Chapter 296: I Love You

Nathael’s least desired visitor was Ericko—cunning and petty, someone he couldn't afford to offend.

"We're one family, right?" Nathael asked, wiping his mouth.

Ericko chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Don't jump to conclusions. Who says so?"

Maggie felt the tension, remaining silent. They were arguing, and the subject of their dispute was her.

The return flight was relaxing and pleasant. Maggie sat beside Nathael, her head resting on his shoulder as he softly read philosophy aloud. The clear sky and sunlight bathed them in warmth. Still drowsy from her coffee, Maggie felt peaceful and secure, soothed by his voice and scent. Closing her eyes, she tried to clear her mind, focusing on the joy of survival and cherishing this time with him.

Ten minutes later, Nathael closed the book and kissed her forehead. The plane landed in under two hours; it was noon. Worried about Nathael, and knowing it was his birthday, Maggie accompanied him back to the villa. He showered while she freshened up. After changing into pajamas, Maggie examined her back wounds in the mirror. Applying medication was difficult, so she decided to address it later.

After showering, Maggie went to the kitchen to make Nathael pasta. She’d planned to bake a cake but ran out of time; Nathael wouldn't let her be gone that long. While cooking, Nolan knocked, delivering a cake. "Ms. Adam, your order," he said.

Maggie thanked him and examined the cake: white, with a red heart and gold […].

[The text appears to have a timestamp and some possibly unrelated information here that has been omitted, such as “16:25 Wed, 29 May acc”.]

Maggie retrieved the teddy bear she'd bought earlier and placed it beside the heart on the cake. She’d found it while shopping; it was cute and had a record button.

After finishing preparations, Maggie fetched a bottle of champagne from Nathael's wine rack. They could only drink a little due to their injuries. She lit the candles and returned to the kitchen. The pasta was ready; she garnished it and served it on two plates—a larger one for Nathael, a smaller one for herself. Relieved, she reflected on having done almost everything herself.

Lost in thought, Maggie considered the possibility of their breakup or her eventual absence. She hoped to leave Nathael with happy memories. Her slow start in life, due to childhood experiences, made her aware of her flaws: hypocrisy, calculation, and selfishness. Still, she wished for his safety, happiness, and health.

Nathael spoke to Clara at the bedroom window.

"You're not coming back for your birthday?"

"Right."

Clara sighed. "Don't do anything reckless with Maggie. Prioritize your health."

"I know."

"Happy birthday, Nathael."

"Thank you, Mom."

After the call, Nathael entered the living room, where he saw the flickering candlelight. Maggie stood there wearing a birthday hat. "Happy Birthday!" she exclaimed.

Nathael smiled. Maggie lit the cake's candle. "Make a wish!"

He looked at the cake, closed his eyes, and made a wish. Tears welled in Maggie's eyes as she took photos. Nathael looked gentle in the dim light.

"May there be happiness forever," he murmured.

Maggie frowned. "Don't say it aloud! It won't come true!"

Nathael blew out the candle and picked up the teddy bear. Pressing the button, Maggie's recorded voice played: "I love you, Nathael! I love you, Nathael!" It repeated.

Nathael looked up; Maggie blushed. Expressing her love felt exciting and unsettling, even knowing his feelings for her.

"Hmm," Nathael said, his throat catching. He grabbed her wrist, pulled her against the table, and kissed her. Maggie wrapped her arms around his neck. Their kiss was passionate.

"Nana, I love you," Nathael whispered, overwhelmed.

"Me too," Maggie replied.

Nathael slipped his hands under her shirt. The scars on his fingertips made Maggie tremble. She stiffened slightly but didn't resist. Closing her eyes, she kissed his earlobe and neck playfully.

Nathael’s arousal grew, but he paused, burying his head in her neck, fearing regret and restraining himself.

Sensing this, Maggie whispered, playing with his hair, "Do you want to…?"

[The final line, "Send Gifts 70," appears to be unrelated and has been left out.]