Chapter 223

"I do," Nicolas said, his voice strained. It wasn't a matter of unwillingness, but Thea's pale, thin face filled him with pity.

He added, "I've already stopped the online rumors, Thea. You don't need to worry. If you're upset, cry on my shoulder." He hugged her gently, his large arms loving and careful. His palm caressed her soft hair.

Only then did Nicolas truly feel Thea's presence. He said, "I was careless. I didn't foresee this. Thea, please give me a chance to make amends for the harm this has caused." His gaze was sincere. If not for the lingering scent of Stephanie's perfume—a fragrance of flowers and fruit—Thea would have been comforted by this moment. Instead, the scent made her uneasy.

Thea pulled away. "Where were you?"

Nicolas hesitated. Telling Thea about Vergil's child felt wrong.

His stammering made Thea nervous. "You were with Stephanie, weren't you?" Her face hardened. "You claim to believe the child was ours, yet you protect the murderer who killed our child…"

"Thea, calm down. Don't hurt yourself," Nicolas pleaded.

But his words were futile, each one a fresh wound. He said, "I hate her too, but now isn't the time to deal with Stephanie… Believe me, she will pay."

Thea didn't believe him. "Why protect her now?" She clenched her fists until they bled, oblivious to the pain. "If not now, how long must I wait for revenge?"

Nicolas rarely saw such raw emotion in her eyes. He was silenced by her question.

"Just a little more time…" he managed. Stephanie hadn't revealed Vergil's child's location, only that she needed to pick him up personally to lower the mother's guard. Until he retrieved Vergil's child, Nicolas couldn't harm Stephanie.

Thea laughed bitterly. "Nicolas, if you're protecting her, don't stall. You owe her brother a favor, and you've been together for years." This was unlike Thea; she usually didn't dwell on things.

Chapter 223 (continued)

Closing her eyes, she heard her baby's cries. Her child, covered in blood, never saw the world's beauty. Without revenge, she feared no one would remember him, not even Nicolas.

A chilling aura emanated from Thea. "Nicolas, continue protecting her. No one touches your precious ones. But I swear, I'll fight you both until I die!" Revenge was paramount.

Nicolas panicked at her resolve. "Thea, I never wanted to protect her… I only love you. The situation is unique. Give me time?" He knew he risked losing her forever.

In the past, Thea would have compromised. But Stephanie had taken her baby's life.

"No," Thea said firmly. "Nicolas, continue protecting Ms. Ralap… Our probationary period is null and void. I'll stay in Silvercreek. When I have time, I'll finalize our divorce…" Her words left no room for reconciliation.

She smiled sadly. "Many covet my position, unaware how hard it is to maintain!" Her determination masked the pain. Nicolas was captivating, exceptional. Though they hadn't known each other long, he'd saved her repeatedly. Her feelings for him surpassed even those for Jake. He'd shown her true love, but now she had to let him go—a heartbreaking task.

Meeting his dark gaze, she forced a smile. "I'm letting you go. Understand? And watch Stephanie. I will ensure she pays with her life for my child!"

Their paths diverged. Her coldness shattered Nicolas. He didn't understand; despite their confession, she could so casually end their marriage. He knew he’d deeply wounded her.

Thea glared, hugging a pillow. "Nicolas, must I throw you out?" She seemed ready to rise. Only Thea dared treat Nicolas so.

Chapter 223 (continued)

He softened. "Thea, I'll leave… The doctor said your wound needs time to heal. Please reconsider the divorce. I'll wait to explain before I see you again." Thea knew he couldn't provide that explanation. Regardless of Stephanie's actions, he couldn't punish her.

Thea felt she'd never matter as much as Stephanie and Vergil to him. But she would have her revenge.

Nicolas didn't reappear. The caregiver remained. Fueled by revenge, Thea recovered faster than expected. Even the caregiver marveled, "Mrs. Hendrix, I've never seen such a rapid recovery. Unfortunately, you and Mr. Hendrix…" She trailed off, and Thea didn't press.

But she knew Nicolas stood outside her door nightly. Sometimes, he inquired about her; sometimes, he simply watched. Thea pretended ignorance. After losing their baby, there was nothing left to say.