Chapter 103

Thea paused, wondering if he wanted to discuss that evening's events or the incident with Jake a few days earlier. Exhaustion and the desire to rest overwhelmed her, so she turned away. "Another day," she said. "I'm really tired."

Nicolas seemed upset. "You won't even give me a chance to talk?"

Thea remained calm. "Why should we talk? This isn't a long-term relationship. Even if we did talk, it wouldn't change anything—it would be a waste of our time. Mr. Hendrix, I've already said I understand your actions, so there's no need for explanation." Despite her words, a heaviness settled in her chest. Unspoken things remained.

She avoided further communication because the time for Nicolas to step up had passed. Years of experience had taught her not to harbor unrealistic expectations; otherwise, only she would suffer.

Nicolas, however, calmed down as he studied her face. "It seemsyou don't trust me?"

Confusion flickered in Thea's eyes. Seeing his seriousness, her heart trembled. Don't trust you? Of course not. Why has it come to this? Because every time I've trusted someone, it hasn't ended well, she thought.

Avoiding his gaze, she said, "I feel dizzy. I need to rest."

Nicolas released her. Both remained stiff, silent.

Thea took a few steps, but the world spun, and a sharp pain struck her lower abdomen. Her period had begun—she'd been in a bad mood for days and forgotten. Cold and weak, she could barely stand. She tried to reach her room, but her vision blurred, and she collapsed.

In her daze, sweat drenched her, abdominal cramps wracked her, forcing her to curl up. Then, warm hands reached out and held hers. She clung to them like a lifeline; the pain eased slightly. Is that Nicolas? she wondered.

19:51 Mon, Oct 28 Chapter 103

She wanted to open her eyes, but weakness prevented it. Once the pain subsided, she felt utterly drained. Gradually, her breathing steadied.

Nicolas sat beside her, watching. Her long lashes cast delicate shadows, making her seem different from her usual self. Though she always appeared obedient, Nicolas knew she was far more stubborn and guarded. At the slightest provocation, her defenses rose.

He chuckled softly. "Is your distrust of me because of Jake?"

His quiet words went unheard. Thea's lips moved slightly, murmuring something. Nicolas leaned closer, intending to hear, but the temptation to kiss her soft lips arose.

A knock interrupted. Nicolas froze; coldness replaced the emotion in his eyes.

Darwin entered, tense and quiet. He sighed softly. "Mr. Hendrix, Ms. Ralap is experiencing health issues. She's being admitted to the hospital. Do you wish to see her?"

Nicolas's eyelids twitched. "What's wrong? If it's not serious, you can check on her for me."

"It seems serious, sir. She's distressed and wants you to help her make a decision. She said that after her brother's death, you're the only person she trusts. If you don't come, she won't accept treatment," Darwin added.

Thea seemed to be dreaming; her grip on Nicolas's hand tightened. He rubbed his forehead, then gently withdrew his hand and stood. "Take me there."

After an unknown time, Thea awoke in the quiet hospital room, dazed. The abdominal pain lessened, but weakness remained. Unease settled over her in the dark, silent room.

"Nicolas?" she called tentatively, but only silence answered.

Biting her lip, she carefully removed her IV and stepped outside. The hallway was quiet. She half-expected to see Nicolas. Feeling disappointed, she found a bench, sat down, and lowered her gaze, hiding her emotions.

A shadow fell, accompanied by familiar breathing. Nicolas frowned down at her. "Sitting out here? Aren't you cold?"

Her heart trembled, but she tried to remain calm. "It was stuffy inside. I wanted some fresh air."

He said nothing, extending his hand. Thea took it to stand. Feeling his familiar warmth, her cheeks flushed. She'd thought the hand-holding had been a dream, but it had been Nicolas. "Mr. Hendrix, I'm sorry for the trouble," she said.

He glanced at her sideways. "Why are you so formal?"

He helped her back to bed, called a nurse, fetched warm water, and opened the window slightly. He tucked her in. "Air out the room, but don't catch a cold," he said.

Holding the warm water, the chill inside her dissipated. She was surprised and touched. He's good at caring for people. Is it because he's used to it? she wondered.

Wrapped in his mint-scented jacket, warmth spread through her. She instinctively wanted to refuse. "It's okay, Mr. Hendrix. I'm not cold."

The nurse, changing her IV, gave her a strange look, making Thea uneasy.

Nicolas coughed lightly. "We're husband and wife. There's no need to be so distant."

Thea was more confused but didn't question it. He didn't stay long. "If you're unwell after the IV, I'll arrange for you to stay. Once you're better, Darwin will take you home. I have matters to attend to." Thea nodded.

Watching him leave, she felt a trace of reluctance. Leaning back, she closed her eyes, trying to calm her emotions. No matter how she tried to stay clear-headed, her feelings for him grew. Perhaps calling it admiration was more appropriate. Nicolas is great, but he's not someone I can have. No expectations, no disappointment, she warned herself.