Chapter 368 You Seem Quite Leisurely
Maggie struggled with the idea that her story with Nathael might not end well.
She understood that tragedies were a part of life. She was grateful for a chance to be reborn, but she couldnโt shake off her reluctance.
Leo was taken aback by her words, turning to her with surprise in his eyes.
He had known her for years and knew she was cautious. She had given her all for the Camerons before, but she had done it with reservations.
However, her attitude towards Nathael was different.
Though she used to dislike him, now she spoke so recklessly. It was unlike her.
Yet, Leo couldnโt deny the sparkle in her eyes and the girlish charm she exhibited when she was with Nathael, as if she would entrust him with her life.
Sensing his gaze, Maggie turned and smiled. โIโm just thinking aloud."
The idea passed her mind briefly, but she knew it wouldnโt be wiseโnot for the child, not for Nathael.
She doubted she could accept Nathael marrying another woman, especially with a child involved. Not many would treat their stepchildren as their own.
They often said that parents would neglect their children from a previous marriage after they remarried. She believed Nathael wasnโt that type of person, but she feared he would be alone forever to care for their child.
No matter what, it wouldnโt be a perfect ending.
The thought of the child growing up without her protection troubled her. It felt irresponsible to bring a child into the world without proper consideration.
In the car, Leo broke the silence. โSounds like youโve given it serious thought.โ
Maggie admitted, โYeah.โ
She had never considered having children in her past life, and it felt surreal when she had such an idea now. She felt as if they would have a future if they had children together.
It was as if her life could continue that way.
Right then, she withdrew her thoughts as she acknowledged, โBut I know I shouldnโt do that.โ
Leo didnโt voice his opinion but simply remarked, โHeโs lucky to have your trust.โ
Maggie smiled. โYeah, because I like him.โ
Leo understood that liking someone wouldnโt make her so biased towards him; she wasnโt like that with Joseph in the past.
Maggie had feelings back when she was younger, but she drew a line between herself and others.
Even if she gave everything she could, she would leave her heart in a small, desolate corner.
However, with Nathael, she was willing to love him and be biased towards him without reservation.
Meeting his hesitation, Maggieโs gaze was firm as she said, โI trust you too, but I love him.โ
Leoโs demeanor softened as he replied gently, โI know. Iโll be here for you.โ
Maggie turned away from him, facing the window, as she spoke softly, โMaybe you should consider getting a girlfriend if the opportunity arises.โ
She wasnโt unaware of Leoโs subtle feelings for her, but to her, Leo was more like a brother.
Leo looked at her profile and responded softly, โSure.โ
He had considered confessing his feelings to her, but feared it would push her further away. Moreover, he knew they werenโt a good match.
Their experiences were too similar, filled with schemes and darkness, tangled with conflicting interests. He was even more suspicious and uneasy than she was, so he knew he was unable to provide her with the happiness and warmth she deserved.
But he didnโt mind. He never intended to possess her; he just wanted to be with her forever. He just wanted to be there when she needed someone.
He simply wanted her to know that there would always be someone there for her and that she wouldnโt be alone in this world.
Before long, Maggie and Leo arrived at Irisโs clinic.
Yes, it was a clinic.
In an era overflowing with large hospitals and medical centers, this clinic seemed like a joke.
But it existed at this moment.
Located at the end of an alley, the clinic had a modern sign outside, looking as if it might fall at any moment, reading "Siri Clinic." At first glance, it seemed like a hoax and wasnโt convincing.
Maggie stood beneath the sign and chuckled, โSiri Clinic? I bet they didnโt put much thought into the name. It doesnโt even reflect what a clinic should be. Who would dare to go in?โ
Leo explained calmly, โSiri is just Iris spelled backwards. Sheโs rarely here, so very few people come to see her. Only those familiar with her visit, mostly people from the nearby alley. If theyโre lucky enough to find her, sheโll treat minor ailments for free.โ
Thinking of the cold voice on the intercom, Maggie had a vague idea of Irisโs personality.
Upon entering the clinic, they unexpectedly encountered two familiar faces.
Timmothy sat in a chair by the window, with a square wooden table and chairs around, resembling a simple diner from TV shows, looking quite casual.
Timmothy reclined in his chair while fanning himself with a folding fan. Though the old chair creaked, he seemed to find it interesting.
Maggie couldnโt resist commenting, โItโs freezing outside, and youโre fanning yourself. Are you okay?โ
Timmothy raised an eyebrow, mischief evident on his pale face. โThe heater in this room is cranked up. Whatโs wrong with fanning myself?โ
Maggie didnโt pay him any more attention; after all, he was right.
While the clinic looked dilapidated from the outside, it was warm inside, presumably for the patientsโ comfort.
The window beside Timmothy was partly open, allowing in a bit of chill.
On the old table were a transparent teapot and several teacups. Timmothy poured tea for Maggie and Leo, then said, โHave a seat. Ms. Hudson is with a patient in the back room. Itโll be about half an hour.โ
Maggie accepted without objection and sat down with Leo.
Coincidentally, there was a light snowfall outside today. It wasnโt heavy, but combined with Timmothy brewing tea, it created an interesting scene.
โYou seem quite leisurely, making tea and watching the snow," Maggie teased as she took off her coat.
Nathael worked tirelessly every day, yet Timmothy, despite sharing his last name, seemed to live a slow-paced life.