Chapter 184

"Darwin," Thea interrupted, her voice still choked. "You don't need to explain. I understand. My body is almost recovered. I'll thank Nicolas later. Afterward, I have to go back; I've just taken over the company and am very busy."

Darwin was speechless. Though Thea had controlled her temper, he sensed her lingering resentment. As an outsider, he could only hope she and Nicolas would resolve their issues.

They returned to the ward and found Nicolas hurrying out of bed. He had a long, though not deep, wound on his waist. The doctor had advised bed rest to prevent it from reopening, but he clearly disregarded this. Several nurses stood by, yet did not stop him. He gritted his teeth, and blood seeped through the gauze around his waist.

Thea's heart clenched. "Nicolas!"

Nicolas looked up, worry in his eyes. "You and Stephanie…"

"I'm fine," Thea interrupted. "Ms. Ralap is fine too. I'm here to thank you. Please go back to bed; otherwise, I'll have to call a nurse and doctor." Nicolas obediently returned to bed.

Thea gazed at his weak but handsome face. Thousands of words crowded her heart, yet she remained silent. She longed to ask about his relationship with Stephanie and tell him about her pregnancy, but the moment felt wrong.

Resentment lingered, a testament to her love for him. Nicolas had helped her countless times, even risking his life. Yet, she wondered if his actions were simply a husband's responsibility. She blamed herself more than him.

Hiding her trembling hands, she said, "Thank you. I know everything else I said is false, but please believe me: one day, I will risk my life to save you."

Nicolas pursed his lips, shaking his head, a hint of anger in his eyes. "Thea, I didn't save you for repayment."

"I know," Thea wiped away tears, her tone calming. "But I don't like owing favors. It makes me feel guilty and uneasy. I remember kindness and repay it in my own way."

Nicolas's anger intensified. "I don't think we need to be so distant!"

"Nicolas, who are you with?" Stephanie's voice cut through the air.

Thea's expression changed. She turned and left.

Darwin closed his eyes, regretting not closing the door. Stephanie barged in, bumping into Thea and then shouting, "You mistress! You still dare show your face here? Nicolas only showed you a little mercy! Stephanie, what nonsense?!" Nicolas sat up anxiously, his wound tearing open, causing him to break into a cold sweat. "Thea is my wife! You're the one fantasizing! Can you wake up?"

Thea only heard the ensuing argument and Stephanie's cries. She imagined Nicolas's heartbreak at Stephanie's tears. She touched her own wet face; she hadn't realized she was crying again. Crying children get what they want, but only likable ones. No one had ever pitied her tears. Family and lovers had all left her. Perhaps solitude was her destiny.

But now, things felt different. She placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the life connected to her by blood—a life that wouldn't betray or despise her.

In the ward, Stephanie raged, throwing things. Nicolas's forehead twitched. He suspected Stephanie and her brother weren't biologically related. Their personalities differed drastically: one quiet and meticulous, the other relentless and driven. He couldn't tolerate Stephanie's behavior. He signaled Darwin, who summoned bodyguards to restrain her.

Initially, Stephanie cried and screamed, her crazed appearance frightening and heartbreaking. Nicolas watched coldly. When she realized her outburst was futile, she quieted down.

Nicolas spoke indifferently. "Stephanie, let's be clear. I helped you because of your brother. Even if you've lost your memories, it doesn't change anything."

"I don't need to remember," Stephanie sobbed. "I don't want to hear this. Nicolas, no matter what you do, I can't live without you. Don't be with Thea! I hate her!"

"This is my business. Do I need your permission?" Nicolas's tone turned cold.

Stephanie fell silent, her eyes filled with resentment. Nicolas massaged his temples. "I'll book you a flight; you leave tomorrow. Give up your career here. I won't let you return. I'll give you anything you need. If it's not enough…"

Stephanie struggled. "Why should I leave? I won't go! Nicolas, what do you mean? Are you planning to never see me again?"

Nicolas gestured to Darwin, who dragged her away. Stephanie screamed, "If you're so heartless, I might as well die!"

Their chaotic exit brought relief to Darwin. Stephanie was troublesome, but Nicolas couldn't do anything about her.

"Mr. Hendrix, Ms. Ralap is mentally unstable and agitated. I fear she'll do something drastic," Darwin explained.

Nicolas's face paled; his wound ached. He frowned impatiently. "She cherishes life; she won't kill herself. I regret agreeing to her brother's request, but I had no choice." He closed his eyes wearily. Darwin smelled blood and immediately called the doctor.