5: Clinging to What's Left of My Dignity

She couldn't go to the hospital.

If she did, her secret would be exposed. It was almost laughable—she didn't want anyone to know about the baby because she wanted to hold on to the last shreds of her dignity. Despite knowing that her so-called dignity had been non-existent since the day she agreed to a sham marriage with Oliver.

Now, in front of him, in front of the woman he cherished, what dignity did she have left?

But still...

Lillian lowered her gaze, unable to lay bare all the humiliating truths.

Upon hearing her refusal, Oliver's brow furrowed deeply, and he abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road. Lillian thought he intended for her to get out and reached for the door handle.

Click—

The car doors locked at once.

Oliver's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, unreadable. "Why won't you go to the hospital?"

Ever since she came back from the rain last night, she'd been acting strangely.

Lillian maintained her composure, "If I'm not feeling well, I can see a doctor on my own."

Oliver's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Serena quickly interjected, "Oliver, is it because of me? I could get out here, and then you can take Lillian to the hospital. She shouldn't delay treatment for her condition."

As Serena leaned in toward the door lock, Lillian saw Oliver's hand stopping her, their wrists brushing against each other.

"Don't speculate," Oliver's brows tightened, his eyes flicking briefly to Lillian before adding, "It's not about you."

Serena's cheeks flushed with a shy blush at the touch.

Lillian watched silently until Serena's eyes turned her way, and she awkwardly diverted her gaze.

"Lillian, I misunderstood you. I thought you were upset with Oliver because of me. I'm truly sorry."

Lillian gave her a fleeting glance. Had it not been for Serena's kindness to her, she might have suspected Serena of being a little too perfect.

Lillian managed a strained smile. "It's okay."

Serena then suggested, "You don't want to go to the hospital, are you afraid? My friend has a small clinic, why not go there?"

After a pause, she looked to Oliver, "What do you think?"

Oliver didn't immediately agree but frowned, "A clinic? Is it reliable?"

Serena seemed embarrassed, "Of course, I wouldn't recommend it otherwise. Don't you trust me?"

After a moment, Oliver consented, "Then we'll go to the clinic."

Lillian's eyebrows knitted together.

"I…"

Before she could finish, Oliver was already driving off, not allowing her a chance to refuse.

Serena continued to smooth things over, "Don't worry, Lillian. My friend is very nice and patient with the patients. I'll explain everything to him, okay?"

Compared to the warm and considerate Serena, Lillian came off as uncooperative, stubbornly refusing medical attention.

What else could she say?

Lillian remained silent as the car set off again.

Once at the clinic, Serena gently helped Lillian out of the car, whispering, "Do you still feel dizzy? Lean on my shoulder if you're uncomfortable."

Serena's voice was soft, her perfume a subtle gardenia scent, her touch gentle.

Lillian looked down, thinking.

Not only was Serena beautiful and accomplished, but she also saved Oliver's life.

If Lillian were Oliver, she would probably favor her too.

When Serena's friend arrived, Serena chatted with him at length. The man, clad in a white coat, eventually turned his attention to Lillian and then approached her.

"Hello, you're Serena's friend, right? My name is Derek Gu."

Lillian nodded politely, "Hello."

"Do you have a fever?"

Derek's voice was gentle as he reached to touch her forehead. Lillian instinctively dodged, prompting a chuckle from him, "Just checking your temperature."

He handed her a thermometer, "Let's take your temperature first."

Lillian took it, and Oliver's voice came from behind, "You know how to use a thermometer, right?"

Lillian didn't respond. How could she not know how to use a thermometer? But her movements were sluggish, dizzied by the illness.

After she placed the thermometer under her tongue, Derek suggested they wait a bit.

Serena took the opportunity to introduce Oliver to Derek.

"This is Derek, who I mentioned over the phone. He's brilliant in medicine but likes his freedom, hence the clinic. Derek, this is Oliver," she paused, adding with a shy note, "My friend."

"Friend?" Derek raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly flickering over Lillian before settling back on Oliver, "Nice to meet you. I'm Derek Gu."

After a while, Oliver extended a hand, exchanging a light handshake, "Oliver."

"I know." Derek's smile held a hint of mystery, "Serena speaks highly of you."

Serena blushed at the remark, "Derek, stop teasing."

Oliver glanced at Lillian, who sat quietly, her eyelids drooping, stray locks of hair covering part of her forehead and concealing her beautiful eyes—along with all her emotions.

She sat still and detached, like an outsider.

Oliver's face darkened instantly.

Five minutes later

Derek returned with the thermometer and suggested, "Your temperature's high; best to have an injection."

Lillian looked up firmly, "No injections."

Derek glanced at her, smiling, "Afraid of needles? Don't worry, I'm very gentle."

Serena nodded in agreement, "Your health is important, Lillian."

But Lillian shook her head, insistent, "I don't want an injection or medication."

Her obstinacy deepened Oliver's frown.

"Then we'll have to cool you down physically. I'll get some medicine and supplies; you should use a wet towel on your forehead, so you don't overheat."

As Derek left to get supplies and Serena followed to assist, Lillian and Oliver were left alone.

Lillian felt lightheaded.

She wanted to fetch a damp towel to cool down, but right now, she didn't have the strength.

It was then that Oliver, who had been mostly silent, suddenly uttered two words.

"Pretentious."