Ch. 181..190

Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Zephyr's eyes contained nothing but the delicate girl.

Cordelia gasped, blushing red. She was shy and afraid as she pleaded softly, "Honey, no!"

Zephyr's gaze was delirious with a smirk.

The ardor spread like wildfire in the room. As the moonlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling window, it illuminated the clothes scattered on the floor as well as the two bodies on the bed.

Zephyr slowly cracked his eyes open early in the morning. Seeing that Cordelia was still sound asleep in his arms, he could not help smiling and kissing her lips. He carefully pulled his arm out and got out of bed to call the reception, asking for breakfast to be sent to their room.

Cordelia turned around lazily on the bed, the space next to her jolting her out of her sleepy daze.

"Darling?"

She got out of bed to look around barefooted. As Zephyr came in from the balcony, she walked right into his embrace.

"What's the matter?" Zephyr smiled, stroking her hair. "Why are you in such a hurry to look for me?"

Cordelia scrunched her nose and looked up at him judgingly.

"Did you smoke on the balcony?"

Well... Zephyr felt beads of sweat forming on him.

He tried with a chuckle. "Honey, I'm already smoking a lot less now. I know that you don't like the smell..."

"It's not that I don't like it. Smoking isn't beneficial to your health at all!" Cordelia nagged seriously-Zephyr let himself get nagged as seriously too.

"Besides, I'm not asking you to stop completely. I know it's hard to do that, so we take baby steps!

"But you can't just smoke so early in the morning!

"Whatever it is, I'm telling you..." Cordelia said, her big eyes expressive, "Smoking is bad for health!"

"Really?" Zephyr's tone went up at the end of his word.

Cordelia suddenly felt that his gaze did not feel right.

Zephyr came close to her, and his large hand suddenly grasped her waist. It was too late for her to run away, and she was pinned in his arms. "So, you're suspecting that I..."

"No!" Cordelia shook her head vehemently.

She had dug her own grave! This was pouring gas into a fire! She wanted to flee, but the man picked her up princess-style, and she fell back to the bed.

Cordelia was thoroughly exhausted after what happened. It was close to noon when she woke up again.

She turned and mumbled, "Darling, I'm starving."

She glared at the man, but the latter's eyes turned into crescents as he smiled.

Zephyr carried her to take a shower and carried her out of the bathroom.

Cordelia's eyes sparkled when she saw the lunch that had been sent to their room.

Zephyr moved everything she liked to eat in front of her with a doting gaze, and all that was left was to feed her.

Despite that, Cordelia did not need to be fed at all. Although she had grown up in quite a poor environment, this was her first time genuinely starving! She glared at Zephyr before she ducked her head and blushed all the way to the tip of her ears.

Zephyr teased her purposely. "Darling, you should be happy now, right?"

"What?" She paused.

"What we paid for the room isn't wasted!"

"You-"

Cordelia was embarrassed and raised a fist to hit him, but a loud bang suddenly boomed outside. She cried and covered her ears instinctively while Zephyr hugged her at once with a cold and alert expression. There were noises outside their room as if a lot of people were running past it.

Soon, a deafening alarm blared.

Zephyr's gaze was dark. His first thought was that Matthew had come for him!

However, this was a hotel, and it was broad daylight. No matter how stupid Matthew was, he would never pick a time like this to openly harm him.

"Darling, what's happening?" Cordelia curled up in his arms, trembling slightly.

Zephyr asked her to stay in the room while he went to the door to check what was happening. Even though Cordelia was scared, she followed his instruction to hide somewhere secluded before she watched him in worry.

The moment Zephyr was going to open the door, knocks were suddenly heard. He froze and felt chills run down his spine. His gaze was trained on the door.

The knocks grew more urgent, and he tightened his fists, veins popping on his arms.

If he were alone, he was fearless. However, there was Cordelia behind him... He would never let anyone hurt her!

Just as he contemplated how he should lure Matthew's men away if he opened the door to reveal them wanting to kill him, someone spoke outside the door. "Hi, I'm the manager of the housekeeping department. Is anyone in?"

Zephyr blinked. He opened a small gap at the door. It was really the housekeeping manager who stood politely outside with an apologetic smile.

It was only then Zephyr opened the door.

"Sir, madam, we're very sorry for what happened in the hotel." The manager bowed.

"What happened?"

"It's a mistake on our security. We didn't do a detailed check... Someone from the gangs checked in last night and caused this commotion today. We're very sorry to have alarmed our guests! "We've called the police now, and they've taken the suspects away. Sir, madam, the hotel will provide this stay complimentary to you and compensate you for your emotional damage. I apologize again for alarming and disturbing you!"

Zephyr scanned outside and saw plenty of people in the hallway. Several managers explained and apologized for the incident room after room to pacify their guests.

The police were also at the end of the corridor, pulling up barricade tape. For the time being, this place was safe.

Zephyr's brows were locked together. This did not seem like what Matthew could cook up. If his 'kind and loyal' uncle wanted to kill him, he would do it indirectly, not openly and straightforwardly like this. 'The manager mentioned gangs just now... Could it be...'

Zephyr took a deep breath and closed the door to quickly change his clothes.

Cordelia, who had barely calmed down, could not help asking when she saw that he looked like he was going out again, "Darling, where are you going?"

Chapter 182

Chapter 182

Zephyr paused and went to her side to say softly, "The police's outside right now. It's safe. Stay here. I'll be back very soon."

He had seen that there were a lot of people in the hallway. Not only were there the police, but the men he had asked Robert to send and protect Cordelia were around too.

Cordelia nodded and asked him to be careful. She checked the lock carefully after he left and latched the security chain.

Zephyr was familiar with the hotel's interior. He easily avoided the crowd and went to the rooftop through a quiet passage. As expected, he saw bloodstains on the staircase with the dim lighting. Alarmed, he ran up. The blood stains were not consistent, so he slowed his pace and kept his guard up on the surrounding area as his hand crept to the pistol at his hip.

He suddenly heard soft cries for help!

"Who is it?" Zephyr was startled.

He saw a shadow moving around the nearby shielded area. He chased after it and was surprised to discover Nicholas lying there in blood. He had a man with him who was slightly injured. His underling was ready to risk his life and battle with Zephyr the moment he saw him.

Zephyr grabbed the man's wrist and hit his dagger away.

"lan, come back!" growled Nicholas.

Zephyr crouched next to him, keeping his distance. His gaze was deep and cold with a tinge of doubt.

"What happened?"

Nicholas licked his lips while he bled from his wound.

Zephyr thought about it. "I'll send you to the hospital first."

"No!" The underling named lan rejected it right away. "There's police in the hotel, and those men must be lurking outside the hotel! Going out now is akin to committing suicide!" "Those men?" Zephyr's gaze darkened.

"It's..." lan panted. "Those guys from the old gang's boss. They want to kill N!

"They asked N to come here today for a negotiation last night, but they didn't keep their word. We got tricked the moment we came! Those despicable scums!"

Nicholas was on the brink of death on the floor. His face was growing pale from how much blood he was losing.

Zephyr took a deep breath. Although he had some beef with Nicholas, the latter used to target Marcus-not him. "You're lan?" he asked the underling in a deep tone.

lan jumped and stared at him dumbly.

"Help me drag your boss back if you don't want anything to happen to him. I know a way that won't attract attention!"

The police and crowd gradually dispersed from the hallway, and everything went back to peace.

Cordelia was still worried when a thud sounded at the door before the sound of the keycard accessing it was heard.

She was alarmed but quickly pulled the safety latch open, knowing that it was her husband. However, the scene that greeted her nearly made her scream! Zephyr carried Nicholas in and put him on the bed swiftly. He then tore the sheets to bandage him so the bleeding could be stopped for the time being.

Cordelia's limbs went weak as beads of cold sweat drenched her. She shook and could not make a word.

"Honey..."

"I can't explain too much now," Zephyr said barely above a whisper. "He's severely injured. He needs to go to the hospital!"

"But how are we sending him there?" Cordelia recalled the hotel manager mentioning some gangs just now and could more or less guess it connecting the dots to Nicholas' identity. "Darling, we can't call an ambulance, but if we want to get him out... It's not quite peaceful out there, is it?"

Zephyr met eyes with her and nodded lightly.

lan was stunned as well and could not help doing a double take at the woman.

Chapter 183

Chapter 183

Even though Cordelia was afraid, she quickly calmed herself down. After pondering for a moment, she retrieved her clothes from the closet.

Zephyr was surprised, not knowing what she wanted to do.

"I have an idea," Cordelia said softly. "Darling, change him into these and dress him up like a woman!

"Then take him out of the hotel, and people won't suspect you!"

Zephyr gave it a thought. The current priority was to send Nicholas out. They could give the idea a try!

Cordelia left the bedroom, and the men got to work swiftly. When the door opened again, Nicholas had already changed into her clothes. Although the man was bigger in size, it was fortunate that Cordelia's clothes were loose. It was a long dress, so it could wrap him up.

Cordelia scanned him and got a pretty hair clip out from her purse to put it on him.

"Push the hair in front... to block the face!"

He did seem quite the role.

Zephyr asked lan to help Nicholas out. As the two of them stumbled away, they looked like a couple passionately in love if one did not get a closer look.

"Both of you, leave from the hotel's backdoor. There aren't many people there, and there aren't surveillance cameras on the way either. It should be relatively safe." Zephyr sketched a simple map and gave them a name card.

"Go to this clinic once you're out. I'll be there after you!"

Cordelia paused and looked at her husband oddly.

He had not been to this hotel too many times. How did he know which door had fewer people and which area had no surveillance cameras? How could he sketch the map so calmly and was so familiar with the place like... it was his house?

"Honey, what's the matter?"

"Oh." Cordelia snapped out of her daze. "Nothing...

"Luckily, I brought a spare outfit." He gave it to her. "Get changed quickly. We'll check out and leave."

"But this room..." She looked at the torn sheets and blood in worry.

Zephyr paused and took the red ink out of the desk drawer to spill it around.

Cordelia was even more confused. "Darling, how did you know there's red ink in the drawer?"

"Suites like this usually have them," he answered nonchalantly. "A bottle of red, black, and blue ink each. Because some people only use ink pens to write."

"How do you know?

"Have you... stayed in suites like this before?"

Zephyr's heart lurched, and his expression changed.

Cordelia licked her lips and felt her throat going dry. For some reason, her heart beat wildly.

"Darling, you-"

"Let's hurry!" Zephyr looked at her. "Nicholas is probably out now. He can't go to regular hospitals in that state. He can only go to people we know. We need to take him to Seth's clinic!"

Cordelia nodded. Saving the guy was more urgent right now. Perhaps she had thought too much about it just now. Maybe he had not always been poor and had come to enjoy himself at a place like this after earning some money.

She tucked her doubts away and got changed to hurry off with him.

Seth met them at the emergency room after they arrived at the clinic. He could not help frowning when he saw Nicholas on the bed.

Zephyr and Cordelia were quite worried. After all, they were love rivals.

In spite of it, Seth only looked at him for a bit before he arranged for an emergency treatment swiftly.

Soon, the light above the operation ward dimmed, and he came out, taking off his sweaty mask and looking at the couple with a complicated gaze.

Chapter 184

Chapter 184

"There's a knife wound on his stomach that almost pierced his liver. The wound's deep, but it's been sewn up."

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat upon hearing about it, and she unconsciously tightened her hold on Zephyr's hand.

"Don't worry." Seth smiled tiredly. "He's not in a critical state. But he has to be hospitalized for observation right now... Best if someone is with him, so I can give him a second emergency treatment if something happens."

"Thanks." Zephyr patted his shoulder. He felt bad for sending Nicholas to Seth, but he did not have a better solution.

Sending Nicholas to a regular hospital would undoubtedly expose his identity, while doctors in regular private clinics might not be as skilled.

The nurse wheeled Nicholas into the hospital ward.

The usually aggressive and brazen man was now pale like a sheet. He was all bandaged up as he lay quietly.

The fragility of life was always felt in such swift moments.

Cordelia could not help the mixed feelings she felt as she looked at Nicholas through the window.

"I wonder when he'll be able to wake up."

Zephyr wrapped an arm around her shoulders lightly. He thought of what had happened in the hotel earlier. If it had been other women, they would have been dumbstruck when they saw their husbands carrying in a thug who was bleeding all over in that dire situation.

This woman, however, was smart and calm. She had reacted quickly. Not only had she been composed, but she had also thought of cross-dressing Nicholas to send him out of the hotel.

Zephyr smiled. His gaze was tender and delightful.

Despite that... it was also because she was so smart that her suspicion had been roused with just a bottle of red ink.

Zephyr's gaze dimmed. Perhaps it was time to tell her the truth about his identity.

"Darling?" Cordelia tugged his sleeve. "Why are you so distracted?"

"It's nothing." His expression was indifferent. "Right, Seth said someone has to be here to take care of him... I guess with how seriously injured he is, the two of us must be the last people he wants to see wher he opens his eyes."

Cordelia was quiet in deep thought.

"I'm a man too. I know what he's thinking now." Zephyr's voice was husky and affectionate. "The person he should want to see the most right now should be the woman he loves."

Cordelia answered in hesitation, "But, is it appropriate to ask Linda to come to take care of him?

"This is still Seth's clinic. His relationship with Linda isn't official, but all of us think they're an item. "Asking Linda here and letting Seth see her and Nicholas... He'd be upset!"

Zephyr paused and smiled at her. He acknowledged that she was reasonable because he had thought about the same problem. However, it was also obvious who Linda was still unable to forget. Since Seth could not have her, he had to face reality. It was better to suffer from the blow now than later when he was even deeper into it.

That said, he rubbed Cordelia's hair and said softly, "Mm, you're right.

"So what should we do about this now?"

"Hmm..." Cordelia mulled over it and said, "Why don't the two of us take care of him first? I'll slowly let Linda know when he has recovered a little more and get her here?"

"Sure." He smiled. "We'll do what you say."

Zephyr had always been firm in the past. Now, he did whatever his wife said.

Cordelia went to grab daily necessities for the hospital stay while Zephyr entered the ward alone.

Nicholas' wound had been redressed, and he had also just woken up. He was still rather pale, lying on the bed. The anesthesia had worn off, and his wound felt like his skin and flesh were ripped out. Even when he was sweating in pain, he gnashed his teeth and said nothing.

Zephyr furrowed his brows and finally took the towel to wipe Nicholas' face after standing there for some time.

Nicholas was speechless, thinking, 'Bro, this is a face you're wiping-not the floor!'

Chapter 185

Chapter 185

"What's wrong?" Zephyr was puzzled upon seeing Nicholas' pained expression.

He thought that he was already humbling himself to wipe the man's face for him, so how could the latter still have complaints!?

"Nothing." Nicholas winced.

"Your wound's pretty deep." Zephyr looked at him. "You need to rest up for some time. Don't move mindlessly, or you'll suffer if your wound opens up again."

"Where's this place?"

"Seth's hospital."

"What?" Nicholas almost sprang up, hissing in pain when he accidentally pulled the wound on his stomach.

Zephyr glanced at him with a scowl.

"I couldn't send you elsewhere. Seth knows everything," he said in a deep tone. "He saved your life. You should thank him!"

Nicholas scoffed and smirked.

"If I remember correctly..." He looked at Zephyr. "He's the one who saved your life too, right, Mr. Z Hamerton?"

Zephyr glowered immediately as his gaze turned icy and hostile.

"What did you say?"

The atmosphere in the hospital ward was tense, and it felt like the temperature had plummeted. The two men stared at each other just like that, as if two lions that were about to fight and waiting for their opponent to make the critical step.

After a stretched moment of silence, Nicholas was the first one to speak. "You're actually the one who saved my life. You found me on the balcony and didn't abandon me.

"I'm in the gangs. I'm not some kind of saint. But I know that one has to be grateful.

"I learned about your identity a long time ago." Nicholas looked Zephyr in the eyes and lowered his voice to say, "You're the third heir of the Hamertons...

"Zephyr Hamerton!"

Zephyr looked at him coldly. His fists on the sides of his body clenched and loosened before they quietly tightened again.

Due to Nicholas' injured state, he looked exhausted after saying so much in a go. He pressed his lips together before speaking weakly but clearly, "Yale Hamerton... found Marcus Grist. He'll attack you anytime and make Marcus replace you, lie to the whole world, and get what he wants. You'd better be prepared to counter him!"

Zephyr frowned, and his gaze turned frosty.

"So, you're Yale's subordinate?"

Nicholas shook his head. "He just wants me to do things for him."

"So, you're here to kill me from the start?"

Nicholas looked up at him and arched a brow, wearing a slightly mocking smile.

"Your woman would've long been a widow if I wanted to kill you!"

"Then why are you telling me these now?"

Nicholas was speechless and took a deep breath. His wound was already hurting, and he grew more frustrated with Zephyr's endless questions.

Nicholas looked like he had given up. “Bro, never mind if you ask why when others are trying to kill you. Why are you asking why when others are helping you too?"

"My second uncle and cousin are my family." Zephyr looked impassive. "Even blood-related family members are trying to harm me. Who can I trust in this world?

"Who knows if you'll turn around and tell my whereabouts to Yale right after this!?

"You-"

"Heh! Heh heh..." Nicholas laughed dryly and was utterly speechless.

He should have known it. The Hamertons were all sick-they had a serious hereditary illness, paranoia! He should not have wanted to repay the kindness for being touched. He should not have brought this up at all.

He was caught in a plight now!

"Alright, alright!" He sneered. "Mr. Z, it's up to you! I'm an outsider. I'm not related to you by blood. My words can't be trusted!

"But..." Nicholas' gaze was challenging. "If an outsider like me tells your wife about your real identity, do you think the innocent bunny will believe it?"

Chapter 186

Chapter 186

"Nicholas Thompson!"

Zephyr's gaze was dark. He exuded an oppressive vibe as well.

"Are you courting death?"

"Hah, looks like you're afraid?"

Zephyr abruptly raised a hand to choke Nicholas' throat.

The latter was shocked upon feeling the pressure on his throat increasing. His breathing became labored.

"You..."

Zephyr narrowed his eyes. The viciousness in his actions was no weaker than the gangsters Nicholas had met.

Nicholas barely raised his hand to grab Zephyr's wrist... when the door opened, and Cordelia came in to be greeted by the scene. "Honey!" She was astonished and ran to grab his arm. "What are you doing?"

Zephyr regained his cool and slowly unclenched his choke to toss Nicholas aside.

Nicholas coughed but dared not go too hard for fear that his wound would open up again. As he coughed, he glared at Zephyr. Cordelia was only concerned for her husband and entirely ignored the patient in bed.

"Darling, are you alright?"

"Hah, what could happen to him?" Nicholas gnashed his teeth. "Didn't you see that he was the one choking me when you came in!?"

"Can you keep quiet?" Cordelia glanced at him. "Could I not know what kind of person my husband is? Would he have choked you if you didn't provoke him? "You said something to trigger him just now, didn't you?

"If you ask me, we shouldn't have saved someone like you!" Cordelia huffed and slammed the take-out box on the cabinet before she hurried to appease Zephyr. "Darling, let's not get mad with him... We're not going to be petty with a patient since he's injured now."

Zephyr cooled down and held her hand.

Cordelia continued to say with a smile, "Darling, chances are ours to get even when he has recovered! It's never too late for revenge!"

"Mm." Zephyr finally cracked a smile. "I'll listen to you."

Cordelia held his face and rubbed it with an indulging grin.

Both of them completely disregarded the wounded man on the bed.

Nicholas' eyes bulged. This... She defended him without a thought! This was unreasonable! It was crazy!

"Cough! Cough!" He hacked two loud coughs.

Zephyr and Cordelia looked over in unison.

"Uh, have you heard?" Nicholas chuckled dryly, "The more PDA you show, the faster it dies off..."

"Shut up!" The husband and wife retorted in perfect timing.

Nicholas surrendered and clamped his mouth shut. What else could he do? They were a couple, and he was alone! If someone could help him now, he would not have to suffer the grand public display of affection here.

Cordelia sighed, shook her head, and went over to open the take-out box.

"You... made this?" Nicholas' stomach had been rumbling a long time ago.

Cordelia's gaze on him was rather hostile. The man had first sought fault with her husband and hurt Linda. She really wondered why they saved him.

"Eat," she uttered dryly.

Nicholas took a deep breath and grimaced at her as he held his bandaged hand up. "I can't move."

"What do you mean? You aren't asking me to feed you, are you!?"

"I certainly wouldn't dare ask that of you!" Nicholas beamed. "But if... If someone could take good care of me, like how you're taking care of your husband, heh, I think I'd recover speedily!"

Cordelia caught what he meant immediately. He wanted to ask for Linda. It was just that, did he not remember what he had said when the two of them met again? He had said that he did not know Linda!

Chapter 187

Chapter 187

Cordelia kept the corners of her lips down, wincing. Before she could think of what to say, Zephyr stepped out with a scowl.

"I'll take care of you."

Nicholas was horrified. "N-No, I don't mean you-"

"It's only me aside from Cordelia."

Nicholas said after a moment, "Bro, you can just get lan here."

"lan's injured too. I sent him back to rest after he was bandaged."

Nicholas was rendered speechless.

"It's okay." Zephyr wore a slight smirk. "I can take good care of you."

Nicholas scowled while Cordelia secretly giggled with a hand over her mouth. She passed the take-out box to Zephyr as she spoke with a tinkling voice. "I'll go back to the cafe first, darling. I'll send you both dinner when I'm done. Stay here and take good care of Mr. Thompson!"

Zephyr smiled. Both of them grinned at each other after exchanging a look.

Nicholas leaned against the bed with his back against the frame. This was the first time he realized that husband and wife really did act like each other when they spent long enough together!

Cordelia left the hospital ward, hearing the voices inside as she closed the door.

"No! Don't, bro. I don't need you to feed me!"

"Didn't you want to try the lady boss' food? Your wish is granted today."

"I can eat on my own! B-Brro, I really can- Ah! Are you f*cking trying to burn me?!"

Nicholas was a fine, healthy man. He recovered fast and could get out of bed to move around after a week.

Although Zephyr did not entirely see him as a friend, he was no longer an enemy. He should not be one just because he knew his identity but still kept it a secret.

Zephyr pushed Nicholas in a wheelchair to get some sun outside.

Nicholas was drenched in sweat. He was out in the sun during summer, and Zephyr said that he was just following the doctor's advice to get him some calcium... Zephyr must have done it on purpose! Nicholas could barely open his eyes from the glaring sun. "Hey, can we go back?"

Zephyr glanced at his watch leisurely and shook his head.

"Not enough time in the sun yet."

"You..."

"Nicholas, be grateful." Zephyr looked nonchalant. "I personally wheeled you out for sun. Not everybody gets this kind of treatment!"

Nicholas rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time.

"Bro, do you know that it's 32 degrees Celsius today?"

"I do. All the more you should stay in the sun. Sunlight's good for your health!"

"Then why the f*ck are you in the shade under the tree!? And on your phone!"

Zephyr glared at him.

Nicholas rolled himself on the wheelchair to go to him and saw that he was scrolling Cordelia's photos on his screen.

"What are you looking at!?" Zephyr was annoyed right away.

"Tch, tch..." Nicholas suppressed a laugh. "That's how much you like her? You're already sleeping together every day. Still haven't had enough looking at her?" "Why do you care?"

"None of my business, sure! But it's definitely the Hamertons' business!"

Zephyr scowled and tightened his grip on the phone.

Nicholas kept his grin and looked at him. "Mr. Z, it's better to explain some misunderstandings as soon as possible. Don't be like me... You miss everything by stalling it till the end." A bright "darling" sounded not too far away.

Zephyr looked up to see Cordelia waving at him and briskly walking over. There was someone else behind her...

Chapter 188

Chapter 188

As the tall and gorgeous figure greeted Nicholas' sight, he could not help gripping the handle of his wheelchair tighter. "Why did you bring her here?"

Zephyr looked indifferent. "You were the one saying to explain misunderstandings as soon as possible and not to stall it."

"It was you I was talking about!" Nicholas glared at him.

Zephyr wore a faint smile and waved his hand at Cordelia.

Linda's steps were heavy as she slowly went to Nicholas.

The closer they were, the clearer their past was in their minds.

Nicholas turned his back away slightly with a cold expression. The moment he bowed down to hold the wheelchair, however, his big movement revealed his necklace from his hospital gown. Linda's breath bated. There was a necklace exactly the same on her neck.

To be fair, it was not a necklace. It was a regular chain with a ring on it. The ring was not worth much, and the chain was not made of a decent material. It was already oxidized at this point.

Linda remembered that it was a gift she had given to Nicholas. She was 16 at that time and had saved up three days' worth of breakfast allowance to pick out this pair of rings from the shop across from their school.

The girl was eager in love, but the boy was careless. Other than being more mischievous and bullying the girl he liked more, there seemed to be no other way for him to express his love.

Linda had been close to tears in anger when she stubbornly shoved one of the rings in his hand.

"What does this mean?" the young Nicholas asked the obvious, blushing.

"It means... you can only be nice to me from now on! No bullying me!"

"Pft, lousy ring... It's not even silver. It's just two metal links!"

"Take it or leave it, Thompson!"

"I didn't say I don't want it! Something's better than nothing!"

"Uh... Linda!" The young Nicholas was still stubborn even though he was so happy on the inside. "What you bought is nothing! When I make good money next time, I'll buy you a diamond one! That's what you call a ring!"

Linda's hand went to her necklace and clutched the ring on it.

His status was no longer the same, and he had made good money now. Had he forgotten the promise he made back then, though?

Nicholas' hands were gripped tight as he pressed his lips together with his back against her.

"Nicholas," Linda spoke in a quiet voice after some time. "I know you don't want to see me. Since you said we shouldn't contact each other anymore, we might as well make it clear."

Surprised, Cordelia rushed up to hold her back. "Linda, what are you talking about?"

"Cordelia, I understand your intention." Linda took a deep breath and forced a smile. "But Mr. Thompson here... Heh, it's clear he doesn't want to talk to me anymore."

"No! Linda, he-"

"He should give me back what's mine!"

Nicholas froze and felt his heart squeeze. It hurt like blood was oozing from his heart. He knew that what she meant by hers was the ring on his neck-but she had no idea how he had risked his life to protect the ring these ten years. He had found his future to be hopeless when he went to prison. The ring had been his motivation and support that kept him alive.

Life in prison was not easy. He would often get into fights with other inmates. Even when he was beaten up, he would keep the ring in his chest-where his heart was. Everyone knew that he had this precious ring, and all of them thought that he was crazy to risk his life over something that was only a few dollars.

Nicholas unconsciously guarded the ring with a hand and slowly turned to face Linda.

"Sorry, this is mine."

"But I bought it back then." Linda looked impassive.

"You bought it, but... you gave it to me!" Nicholas glared and kept the ring closer to him. "It's mine since you've given it to me. You have no right to ask for it back!"

"I gave it to the man who vowed to be nice to me for life! Not you!" Linda glared back at him.

Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Linda hated that Nicholas pretended to be cold and aloof, hated that he did not explain a thing, and hated that he could love her in so many ways, yet he chose the stupidest one! Nicholas jolted, and his wound hurt at that moment. He had stayed too long under the strong sun and felt rather weak. He paled further, and large beads of sweat rolled off his forehead. Zephyr instantly went to check on him. Nicholas' wound had probably opened up as blood seeped from the gauze. Cordelia ran to get the nurse.

Linda crouched down before him nervously and held his hand. "Nicholas... how are you feeling? Is... Is it serious?"

A knife wound was actually nothing to Nicholas. He had already been shot countless times. He was pained by what Linda said and her gaze when she looked at him. He was pained because he did not know how to defend himself and how to get her forgiveness. He did not know if they could still return to how they were in the past.

"Nicholas!" Linda cried harder, thinking he was in a critical state since he was silent.

Cordelia found a nurse, and they wheeled Nicholas back to the hospital ward. He was fine after his wound was redressed. Linda stayed next to him during the process, keeping her eyes on him and gripping his hand tightly.

Zephyr and Cordelia exchanged a smile.

Cordelia said softly, "Honey, I think Linda won't be leaving today. I'll buy her food and supplies before we go home." Zephyr nodded.

After Cordelia left, the nurse asked Linda, "Are you the patient's family?"

Linda was caught by surprise. Nicholas, who was lying in bed, nodded fervently before she could answer.

"You have to watch out." The nurse frowned. "It's so hot outside. How could you wheel the patient out in the sun? It's easy to sweat when the temperature is high, and it does nothing for his recovery when the sweat seeps into his wound!"

"Oh..." Linda nodded in a daze.

"Linda..." Nicholas tugged her, and his voice suddenly sounded incredibly weak. "It's your best friend's husband who wheeled me out in the sun."

Zephyr widened his eyes. He clearly caught the smirk in Nicholas' eyes in a split second!

"So it's you!" Linda twirled around and crossed her arms. "What are you doing? You did it on purpose, right? Taking him out in this weather!"

"It's okay, Linda." Nicholas held back his laugh. "He did it for my sake. He said it'd replenish calcium..."

"Calcium? You don't even have the general knowledge!" Linda raised her voice. "Marcus, I know you two had some beef inside, but it's been so long. Nicholas hasn't found fault with you other than the two previous times, right?

"How could you torture him like this while he's injured!?"

Zephyr was rendered speechless.

"I changed my mind about you seeing how you dote on Cordelia!" Linda rolled her eyes. "I didn't expect you to still be so petty and vicious!"

Nicholas forced back his laugh and continued acting pitifully in front of Linda, looking at Zephyr's scowl.

When Linda turned back to look at him carefully, she saw that he had two blisters on his mouth.

"How did you get these?"

"Oh, these?" Nicholas said faintly, "It's... He took care of me a few days ago and burned me."

"Marcus Grist!" Linda looked like she was going to kill Zephyr.

"Linda, it's okay! It doesn't hurt... I'm not in pain, really! He's taken good care of me. We should tolerate each other..."

"You got burned with blisters, and you're taking his side?" Linda turned around and glared at Zephyr. "Mr. Grist, you don't have to take care of him anymore. Thank you very much! For real, you're unbelievable!

Zephyr's scowl deepened as he took deep breaths. He squinted at Nicholas while the latter smirked and raised his brows back at him-as if to say, "What do you think, Mr. Z? I have a woman to dote on me

too!"

Chapter 190

Chapter 190

Soon, Cordelia came back from buying the supplies and smiled when she saw Linda taking good care of Nicholas. She talked to the girl for a bit and left with Zephyr.

On the way home, she chit-chatted nonstop like a little pigeon, feeling a weight was lifted off her shoulders. Although Linda did not end up together with Seth as she had expected, she would support her as long as she made her choice!

Cordelia said with a sweet smile, "Darling, I think you and Nicholas will keep meeting in the future. You both should let bygones be bygones and try getting along!"

"Mm." There were no bygones in truth.

Zephyr looked at her with a complicated gaze and suddenly stopped walking. She looked like she was in a great mood now, so she would most probably be able to accept it if he broke the news... Where should he start, though?

Zephyr took a deep breath and met Cordelia's clear eyes.

"Darling, what's wrong?"

Zephyr hesitated and slowly said, "I have something to tell you."

Cordelia was beaming as she intertwined their fingers. "What a coincidence. Me too!"

"Hmm?" He looked at her. "What is it?"

"I did a check at Seth's..."

Zephyr was startled. "What's wrong? Where do you feel ill?"

Cordelia blushed and smiled, ducking her head. She told him very softly, "I... I haven't gotten my period this month."

Zephyr froze. He dared not believe his ears. His lips moved, but he could not make a sound.

"W-What did you say?" he asked shakily after a moment. "You mean... you're pregnant!?"

"I don't know yet." Cordelia grinned at him. "The results aren't out yet. We need to wait."

Zephyr forgot all about what he wanted to say. Tidal waves of happiness washed over him to the point his mind went blank, and he picked the girl up to hug her. "Honey, put me down!"

Cordelia was overjoyed as well, but they were outside where the passersby were watching!

Zephyr seemed like a fool over the moon as he kept smiling at her. After Cordelia repeatedly asked to be put down, he forced himself to obey. Once he put her down, he crouched down and stroked her flat belly. He even put his ear against it.

"Darling, I think I hear the baby calling me daddy!"

Cordelia laughed.

"Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Didn't I say that the results aren't out yet? We don't even know if there's a baby in there!"

"There sure is! Absolutely!"

Cordelia was rendered speechless.

"Darling, how many do you think there are?"

Cordelia forced a giggle back. "Isn't one enough?"

"Of course not!" Zephyr answered seriously. He had planned it. It would be the best if they had two sons and two daughters. That way, they could keep each other company.

Suddenly, he frowned and turned to ask Cordelia with a hushed tone, "Darling, it must hurt a lot to give birth, right?"

"Hmm, I think so. People say that giving birth is an adult's life for a baby's life!

"But I don't think it's that exaggerated." She smiled. "So many women are fine after giving birth!"

Zephyr's face fell, and his brows were knitted together. If giving birth hurt so much, he could not bear for Cordelia to go through it. If he had to choose between children and Cordelia, he would rather have no heir than for Cordelia to exchange her life for their baby's.

"Darling, what are you thinking now?"

Zephyr smiled and pulled her into his arms.

"I'm thinking... whether I've used up all my good luck. That's why I met you."

Josiah went closer to Zephyr to scrutinize him.

Zephyr glanced at him, paid him no mind, and continued to study pregnancy and childbirth on his phone. In just two days, he had browsed all the popular maternity forums and signed up for over ten accounts across the established mother and baby sites.

He was so diligent that it was almost like when he had prepared for Walton's School of Business.

"Frederic, this guy's still sane, right?" Josiah gestured at his head.

Frederic looked at him in disdain.

"Look at how he's smiling." Josiah said, "It's been a whole afternoon, and the corners of his lips are like he's gotten Botox on them. They won't come down!"

"He's going to be a father. What's abnormal about reading up on childcare?"

"No, but... the results aren't out yet! Why is he so thrilled?"

"It's pretty much confirmed, though." Frederic smiled. "Just get your gift prepared!"

"I'm a little worried." Josiah rubbed his chin. "If Z just takes Cordelia and their child back, the Hamertons will definitely go crazy, huh?"

Frederic's gaze dimmed.

"I'll take Cordelia back." Zephyr, who had been quiet, spoke suddenly. "She's my wife whether they accept it or not."

Josiah chuckled wryly.

A certain someone seemed to have said that he would have nothing to do with a Ms. Cordelia Jenner in the past, that they were people of two different worlds and would not blend in... "What are you laughing at?" Zephyr gave Josiah a look, and the latter behaved at once.

"The priority isn't the Hamertons right now. It's Marcus Grist." Zephyr's aloof gaze was tinged with ferocity. "He's still alive, and Yale has him.

"I need to change the name on the marriage certificate to mine before they do anything!"

That was the only way to protect Cordelia and their child.

"Z, are you sure you want to do that?" Frederic was a little worried. "Your grandfather will blow up if you get married recklessly. When your uncle adds gas to the fire-"

"If I give up on Cordelia because I'm scared of grandpa blowing up on me..." Zephyr replied with a determined gaze, "I don't deserve her!"