Chapter 102: The Pain of Losing What You Once Cherished

Maggie’s breathing grew shallow as she struggled, but couldn’t escape. Surrendering, she braced herself.

As darkness deepened, the rain intensified.

“No one will see us, right?” she thought.

Their lips met in a tender exchange. Maggie wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his embrace tentatively. Her touch was hesitant, almost reluctant. She recoiled slightly, shyly, a reaction Nathael found irresistible. “You’re quite the mischief,” he murmured, his hand moving soothingly down her spine.

His warm touch, both strange and compelling, sent shivers down her spine, making her gasp. Time seemed to blur as tension thickened between them.

Resting her head on his shoulder, Maggie breathed deeply. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed; she possessed an alluring blend of innocence and sophistication.

“Do you not wish to see me?” Nathael reclined, wrapping an arm around her, his voice rough.

Maggie murmured a soft, “No.”

Deep down, she knew her avoidance was a pretense. If she truly wanted to avoid him, she would have ended the call and ignored his attempts to contact her. Her introspection revealed a pattern of needless complication and evasion.

She looked up at him. His cold intensity was strikingly handsome, possessing a gravity akin to a precious gift of fate. His piercing gaze stirred a profound warmth within her. His straight nose and slender lips conveyed assertiveness and aloofness, painting a portrait of a formidable, detached man. Noticing abrasions on his face, she worried, asking softly, “Who did this? What caused them to target your face?” Maggie felt unhappy.

Nathael’s smirk deepened as he met her gaze. “Does it pain you to see me like this?”

Maggie remained silent, barely whispering, “Do you still harbor anger towards me?”

The revelation of her conversation with Ronald must have deeply upset Nathael. Maggie felt a pang of guilt. She realized she should have tried to mend their relationship sooner, especially given his forgiving nature.

Nathael responded with a cold laugh, tilting her chin upward to meet his gaze. “Since you know I’m angry, why didn’t you seek me out?”

A knot formed in Maggie’s chest. After a moment, she admitted in a low voice, “I was scared.”

Nathael looked into her eyes; his laughter now tinged with irony. She had become quite the actress, more deceptive than ever. He might have believed her if he hadn’t known about Ericko. Her once simple deceit had evolved, blurring the lines between sincerity and fabrication.

Was this a sign of her concern for him? A reason for him to feel content?

During their conversation, a sharp pain flared in Maggie’s stomach, worse than before. It felt like internal flames, a twisting sensation that brought perspiration to her nose. With a pained expression, she managed, “Nathael, my stomach hurts.” Tears welled in her eyes as she clutched his shirt, seeking comfort.

Maggie looked so distressed that she seemed on the verge of tears.

Initially surprised, Nathael reacted swiftly, moving her to the passenger seat and fastening her seatbelt. In a firm voice, he said, “We’re going to the hospital.”

Curled in the seat, Maggie remained quiet. Gradually, her condition seemed to stabilize.

Yet, after several more bouts of discomfort, she was covered in sweat.

Without hesitation, Nathael drove toward the school exit while calling Alex, instructing him to contact Sean.

Forty minutes later, they arrived at the hospital, and Maggie was admitted.

Her initial reluctance toward gastric lavage was noted, but as her condition improved, she received an IV drip instead. She observed a man in a white uniform reviewing her medical records. Maggie recognized Sean by reputation, though they had never met.

The Gatlins were renowned in Aquapolis for their medical expertise and extensive network within the healthcare industry. The family scion was a figure no one dared to cross. To antagonize them was to jeopardize one’s safety.

In life’s journey—birth, aging, illness, and death—the vulnerability of sickness was unavoidable. Yet, with the Gatlin family’s support, hope always seemed to pierce the gloom. Maggie’s profound awareness of Sean stemmed from her past suffering.

Her resentment toward Nathael, coupled with her own ailments and past scars, weighed heavily on her. Sean’s frequent visits to the Harris household during her illnesses had made his voice a familiar comfort, even though she couldn’t see him.

Now, she observed his tall, lean frame and scholarly yet austere aura. His gold-rimmed glasses framed sharp, discerning eyes, hinting at intelligence and calm.

It was no secret that Sean had a close bond with Nathael, a pivotal figure in their circle.

“I recommend a gastroscopy; I believe you may have a stomach ulcer. Furthermore, avoid cold and spicy foods and alcohol,” Sean advised, concluding his examination of the records before speaking to Nathael.

Maggie regarded him almost like an instructor; his advice carried an undeniable authority.

Noticing her attention on Sean, Nathael’s expression darkened. He stepped in front of her and said in a low tone, “Let’s talk outside.”

Sean’s gaze briefly met Maggie’s, his expression cool and detached.

Maggie was speechless. What did he misunderstand? Given her past blindness, it was natural for her to look more closely now that she could see.

Nathael and Sean went to the rooftop, where Nathael offered Sean a cigarette.

Despite the rain, a sheltered spot allowed them to smoke without getting wet.

In this relaxed setting, Sean shed his usual stoicism. He glanced at Nathael, commenting with amusement and disbelief, “You dragged me out here in the pouring rain over a stomachache?”

Nathael, taking a long drag, fell momentarily silent, recalling Maggie clutching his clothes, her voice breaking as she spoke of her pain.

“When she says she’s in pain, it feels like my heart is breaking,” he confessed with a rueful laugh.

Sean chuckled, playfully chiding, “You’re such a sap.”

Nathael remained contemplative, silently acknowledging his growing feelings, sensing this time might be different.

“Will you regret it?” Sean probed, aware of Nathael’s feelings for Maggie and the complication of her past affection for Joseph Kung, leaving her current affections uncertain.

With a profound look, Nathael said, “Why should I?”

As Sean snuffed out his cigarette and clapped Nathael on the shoulder, he offered a word of caution, “The pain of losing what you’ve once cherished will cut deeper than any other.”

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