Chapter 301: Let's Get Married

Nathael gazed into her deep eyes, his own shaded. Maggie's cheeks flushed. She huddled under the covers, concealing her face except for her closed eyes.

Nathael chuckled softly. "Once the IV is finished, you should get some rest."

There wasn't much IV solution remaining; it was done in about twenty minutes.

Maggie was still awake. The medication was taking effect, making her feel much better, but she wasn't sleepy.

She opened her eyes and saw Nathael beckoning the nurse to remove the needle. He then changed his clothes and lay down beside her. Even before he touched her, she felt the warmth radiating from him.

Although the private hospital bed was larger, it wasn't designed for two, unlike the one on Maplewood Avenue. The bed felt cramped. Maggie turned away, but soon Nathael pulled her close.

Warmth seeped through their clothes; Maggie could hear his heartbeat clearly. She slowly opened her eyes, unable to resist the thought of remaining like this forever.

Nathael's large hand encircled her slim waist, pulling her against his chest. Her tousled hair brushed against his shoulders and neck, causing a slight tickle.

Outside the window, the full moon hung high, the stars dotting the dark sky. The hospital room was dim, lit only by moonlight and the faint glow from the corridor.

"What's on your mind?" Nathael asked softly, knowing she was awake.

Maggie's eyelashes quivered. She murmured, "You are."

Nathael's gentle kisses landed on her neck and ear. His voice deepened. "The moment you went missing, I was so scared I'd never see you again." The fear washed over him, unstoppable and chilling. He couldn't find words to describe it; he'd never been so terrified.

Maggie's nose tingled. Unsure what to say, she listened quietly.

"These days have felt like a dream—an unattainable dream," Nathael gulped, his eyes downcast. Perhaps because he'd never experienced such happiness, he doubted its reality. At midnight, he'd wake up sweating, terrified she wouldn't be there.

Maggie's eyes grew moist. She bit her lip, her hand involuntarily curling near her face. For him, it was a nightmare; for her, it was no different. Despite the longing, Maggie felt it was enough. The happiness they'd shared was real; that was sufficient. They wouldn't leave behind regrets as in their past lives, only reluctance and remorse.

She gently placed her hand on his. "You deserve all the good things in the world."

Nathael's eyes were deep, his black lashes like wings. "But I don't want the good things in the world; I only want you."

A tear slid down Maggie's cheek and onto the pillow.

"Maggie," Nathael whispered softly, "let's get married."

Maggie paused, taken aback. Opening her mouth, she found herself speechless. She didn't know how to refuse his sincere proposal. Looking down, she offered a casual smile. "Do you think you could just ask me to marry you like this? How insincere, Mr. Harris." After considering it, Nathael agreed. He wanted to give her the best.

"We'll have the wedding wherever you prefer," Nathael said warmly, imagining her in a wedding dress.

Maggie whispered, "Let me reconnect with the Adams first. If the Camerons discover I'm marrying you, they'll use our relationship to manipulate you." She knew Ronald was suspicious and she should return to her parents soon. But she couldn't do it now. A few years remained; Phillip and Fiona wouldn't be able to handle losing her and regaining her. If the Camerons made a comeback then, they might not have the strength to resist.

"Ronald is cunning; you shouldn't stay with the Camerons," Nathael said seriously, frowning with worry at her constant involvement with them.

Maggie said softly, "Once Luster Corporation is taken down and Sierra is imprisoned, I'll sever ties with the Camerons."

"I'll handle the Camerons; I won't be at ease if you stay there," Nathael disagreed with her remaining with them. He hadn't known before, but now he couldn't accept it.

"Okay, I'll reconsider. I don't often go back anyway. I'll maintain superficial contact unless I truly cut ties."

Maggie changed the subject. Lightly touching his bandaged pinky finger, she felt a sharp pain in her heart. Her throat tightened. "Does it hurt?" she asked softly.

Sighing, Nathael turned her and gently kissed her lips, restraining himself. Maggie closed her eyes, enveloped by his irresistible cool cedar scent. Nathael refrained from deepening the kiss; instead, he propped himself up to look at her.

Maggie softly touched his thin lips with her finger. They were thin, with a faint pink hue, giving off a distant and reserved vibe. However, he had deep, affectionate eyes and sleek brows. Whenever he looked at her seriously, it stirred up emotions, making her eyes well up. "Can you promise me something?" Maggie traced his features, trying to etch his look into her memory. He had loved her so deeply, and his serious gaze had once belonged entirely to her. This should be enough; there shouldn't be any lingering regrets, right?

"Promise what?" Nathael asked gently, patiently waiting.

Maggie's throat tightened. She whispered, "Promise me that you won't let yourself get hurt for anyone, not even for me."

Nathael paused, clearly surprised. He looked at her, gulped, and remained silent.

Maggie delicately toyed with the buttons on his collar, her eyes filled with anticipation. "If you're hurt, I'll feel sad, and I'll cry."

Nathael felt warmth flood his chest, his heart filled with a bittersweet sensation.

Maggie persisted softly. "Promise me, okay?"

Nathael lowered his gaze, gently kissed her eyes, and softly replied, "Okay."

A tear welled in Maggie's eye, and she smiled contentedly.

(The "Send Gifts" and numerical notations seem to be extraneous and have been omitted.)