Chapter 189: I Can Feel Pain Too

Nathael was stunned. A few seconds later, he lifted his gaze to meet her reddened eyes, brimming with tears. Seeing her gaze fixed on his injured arms, his heart sank. She had found out.

He approached her, enveloping her in his arms, and whispered, "It's not as serious as it looks, just a bit frightening."

Maggie broke free, looking up at him coldly. "If I hadn't found out, how long did you plan to hide it?"

Nathael pursed his lips, remaining silent. A rare hint of nervousness flickered in his eyes.

The romantic atmosphere vanished. Maggie wouldn't even look at his arms. Staring coldly, she asked, "You couldn't be reached for days, and you returned late. Is it because you were injured?"

Nathael didn't deny it. He held her hand tightly and whispered, "It's nothing serious."

He feared it might delay her return to the competition, unsure how long his recovery would take. He was afraid she might cry, yet also afraid she might not care. He feared she might want to stay, yet also feared she might not.

Maggie's eyes were red, and his words only intensified her discomfort, fueling her anger.

"Yes, indeed, but such a trivial injury wouldn't be a big deal in your eyes, would it? Even if your arm were broken, I bet you wouldn't even blink an eye!"

Maggie broke free and turned to leave. Tears betrayed her, falling as intense heartache overwhelmed her. She recalled a scene from her past life: he had lost an arm. He hadn't cried, despite being covered in blood. He'd struggled to crawl to her shattered body, while she watched, dazed, a single tear mixing with her blood. He lost consciousness, and when he woke, his left arm was gone. He shed no tears, staring silently at the empty space where his arm used to be. He seemed to accept it calmly, overnight. However, he became even more withdrawn, often alone in their room, staring blankly at her photos.

Thinking about this, Maggie felt a suffocating pain in her chest, almost unable to breathe.

"Maggie!" Nathael caught up, grasping her wrist.

"Let go of me!" she exclaimed angrily. But as she lifted her head, Nathael froze.

Tears streamed down her face, her eyes red and swollen. Her wet lashes clumped together. "Let go!"

She struggled to speak, but Nathael refused to release her, holding her tightly.

Maggie bit down on his shoulder.

Nathael remained motionless. His injured arm, like an iron band, held her fast. He was shirtless, and the strong smell of blood filled Maggie's mouth.

Perhaps releasing her pent-up frustration, Maggie gradually stopped struggling and nestled into his arms, crying harder. Tears fell onto his chest, and Nathael's Adam's apple bobbed. A painful ache burned in his heart.

He gently stroked her hair, whispering, "Don't cry."

"Nathael, you don't understand at all!" Maggie choked out, her vision blurred. Nathael remained silent, watching her intently.

"Do you know that I worry too? Do you know that I feel pain, too? Do you know how much I regret not being able to be by your side?" Maggie cried until her head spun.

"You liar! You bastard!"

Nathael stood still, his dark eyes wide with astonishment, as if afraid it was an illusion. So, she… does care about me… doesn't she?

He kissed her lips. A glimmer of light appeared in his dark eyes. His voice was low and hoarse. "I'm afraid you'll worry."

Maggie looked at him, her eyes red, then heard him chuckle self-deprecatingly. He said, "And afraid you won't worry."

Maggie was stunned, disoriented.

Nathael smiled faintly, tinged with melancholy. "I'm afraid you'll cry because you care, yet scared you won't care at all. I'm afraid you'll want to stay and accompany me, delaying your competition, yet afraid I'm not that important, and you'll still insist on leaving."

His voice was low and hoarse, his beautiful black eyes gazing at her. He had exposed all his vulnerabilities, surrendering them only to her.

He had never imagined he would be so anxious and insecure. But he always thought that such anxieties proved he had something worth worrying about.

Maggie felt even more uncomfortable. She was awful. Her past actions had deeply hurt him. Had she brought this upon herself?

Earnestly, she looked him in the eye. "Nathael, I can feel pain, worry, and fear. The competition is important, but not more important than you. You are the most important." She spoke softly, tears welling in her eyes. She could finally say these words, in this life and the last.

Nathael's eyes reddened, his gaze intense. He never imagined hearing these words. Regardless of their truth, he felt no regrets.

"In the future, will you tell me? I want to be with you," Maggie said softly.

In her past life, it seemed there was no place for her in this world. He had been by her side for years, her strongest support, her final reliance. He was her eyes and gave her a home. He shielded her from countless attacks and stood against gossip and rumors. And now, she wanted to be by his side, no matter what. Perhaps she didn't know how to love, but she would try.

Nathael gazed at her, tears glistening in her eyes. Her clear eyes reflected his concern.

He felt a pang in his chest, a sensation he'd never experienced. Something was swelling, filling him, yet leaving him content.

He pulled her close, kissed her hair gently, and whispered, "Okay."

Maggie sighed, leaning against him.

Silence stretched until his hoarse voice broke it: "So, how do you account for deliberately teasing me?"