Chapter 18

Yarrick had no idea what she might be thinking.

He looked at Hailey lying there in bed, and something unexplainable stirred in his chest.

During the time they had spent together, even though she had never said a single word to him, she had left a deep impression on his heart—one that couldn’t be erased.

“Selena, do you mind if I think about it for a while?”

“Yarrick, from what I understand, your family background isn’t great. Two million dollars could really make your life easier. If you feel that’s not enough, I can offer three. After all, you’ve done a wonderful job these past few weeks. Hailey’s recovery had so much to do with your presence.”

“Hmm… Technically, we already have a marriage certificate, so that means she’s my wife now. I don’t know what she used to be, but right now, she’s my wife. If we’re going to divorce, I want to talk to her about it first. If she tells me to, I’ll sign the agreement without hesitation. But for now, Selena, you can hold onto the divorce agreement.”

Selena gave him a long look as he firmly shook his head.

Selena’s offer was tempting, no doubt. That kind of money could change a person’s life. His parents would never have to struggle again. But somehow, when he looked at Hailey lying there, the money just didn’t seem as important.

He couldn’t explain it. He just felt like he needed to hear her opinion on this matter. After all, they were legally married. It only seemed right to let her have a say too.

If Hailey agreed to the divorce, then he wouldn’t hesitate. He knew this had always been just a deal. “Alright. No problem. Have a talk with Hailey. This is a matter between husband and wife, after all. And if you two decide to stay together, well, I’d be overjoyed,” Selena said with a soft smile. “Alright, Yarrick. I’ll have you know if anything comes up. Call me anytime.”

“Thank you, Selena.”

“Alright then.” Selena nodded and quietly left the room.

“Uh… Honey?” Yarrick pulled a chair up to Hailey’s bedside and gently sat down. He reached out to hold her hand.

Her eyes were closed. She still wasn’t planning to wake up.

Then, her hand curled gently around his.

There was no doubt about it; she had been awake the whole time. She was just keeping her eyes shut.

“Honey, I know you’re awake. And I’m guessing you heard everything that was just said. For what it’s worth, I’d really like to give us a shot.”

Yarrick gently massaged her hand, speaking in a voice that was as soft as velvet.

“I’m young. I’ve got energy. I wouldn’t mind taking care of you every day. I’m a great cook, and I could fatten you up in no time. Sure, we’ve got a bit of an age gap. But honestly? I’ve always…”

Yarrick found it quite interesting. It seemed Hailey just refused to open her eyes and face him.

He couldn’t help but smirk. If Hailey insisted on pretending to be asleep, he would just keep talking like nothing had changed.

“Hailey?” From how she had reacted earlier, it was clear she didn’t mind Yarrick at all. So naturally, he got bolder and bolder.

The toothbrush, toothpaste, and face wash on the bedside table told him she was already able to get up and wash herself on her own.

Yarrick reached out, brushing her cheek again with his hand. Then, leaning in, his lips followed. He took in her sweet and enticing scent. He couldn’t help but kiss her again. “Honey, when are you taking me home? I’m already yours anyway.”

As he spoke, he pressed another light kiss on her cheek. He still hadn’t kissed her lips yet.

But in that short moment, Hailey’s cheeks flushed a deeper red, and her body trembled slightly. Her grip on Yarrick tightened.

Hailey’s breathing quickened, like a teenage girl being kissed by her crush for the very first time. Her whole body was trembling with excitement.

“Hailey, honey, I know you don’t hate me. I’ve made up my mind. That divorce agreement? I’m not signing it. Even though that three million dollars would change my life, no amount of money could compare to you. I don’t care about your age, not even a little.”

“If fate brought us together, then why not go with it? So when you’re discharged, just take me home with you, okay?”

Yarrick gave her another kiss. He pressed his cheek against hers and spoke gently. Their breath mingled in the small space between them, and the mood quickly grew warm. Then, while Hailey wasn’t paying attention, Yarrick quickly kissed her lips.

The surprise hit her like a jolt, and her whole body tensed.

He wasn’t going to give her the chance to dodge. He wrapped both arms around her neck and held her gently but firmly.

Hailey knew that she had been kissed by a man twenty years younger than her.

She didn’t mind the kisses on her cheek, but this kiss on the lips completely threw her off. At that moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

Yarrick gently cupped her neck and softly licked her lips. With each breath deeper and more unsteady than the last, Hailey felt her remaining strength seem to drain away. Embarrassed, she felt her mind go blank.

Although she was used to his tender voice and affectionate touch, she had never seen what he looked like.

The nurses all said he was ridiculously handsome, and Selena had praised him to no end. But those were just words. And now, he was kissing her before she had even seen his face. “Honey…”

Hailey didn’t respond. It was as if he had kissed a statue. Even her lips didn’t part. They just trembled slightly with every shaky breath she took.