Chapter 561 Only One
Nathaniel gently patted her back and offered comforting words, “Don’t cry. I’ll be here with you every step of the way while you handle Mom’ situation.”
Christina clutched at his shirt, her tears soaking through the fabric, leaving a funny wet stain on his chest. She hiccuped and spoke with a shaky voice. “I’m grateful that you’re by my side. Otherwise, I would be completely lost.”
Nathaniel had spoilt her so much that she was entirely dependent on him. In times of trouble, he was the first person who came to her mind, knowing that he would always be there to lend a helping hand. Her reliance on him pleased the man immensely. “Let’s head in and take a look.”
Christina nodded, allowing Nathaniel to hold her hand and lead her into the outpatient clinic.
Sharon’s body was covered in numerous wounds, requiring the doctor and nurses to carefully dress them. It took some time to tend to all her injuries.
When the curtains were drawn apart, Christina and Nathaniel saw Sharon’s head and limbs were all bandaged up. Unable to move, she could only cast a fleeting glance at them.
After reading her report, the doctor told them, “The patient is currently running a fever, and her wounds might cause an infection. I would suggest that she remains hospitalized today for observation. She can go home to recuperate once her fever subsides.”
Nathaniel said, “I’ll take care of the admission procedures. Stay here and keep Mom company.”
“Okay,” Christina replied with a nod.
The doctor then left a few instructions before telling the nurse to wheel Sharon to her ward.
“Mom, why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” Christina asked, overwhelmed with guilt. The demands of her pregnancy and managing her studio had consumed her attention, causing her to forget about Sharon.
“It’s not serious, and I can manage on my own. I don’t want to trouble you while you’re pregnant,” Sharon rasped weakly. “Nathaniel is busy with work. Why did you ask him to come to the hospital? When he returns, tell him to go back to his office to resume work.”
Christina felt a stab of fear when she recalled what happened earlier. “You were already weak, to begin with, and now you’re injured to the point where you can’t even move. How can you say this is not serious?”
As Nathaniel entered the ward after completing the admission procedures, Sharon turned to him with a pleading expression. “Nathaniel, please tell Christina not to cry. It won’t be good for her or the baby.”
Nathaniel replied, “Mom, let Christina express her emotions. It isn’t wise for her to bottle up her emotions either.”
“Well, my injuries are only superficial, and I can manage at home with some fever medication. It’s not a serious situation, so why don’t they discharge me now?” Sharon asked hopefully. She had spent a few years in the hospital previously and didn’t enjoy being there. Christina’s voice was hoarse as she spoke with teary eyes. “No, the doctor has advised that you must stay in the hospital for observation as there is a risk of infection.”
Nathaniel added, “It’s just for one night. I’ve taken care of the admission procedures. If you insist on going home tonight, it will be difficult for Christina to sleep as she’ll be extremely worried about you.”
“Okay, I’ll stay here for one night. Christina, you can’t worry too much. It’s not good for you to stay up late either,” Sharon hastily agreed. Just like that, she was wheeled to the VIP ward by the nurse.
After the eventful day, she soon fell into a deep slumber.
Nathaniel hired a caregiver to stay with her for the night before leaving with Christina.
At the elevator, Christina shook Nathaniel’s arm and said, “Nathaniel, Gideon got hurt while protecting my mom. I would like to visit him before we leave and also cover his medical expenses as a gesture of gratitude.”
“Let’s go.” Nathaniel brought her to the information desk, where they found out Gideon’s room. They then took the elevator to the floor where the normal wards were located.
Gideon was taken aback by Christina’s visit. Just as he started to feel a flicker of excitement, he caught sight of the man standing behind her. In an instant, fear consumed him, causing him to shrink back instinctively.
He was still wary of Nathaniel until that very moment and never wanted to experience Nathaniel’s ruthless tactics ever again.
Despite his fear, Gideon was still worried about Sharon. “Christina, how is your mom doing?” he asked.
“She’s fine, save for some superficial injuries,’ Christina explained as she sat down on the chair Nathaniel got for her. “I’d like to know what happened, and why Emilia wants you dead.”
Gideon hung his head and averted his gaze. “It was all my fault. I was the one who brought harm upon your mom.”
It was clear that he was reluctant to share, so Christina decided not to push him further. Instead, she took out a check and placed it on the bedside cabinet. “Here’s fifty thousand to cover your medical and recuperation expenses.”
Gideon’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the check. In the past, greed might have consumed him, but now he was overwhelmed with anguish and guilt. “Christina, I can’t accept this,” he said, his voice filled with helplessness. “I protected your mom because it was my fault she got into trouble. Please take the money back. I’m just grateful that you’re here to visit me.”
Christina got to her feet, making no move to retrieve the check. “Just take it. I know you’ll need it given your current condition. Besides, you know Mom well. She’s kind-hearted and doesn’t like feeling indebted to others. If you refuse to accept the money, it will only make her feel guilty. Considering her current health condition, I don’t want unnecessary worries to consume her over such a trivial matter.”
Gideon’s hands trembled as he responded in a low voice, “I’m sorry.” “Tll get going now. You’re on your own.”
Christina spun on her heels to leave. Nathaniel kept her company the entire time but didn’t say a word.
Both Nathaniel and Christina had different ways of solving problems. If Nathaniel were to take action, things wouldn’t be in Gideon’s favor. It was well-known that Nathaniel was relentless in seeking the truth and uncovering secrets. No one could remain silent or hide information from him for long.
Back at Scenic Garden Manor, Christina didn’t feel like moving. She clung onto Nathaniel like a koala bear and nuzzled against his nape. “Nathaniel, I’m sleepy. Are you heading to work later?”
“I have a busy day at work today due to a quarterly meeting that I must attend. However, I can spare an hour to keep you company while you take a nap. I promise I will make an effort to return home earlier than usual tonight,” Nathaniel assured her.
“That must be tiring for you. Nathaniel, am I too annoying?” Christina asked worriedly.
Nathaniel massaged the back of her neck and replied affectionately, “Don’t say that. I love that you depend on me. I’m more than happy to spoil you, and no one has the right to criticize you.”
Christina rewarded him with a light peck on the cheek. Pleased, she told him, “Nathaniel, you’re the best husband in the world. You’re mine and mine alone.”
“Mm. I’m yours, and you’re my one and only.”
Nathaniel carried her into the mansion and placed her on the couch. Suddenly, he caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance.
“Christina, did you buy a new perfume?”
“I didn’t spray any perfume today,’ came Christina’s answer.
After getting her to remove her scarf, Nathaniel sniffed at it carefully. “Your scarf smells a lot like the scent of the handmade velvet flower,” he said.
