Chapter 155: Bad Temper During Pregnancy

Maggie's remark instantly silenced the dining table.

Within seconds, Nathael regained his composure. Beth, however, remained visibly tense, her gaze shifting between Maggie's face and her abdomen. "What do you mean by that?" she asked.

Maggie's expression was gentle, but her tone held a hint of surprise. "Don't you know? During pregnancy, one should avoid alcohol, and even raw, cold salmon is unsuitable."

Pausing, Maggie seemed to realize something. "Right, you don't have a boyfriend; how could you understand? My apologies."

Beth's mind blanked, fixated on Maggie's words: "pregnant." Is she pregnant? It's Nathael's child! This is impossible! Tears welled in Beth's eyes. "Whose child is it?" she instinctively asked.

Maggie found the question absurd, but understood Beth's desire for self-deception. Before she could answer, Nathael's deep voice cut through the silence: "Mine."

Maggie's eyes crinkled in a smile of happiness. Looking at Beth with sincerity, she said, "I know you're Nathael's good friend. Won't you wish us well?"

Seeing Beth's furious expression, Maggie knew she'd won.

"When did this happen?" Beth's voice was hoarse, her hands trembling beneath the table. How can she be pregnant with his child? How can he allow this? Did she threaten him? Or use some other means? I liked him for so long, and he's never been this good to me. But why Maggie? The thought drove her insane.

Faced with Beth's intense gaze, Maggie lightly touched her stomach and sighed. "I don't know," she said, adding with a pointedly provocative tone, "Perhaps on his couch last time? Or maybe in the study or at my apartment, in the bathroom. It's hard to say." Maggie's deliberate spite fueled Beth's fury. If Beth isn't happy, then I will be!

Nathael looked at Maggie, his gaze deep and unreadable. Maggie felt inexplicably guilty, avoiding his intense stare and rubbing her nose. What's wrong? Why is he staring at me like that? He looks like he could devour me.

Beth, oblivious to the charged atmosphere between them, remained fixated on Maggie's words.

Maggie spoke softly, "Ms. Bray?"

"Oh!" Beth snapped out of her daze, noticing a broken nail. She forced a smile, her eyes red-rimmed. "Congratulations."

Maggie simply curled her lip. Beth's lack of enthusiasm didn't matter; as long as she wasn't happy, Maggie felt victorious.

Maggie sighed, adopting a seasoned air, and offered advice. "Ms. Bray, you don't have a boyfriend, right? You should start planning. You're not much younger than Nathael, and look, he has a child now. Women's youth is short, even shorter than men's. Some things need to be done sooner rather than later. Giving birth earlier aids recovery and reduces worries about appearance. I know you come from a prestigious family, but men like Nathael are rare. Don't be too picky."

Maggie's comments about family pressure and matchmaking infuriated Beth. "I've been chatting with you, so we're friends. Don't blame me for being straightforward, but I know you like Nathael's type. To put it bluntly, he prefers someone like me. As for you" Maggie said, giving Beth a condescending look, "he doesn't like it."

Beth abruptly stood, her chair scraping the floor. "Maggie, what do you mean by that?"

Beth found Maggie utterly detestable. Her hostility ignited Maggie's own coldness. "If you don't like it, leave," Maggie smirked. "I'm not afraid of you."

Beth, unused to such treatment, looked to Nathael. He glanced at her and said in a low voice, "During pregnancy, tempers can be irritable. Please forgive her, Ms. Bray."

Maggie was stunned. Is he still pretending?

Beth, tears in her eyes, gathered her things and fled.

Alone with Nathael, Maggie said sarcastically, "Mr. Harris, aren't you going to chase after her?"

Nathael remained calm. "I'm still waiting to be with you on the couch, in the study, and in the bathroom."

Maggie stamped her foot. "Nathael, are you even human? I'm pregnant!"

Maggie felt his intense gaze. She felt the urge to flee, and excused herself to the bathroom. In the dimly lit corridor, Nathael caught her, pressing her against the wall. He kissed her earlobe, murmuring huskily, "When do you plan to give me a child?"

Maggie felt a surge of panic. In the close confines, the atmosphere was intense. I'm in big trouble!