her thoughts and used a tissue to wipe her mouth, playing the part of a doting husband. "Is there anything you'd like to eat tomorrow? I can have the nutritionist prepare it for you." "Anything is fine." "If you have no preferences, I'll have the nutritionist follow a weekly healthy meal plan and vary the dishes." "Okay." Her response was cold. They sat next to each other—one at the head of the bed, the other at the bedside. Despite the closeness, it felt as though a vast ocean separated them. Nathaniel knew she was upset and addressed her directly. "I hope you'll trust me this time. Keeping you in the hospital is for your own good. I've said I won't hold your past against you and that I'll take good care of this child. I mean it." Mavis snorted softly. She had not intended to be sarcastic but could not resist. "Does it pat your ego, saying all those things? But please, spare me from hearing them again. They sicken me."