Chapter 3

I bumped into Wilson, who was coming down the stairs. He was holding a cup of warm milk.

Noelle walked beside him, her face flushed.

As soon as Wilson saw me, he frowned. "Jaclyn, are you stalking me?"

He strode over, his gaze sweeping over my pale lips. "Even if you're jealous, there's no need to pretend to be sick and come to the hospital."

He habitually reached out his hand, wanting to touch my forehead.

I turned my head and avoided it.

His hand froze in mid-air, and his expression turned grim.

Noelle spoke softly beside him. "Jaclyn, don't misunderstand. I just haven't been sleeping well recently, and Wilson came by to keep me company."

I watched as Wilson slowly withdrew his hand.

He seemed to think my evasion had embarrassed him, and he immediately removed the hearing aid from his right ear. This was his usual way of disciplining me. Whenever I disobeyed him, he would cut off communication unilaterally.

"Calm down for a few days. Call me when you've thought it through." He put his hearing aid in his pocket, wrapped a protective arm around Noelle, and walked away.

I stood in place, watching them enter the elevator. Then, I took out my phone, found his number in my contact list, and deleted it.

My name was called over the loudspeaker. I put my phone in my pocket and went into the operating room alone.

…

Three days later, Wilson's friends organized a dinner.

For the first time in ages, he came home and tossed me a black velvet dress he liked. "I'm taking you to a party tonight. Noelle will be there too."

He tied his tie in front of the mirror, his tone indifferent. "Let's pretend what happened at the hospital a few days ago never happened. Be good tonight."

I changed into the velvet dress. The waistline was tight, sitting right on my aching lower abdomen.

I did not protest at all.

The private room was lively.

After all the dishes were served, Wilson placed a piece of crab meat on my plate. "Eat up."

He smiled at his friends, his movements gentle. "She's always loved seafood."

His friends sitting across from us immediately cheered.

"Wilson's such a good man. He even peeled the crab so carefully."

I looked at the translucent crab meat on my plate. He remembered Noelle's peanut allergy, having specifically told the kitchen thrice when ordering, but he forgot about my crab allergy.

I ate it once last year, and I ended up in the emergency room in the middle of the night. I had to get an IV drip, and my lips were swollen for three whole days after that.

At the time, he sat by the bedside, looking at reports. He said without even looking up, "You're too delicate."

I picked up my fork and moved the crab meat to the edge of the plate. He did not notice my actions as the waiter had just brought out the last dish—an expensive sea urchin.

Wilson did not hesitate and immediately gave it to Noelle. "Noelle's stomach hasn't been feeling well lately. Sea urchin is good for the stomach."

He put down his cutlery and turned to look at me. His gaze was filled with undeniable magnanimity. "You're healthy and strong. You're not going to make a fuss over some food, are you?"

The entire private room fell silent for a moment.

Noelle lowered her head, smiling slightly.

Our friends chuckled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over.

"Jaclyn is magnanimous. She won't hold a grudge."

I met Wilson's confident gaze. I did not splash water or overturn the table. I even pulled out a wet wipe and handed it to him. "Wipe your hands. You've got sauce on them."

Wilson took it, a clear hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He felt he had finally molded me into someone who would not cause him any trouble.