Ch. 171..180
Chapter 171
Betty’s gaze softened as she looked at Suzanne, her smile turning affectionate.
“Oh dear, you’ve changed so much. I never imagined my little girl would blossom into such a wonderful lady. You make me proud.”
Unwilling to bask in Betty’s compliments, Suzanne leaned in, resting her hands on the table. “What exactly had I changed?” she asked.
Betty folded her hands and leaned closer to Suzanne. “When you were young, you took after your father and weren’t particularly pretty. You often talked about getting plastic surgery when you grew up.
“But now, you’ve grown into a natural beauty. Your graceful demeanor, those youthful features, and your round face are simply enchanting.”
As Betty spoke, Suzanne couldn’t help but touch her own cheek, as if seeking confirmation.
Betty continued, “And your personality has softened. You used to be aggressive, but now you’ve become gentle and sweet, with a soft,
mellow voice.
“No wonder you’ve captured the leader of the military base. You’re truly perfect now.
“You often fought with Samuel and argued with me and your father. But now, you handle conflicts rationally. You know his flaws and know how to avoid them. You’ve also become respectful and polite.
“Truly, you’ve made a lot of improvement.”
“Suzanne, I’m so proud to have you as my daughter.”
Confused, Suzanne asked, “Do I seem like a different person?”
Betty subconsciously nodded, but quickly corrected herself, gazing at Suzanne in surprise. “You’re still my daughter, no matter how you’ve changed.”
Suzanne smiled bitterly, silently affirming Betty’s words with a nod.
Judging from Betty’s candid and straightforward remarks, it seemed she wasn’t aware of Suzanne’s true identity. Betty was also kept in
the dark.
“Who could be behind all this?” Suzanne pondered.
After finishing their meal, Suzanne gave Betty two thousand dollars in cash and sent her back to the hotel room before leaving.
Instead of returning to Morrison Residence, Suzanne took a cab and departed from Phoenicia. After hours of travel, she reached another city where she arranged for a new round of testing using Betty’s and
her blood.
During registration, she provided Sienna’s name and ID number to maintain anonymity. Without privileges, she anticipated a week-long
wait for the results.
After the examination, Suzanne tucked away the receipt slip inside
her phone case.
The night enveloped the world in tranquility. In the early hours, the streets were bathed in the soft glow of yellow streetlights, deserted except for a sparse scattering of vehicles, with no sign of any pedestrians.
Suzanne leaned against the car window. A slight drowsiness was induced by the passing scenery outside, mesmerizing her with its rhythmic motion.
A ring of the phone broke the silence.
Swiftly, she grasped her phone and glanced at the screen. It was a
call from Nathan.
Without hesitation, she answered, “Hello?”
Nathan’s voice, though light, carried a tinge of tension. “Are you not returning home tonight?”
“No, I am,” Suzanne assured, sensing his subtle blend of displeasure and concern. “I’m on my way back.”
“Where are you? I can come pick you up.”
“No need, I’m already in a cab, nearly there.”
“Stay safe,” Nathan instructed.
“Okay.”
With no further words, Nathan ended the call. Suzanne’s unease grew
as she set her phone aside.
Ten minutes later, the cab halted in front of Morrison Residence. After paying, Suzanne exited the cab and hastened toward the
imposing gate.
Abruptly, a towering figure emerged before her, bathed in the gentle glow of the nearby lights. Under the gentle glow, his features carved sharply, emanating an aura of quiet authority. His penetrating gaze fixed upon her.
Suzanne’s steps faltered, her heart quickening as she swallowed
nervously.
It was Nathan.
Suzanne wondered, “Why was he waiting at the gate?”
In that instance, Suzanne’s emotions mirrored those of a child caught sneaking out to play late at night, apprehensive of parental
reprimand.
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Chapter 172
The realization of Nathan’s worry about her late return without prior notice stirred a mixture of guilt and nervousness within Suzanne.
Approaching Suzanne with deliberate steps, Nathan’s gaze held a depth that seemed to elude comprehension. “Have you been out of town?” he inquired gently.
Suzanne’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him, her mind
swirling with questions.
“How would he possibly know? Could he have tracked me?” she pondered, though she had settled all expenses at the hospital, leaving no trace of her whereabouts.
Observing her suspicious expression, Nathan’s lips curled slightly as he pointed to the departing vehicle. “The cab from other cities have issues with local traffic regulations. They rarely pick up passengers in Phoenicia,” he explained.
Suzanne turned her head to glance at the distant vehicle, sudden comprehending the situation. She nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes
“Do you mind sharing the reason for your trip?”
“No,” came Suzanne’s immediate reply.
Nathan felt a sharp pang in his heart at her firm response. Further questioning seemed futile. In a marriage, the absence of complete honesty only hints at a deeper disconnect.
With a tinge of disappointment, Nathan gently took her hand and led her back. “Let’s go inside,” he murmured.
Suzanne was guided by his warm and steady grasp as they entered Morrison Residence. His touch filled her heart with warmth and
sweetness, enveloping her in a sense of surreal happiness.
Though Nathan had always walked briskly, his steps now were slow and deliberate as they covered the short distance in a matter of
minutes.
Upon reaching the bedroom door, Nathan paused for a few seconds before releasing her hand.
Although it was already late at night, Suzanne harbored no desire to
sleep. She wanted to spend more time with Nathan, though she refrained from voicing her longing, fearing it might be misconstrued.
Suzanne hesitantly pushed the door open and stepped inside the room. Leaning against the door, she fixed her gaze on Nathan, her words lingering unspoken. Nathan met her gaze with silent intensity, his eyes filled with depth and emotion.
Neither Suzanne nor Nathan made a move to invite the other in. In the
quiet of the moment, they exchanged longing glances, each feeling the weight of unspoken words between them.
“Goodnight.” Suzanne finally broke the silence, attempting to ease t
tension.
Nathan let out a soft sigh, a faint smile playing on his lips. His hands slid into his pockets, his voice husky as he murmured, “Rest well.”
“Okay,” Suzanne replied softly, her lips pursed as she began to close the door slowly.
But before the door could shut completely, it halted, caught on something.
Looking up, Suzanne saw Nathan’s hand holding the door. In the next instant, she stepped back in surprise as he pushed the door open and entered the room. His tall figure loomed over Suzanne, filling the space with his presence.
“You…” Suzanne’s voice trailed off as Nathan silenced her with a kiss.
With a swift motion, Nathan kicked the door shut behind him, then lifted Suzanne by her waist to his level, pressing her against the door as his kiss intensified.
Suzanne gasped in astonishment, feeling his embrace enveloping her completely, her feet lifted off the ground as he held her against the door, allowing her clueless hands to cling to his broad shoulders.
She was completely taken aback.
His kiss was passionate and unrestrained. It was as if a whirlwind of desire threatened to consume her entirely, leaving her breathless and lost in his fiery passion.
His powerful physique radiated heat and strength, his primal energy pulsating with intensity. His kiss descended upon her like a raging storm, wild and untamed, catching her off guard with its raw fervor and rugged allure.
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Chapter 173
The kiss felt like it lasted an eternity, leaving Suzanne’s lips and tongue ached from the intensity. She gasped for air as she pushed Nathan away, fearing the kiss might render her breathless.
Summoning all her strength, Suzanne pressed against his chest, slowly breaking the kiss. Nathan reluctantly released her. Both of them panted as their foreheads met, their warm exhalations mingling in the heated atmosphere.
His voice, deep and magnetic, resonated, “I have to return to the camp tomorrow. Come with me.”
Suzanne was taken aback, her heart racing with nervousness and uncertainty. Nathan had just returned, yet here he was, speaking of departure again.
Nevertheless, she understood his demanding schedule, brimming with responsibilities at the military base and beyond. She knew well he couldn’t be tethered to home forever. For a man like Nathan, even a single day off was a rare luxury.
Florence had mentioned how Nathan had been making more frequent visits since their marriage, which was a stark contrast to the months of absence before.
Although she yearned to be by his side, Suzanne had to prioritize her quest to uncover her true identity and wait for the DNA report in a
week.
“I can’t go with you for now,” Suzanne murmured.
Nathan offered a bitter smile, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead before letting her go.
As Suzanne’s feet met the ground, she felt weak with her hands still clinging to his chest.
“Just call me whenever you’re ready. I’ll send someone over to pick you up,” Nathan responded.
Suzanne nodded, her heart weighed down with emotion.
Nathan tried to restrain his desires as he tenderly ran his hand through her hair. “I’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll see you off.” Suzanne looked up at him, her eyes glistening with
moisture.
“No. You should get some more sleep. Call me if you need anything,” Nathan replied.
“Okay,” Suzanne swiftly agreed, though inside, the ache of longing and separation had settled in.
Nathan’s intense gaze lingered on her for a moment before he whispered, “Goodnight.”
Hearing his words, Suzanne hastily moved aside to allow him to ope the door. “Goodnight.”
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Nathan left and closed the door behind him without hesitation, fearing any delay might ignite his overwhelming desire for her.
As the door clicked shut, Suzanne’s fingers grazed her swollen lips, her heart racing with the memory of Nathan’s kiss. A blush tinged her cheeks, and a gentle smile played on her lips as she savored the
sweetness of the moment earlier.
Despite Nathan’s typically stern demeanor, Suzanne found his wild side irresistibly attractive, as he pressed her against the wall and kissed her with such fervor. Her adoration for him soared in those passionate moments.
Suzanne crawled onto her bed, burying her head in the soft sheets. Her heart bloomed with giddy laughter.
The next morning when she got up, Nathan was already gone.
Since Nathan’s return to the military base, Suzanne found herself gripped by an intense yearning for him. She drifted through her days in a haze, unable to shake the thoughts of him from her mind.
In the days that followed, Suzanne’s mood remained unsettled.
Though Nathan had urged her to reach out if she needed anything, Suzanne couldn’t muster a reason to do so.
Nathan, too, hadn’t called her either. Perhaps he was engrossed in his duties, or maybe he didn’t miss her at all. It could be both, she reasoned.
During this period, Betty called Suzanne several times. She dropped hints about needing a house and money, for her to regain confidence/ and consider divorce.
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Chapter 174
Suzanne supported Betty’s decision to divorce, but she drew the line when it came to providing her a place to stay.
Instead, she encouraged Betty to look for a job, to enrich herself with knowledge and skills, and to become a better self.
Betty, seeing no benefit in further conversation, retreated to the comfort of the York family with disappointment.
A week passed, and the long-awaited DNA test results were finally ready.
Despite mentally preparing herself for the outcome, Suzanne found herself shattered by the reality they revealed.
She stood dumbfounded outside the hospital with tears clouding her vision as she saw the words confirming her lack of biological relation.
The report validated all the suspicions and inconsistencies surrounding her identity.
If she wasn’t Suzanne, then who was she? Where were her true and friends? And what dark motives lay behind the elaborate sch to mold her into Suzanne?
On her ride home in the car, her mind swirled with these unsettling questions. Overwhelmed and unable to unburden herself, she found herself longing for Nathan’s comforting presence.
Though the sun bathed the outside world in its warm glow, Suzanne’s thoughts churned in turmoil.
Gathering all her courage, she took out her phone and dialed Nathan’s number. After a hesitant pause and a deep breath, she pressed the
call button.
The phone rang twice before Nathan answered, setting Suzanne’s heart racing with excitement.
“Suzy,” echoed Nathan’s voice, both deep and soothing.
Her heart fluttered at the sound. Despite their silence all week, his tone carried an unexpected warmth and concern. She wondered if could she have misinterpreted it.
“Are you busy?” Suzanne asked cautiously, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Conversations with Nathan always left her feeling uneasy and apprehensive due to her profound affection and longing in her heart.
“Not really,” he replied.
“I see,” Suzanne responded, her gaze dropping as conflicting emotions swirled within her. She wished to open up to him, yet doubt clouded her trust. In an instant, words eluded her.
“Is there anything you need?” he inquired.
Suzanne sighed, “No. I realized it’s been a week since we last spoke. just wanted to see how you were doing.”
Nathan stood in the corridor outside his office, where an important meeting was underway. He put the meeting on hold as he noticed Suzanne’s call.
Leaning against the wall, he gazed down at his shoes, a subtle smile gracing his lips. “Yeah, it’s been a week.”
For him, a mere week felt interminable, almost like a year had passed.
During the silent hours of the night, Nathan grappled with the decision of whether to call Suzanne. He feared that he might disturb her sleep, dreaded the awkwardness of conversation, or worse, worried she might not want to talk at all.
Furthermore, he feared the irresistible urge to fly back to Phoenicia to see her.
Throughout the week, he endured torment as his longing intensified, yet he forced himself to restrain his impulses.
Suzanne fidgeted with her clothes, her fingers betraying her nervousness. After much deliberation, she murmured, “I’m done with my work.”
Nathan sounded confused. “Hmm?”
Suzanne’s face flushed and her palms were sweaty with
nervousness. With a deep breath, she summoned her courage as she continued, “I’ve finished my work, so I can come to see you. But I’m afraid I might disturb your work, so I’
“I
“Don’t worry about that,” Nathan interjected eagerly, his voice filled with excitement. “Just wait for me at home. I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Is that okay?”
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Chapter 175
Suzanne lowered her head with a smile on her face as she replied, ”
Okay.”
Nathan let out a sigh of relief. Though he was reluctant to end the call, there was a meeting in progress.
“If there’s nothing else, I should go,” Nathan said.
A wave of disappointment swept over Suzanne. “Would he really end the call after just two minutes? How did other long-distance couples manage to talk for hours, or even half a day?” she pondered.
But she soon realized that those conversations were reserved for couples deeply in love. There was no such affection between her and Nathan. Even if he had the time, he wouldn’t indulge in romantic exchanges with her.
“Alright.” Suzanne’s voice carried a hint of sadness as she murmured softly, “Bye.”
With the call ended, Suzanne set her phone aside and turned to ga out the window, a mixture of uncertainty and longing swirling with
her.
“Would Nathan send someone to pick me up tomorrow?” Suzanne wondered, a glimmer of hope flickering in her heart.
The following day arrived. Suzanne rose early, got ready, and prepared for Nathan’s call. She waited at home and occasionally glanced outside to see if a vehicle from the military base had come to fetch
her.
But as noon approached, Nathan’s call remained absent. Instead,
Suzanne was surprised by the arrival of Sally and Oliver with a handful of gifts.
Even if the Morrison family didn’t favor Sally, they would still warmly welcome them because of Oliver.
They were the people Suzanne wanted to see least, so she slipped away to sit by the pool in the garden, quietly waiting for someone from the military base to pick her up
As time ticked by, Suzanne grew tired of sitting and started pacing by
the poolside, her heart filled with anticipation.
“I never thought I’d lose to you,” a familiar voice sounded behind
Suzanne.
Turning around, she saw Sally, her arms crossed, striding toward her with an air of arrogance. Sally’s sharp gaze was filled with venomous
hatred.
However, Suzanne felt no fear.
Stopping a meter away from her, Sally sneered, her words dripping with malice, “Look at you, frail and fragile. You must have some skills to have conquered the Morrison family so quickly and ever
Nathan.”
“Conquered?” Suzanne wondered.
Suzanne couldn’t help but scoff at Sally’s words, her patience
dwindling as she inquired, “What exactly are you trying to say?”
Sally’s-stare turned frigid, her jaw clenched with resentment. “You’ve ruined all my plans. All I want is to kill you right now!”
Suzanne frowned, puzzled. “Plans? What plans?”
Sally’s countenance grew even darker. “My plan to marry Nathan. It’s been my dream since childhood, and it’s what I’ve been working
toward.”
With a dismissive shake of her head, Suzanne turned to walk away.
But before she could take a few steps, Sally lunged at her, gripping Suzanne’s long hair and forcefully pulling her toward the poolside.
“Ahh!” Suzanne cried out, grasping her scalp in agony. “Let me go!”
Sally’s sole intent at that instant was to end Suzanne’s life. Sally dragged her to the pool’s edge and shoved her in with all her might.
With a splash, Suzanne fell into the pool. She submerged into the depths of the pond with water engulfing her entirely, flooding into her mouth and nose.
Panic seized Suzanne, enveloping her like a demon in the darkness. She struggled desperately against the water, her fear growing as she bobbed up and down. She couldn’t catch her breath and her body trembled and rigid with tension.
In her struggle, Suzanne’s head broke the surface of the water, but Sally remained by the poolside, pressing down on Suzanne’s head in a frantic attempt to drown her.
Suzanne fought back fiercely. She grappled with Sally in the using every ounce of her strength to resist.
With another splash, Sally was dragged into the pool. However, was an adept swimmer. Sally dragged Suzanne to the center of t pool, pressing her head downward once more.
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Suzanne found herself teetering on the brink of losing
consciousness. It was as if she had been swallowed by an endless abyss of despair and fear. She trembled in the water, unable to catch a single breath.
In that fleeting moment, death loomed close, and Nathan’s image flashed through her mind. Confronted with the specter of death, he was the sole anchor she clung to desperately.
In a startling twist of events, Sally abruptly released her grip, instead simulating a struggle as if she were drowning, her cries for help piercing the air. “Help!”
Suzanne faintly heard Sally’s desperate pleas, followed by the sound of two splashes.
Her consciousness teetered on the edge as fear filled her, yet she persisted in her struggle, bobbing up and down in the water.
As she emerged from the water’s surface, her hazy eyes caught a glimpse of Nathan’s figure, carrying Sally toward the shore..
Was it an illusion? Why was Nathan here? Did he just save Sally?
The unsettling sensation of dread assured Suzanne that this was no dream. Nathan had returned, opting to rescue the drowning Sally over
her, who could not swim. In that instant, Suzanne’s heart turned cold.
Closing her eyes, she surrendered wholly to the struggle. Inch by inch, her body descended, suffocating in the chilling embrace of the water, the eerie weightlessness plaguing her in her final
moments.
Suzanne found her head breaking the water’s surface abruptly. She was lifted upward by a pair of large hands. In the haze of her
consciousness, she heard Oliver’s voice anxiously shouting, “Hold on
there!”
But she had no desire to cling to life. Death appeared more appealing. Life was a burden too heavy to bear, too painful to endure, and she was uncertain how to confront the future.
In the inky blackness of the abyss, Suzanne felt weightless as she descended deeper and deeper.
Abruptly, a jolt shook her, and she felt her soul returning to her body. As her eyes snapped open, above her stretched the white ceiling tiles. Her gaze gradually shifted to take in the hospital surroundings.
There, she saw Nathan’s solemn eyes, accompanied by Oliver by his side.
“Suzy.” Nathan’s voice was laced with concern as he tightly held Suzanne’s hand. “Are you feeling unwell?”
His touch, ever warm, contrasted with Suzanne’s icy fingertips. She’ withdrew her hand slowly, hesitant to engage with him.
Nathan’s expression faltered as he observed Suzanne’s retreat distant gaze. A pang of pain tugged at his heart.
In the frenzy of rescuing Sally, Nathan failed to notice Suzanne submerged beneath the water. Sally had always suffered from
aquaphobia since childhood, a fear that prevented her from learning to swim.
As he swam back with Sally in his arms, Suzanne suddenly struggled to the surface from below.
At that moment, Oliver had already swum toward Suzanne, driven by the urgency of saving lives. Nathan couldn’t leave Sally, who couldn’t swim, behind.
Little did he expect that while Sally emerged unscathed, it was
Suzanne, who could swim, who nearly drowned in the pool.
Approaching Suzanne, Oliver spoke softly, concern evident in his voice. “You scared me. You weren’t breathing when I pulled you out of the water. Luckily, I’m a doctor, and I was able to bring you back.”
Suzanne’s heart bled. Tears welled in her eyes, yet she refused to let them fall, determined not to shed a single tear over this futile love.
She turned to Oliver, expressing her gratitude weakly. “Thank you for saving my life, Dr. Hoffis.”
Oliver smiled gently. “Your well-being is what matters most. No need for thanks.”
Suzanne spoke softly, her voice feeble, “Could you both leave? I’d like to be alone.”
Nathan leaned in with his hand resting on the bed’s headboard. He reached out to her and inquired, “Let me stay with you, please?”
Closing her eyes, Suzanne felt the sharp pain in her heart intensify. She turned her head away. “Nathan, I don’t want to see you anymore.”
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Nathan exited the ward, with Oliver trailing closely behind, closing the door as he followed.
Observing Nathan’s somber demeanor, Oliver questioned coldly,” Nate, deep down, do you still love Sally?”
Nathan paused in his tracks, his expression turning icy.
“Sally may have made mistakes in her attempts to win you back, but it’s all because she loves you too much. The incident at the pool must
have been an accident.
“If you can spare a moment, perhaps you should check on Sally. Her fear of water might have traumatized her,” Oliver suggested.
Despite Oliver’s words, Nathan remained silent, his back to Oliver as he strode away with purposeful steps, leaving no room for further
discussion.
Watching Nathan’s retreating figure, Oliver’s eyes flickered with determination: Sally had crossed a line. Despite his multip ings to keep her hands off Suzanne, Sally persisted in harming h
Nathan walked out of the hospital and entered the military ba armed vehicle.
Cole and Lucas turned to Nathan in the back seat anxiously, their faces filled with concern. “General Morrison, is Mrs. Morrison alrigh
Exhaustion weighed heavily on Nathan as he closed his eyes, his burdened shoulders heaving under the weight of invisible defeat.” There’s no life-threatening issues.”
“General Morrison, let us know if you need anything. Mrs. Morrison needs your company now,” Lucas suggested.
Nathan’s furrowed brow tightened even more, his hand slowly clenching into a fist on his thigh. He closed his eyes, leaning back
into the chair.
A wave of overwhelming guilt and self-blame washed over him. The woman he cared for nearly died before his eyes, yet he saved Sally
instead.
Suzanne’s reluctance to see him was understandable, but every fiber in him ached with bitterness and pain, leaving him profoundly unsettled.
After a moment, he spoke faintly, “Has the surveillance footage by the pcpool been retrieved?”
Lucas responded, “General Morrison, the surveillance system at the MMorrison Residence was breached an hour ago. All the data has been lolost.”
NaNathan’s tone was turned resolute. “Contact the engineering dedepartment to recover it.”
“WWe’ve tried, but they reported that the damage was the theyey can’t recover it. These hackers were among the best marksket, Lucas explained.
gh, and
lack
Nathanafeffell into silence, his weary posture resembling that of someoneneleleeping against the chair, motionless and devoid of
After a pauses ai his deep voice resonated slowly, “Do you guys k how to comfofoa a woman?”
Lucas and Cole lexexchanged glances, and after a brief moment, Col spoke up, “General all Morrison, I’ve never been in a relationship.”
Lucas chimed in,i’vevealdad two, but they both found me lacking in romance. They cornpipilained about my busy schedule and dubbed me an unromantic fellowEveventually, they walked away. My experience
20
isn’t great.”
Nathan absorbed their words in silence before finally stepping out of the car. He returned to Suzanne’s ward and sat on the bench in the
corridor, maintaining his vigil.
Time drifted by, nurses bustling past him. As the night grew quieter, Nathan remained rooted to the spot for hours.
Only when the lights in the VIP ward dimmed did he finally rise, gently pushing open the door and entering.
Suzanne was already fast asleep. Approaching the bedside, Nathan’s gaze, both steady and warm lingered on her pale face.
She had teetered on the brink of death, a fact Nathan found impossible to forgive himself for. Had it not been for Oliver’s swift intervention, would Suzanne have slipped away from him forever?
Nathan settled into the chair beside the bed, tenderly cradling Suzanne’s hand in his palm. His lips brushed against her hand in a gentle kiss. Despite feeling her warmth, he couldn’t shake the lingering fear.
Suzanne stirred at Nathan’s touch and slowly awakened from h slumber. Upon catching sight of Nathan, she hastily withdrew he
hand.
The emptiness in his palm felt like a profound loss, leaving Natha
awash with a sense of desolation.
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Chapter 178
He sighed and leaned back into his chair, his tone incredibly gentle as he spoke, “Did I wake you?”
After a day of contemplation, Suzanne could now face him calmly. A hint of detachment flickered in her eyes as she replied, “You should get some rest. I’m fine now. You don’t have to stay here with me.”
Nathan attempted to clarify the day’s events. “I didn’t see you underwater. Besides, Sally can’t swim.”
A bitter smile tugged at Suzanne’s lips. While she could accept the first explanation, the second seemed absurd. How could a wealthy heiress not know how to swim?
Her tone grew sharper, more frustrated. “You don’t need to explain. It’s unnecessary.”
Noticing her anger from her cutting and unforgiving words, he replied helplessly, “Suzy, I can’t leave Sally alone in that situation.”
It was the true test of loyalty. In moments of dire need, tho became muddled, and instinct dictated every action.
Nathan loved Sally deeply, and Suzanne had no grounds to bla for his actions. Yet, she couldn’t help but feel sad and heartbr
11
Tears welled up in Suzanne’s eyes as she looked at Nathan, her vo trembling with emotion as she struggled to contain her tears.’ Nathan, Sally can swim. She pushed me into the pool and held me underwater. She thinks I stole you from her. She wanted to end my
life.”
Nathan’s expression darkened instantly, and he fell silent.
Suzanne wiped away her tears, silently cursing her vulnerability. She
didn’t want to shed another tear for him, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.
Regaining her composure, she asked calmly, “Is there any
surveillance footage?”
Nathan replied casually, “No.”
Suzanne’s lips curled bitterly, a resigned smile playing on her lips. “So,
without evidence, my accusations are baseless?”
At that moment, Nathan couldn’t find an answer.
A chill crept up from Suzanne’s heart, chilling her to her core. There was nothing more to be said because nothing mattered anymore.
She nestled into the blankets and slowly shifted onto her side, turning away from Nathan. Tears slipped from her closed eyes, tracing down her cheeks and landing softly on the pillow.
As the night deepened, the hospital ward fell into a hush. In the dim glow of the light, Nathan remained still, his expression somber and laden, his gaze piercing into the darkness. It was a long and agonizing night.
The following morning arrived.
At the Hoffis Manor, a military vehicle pulled up before the magnificent building. Nathan swiftly stepped out of the car, with Lucas and Cole following closely behind. The butler, taken aback their unexpected presence, greeted them respectfully.
Nathan strode past the butler, his demeanor regal yet distant. He made a beeline for the living room with determination.
Inside, Sally was having breakfast with Loretta. Her face brightened upon seeing Nathan. “Nate!”
Loretta wore a kind smile. “Nate, have you come to see Sally?”
Nathan’s expression darkened, and he wordlessly approached, grabbing Sally’s arm and leading her out to the backyard. “Come with me.”
Sally was bewildered. “Where are we going?”
Nathan remained silent, his air imposing and tinged with danger.
Sensing something amiss, Loretta hurried after them. “Nate, Sally hasn’t finished her breakfast. Where are you taking her?”
Nathan dragged Sally to the edge of the backyard pool. Sally realized the impending danger and began to resist and backed away. “Nate, what are you doing?”
Nathan exerted force to pull her closer, and Sally couldn’t break free from his grip. She turned and screamed toward the second floor,” Uncle Oliver, help!”
The next moment, Nathan ruthlessly hurled Sally into the pool.
“No!” Loretta’s face paled in shock as she rushed over, her aged legs. trembling weakly. “Nate, have you lost your mind? Sally has
aquaphobia. She can’t swim!”
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Cole and Lucas rushed to restrain Loretta, preventing her from getting closer to the pool. Sally’s desperate struggles in the water were chaotic, far from the movements of a proficient swimmer.
“Help me! Nate, I can’t swim!” she cried.
Hearing the screams, Oliver, who was on the second floor, hurried outside the balcony. Startled by the commotion, he quickly rushed to
the scene.
Nathan stood silently at the pool’s edge, observing Sally’s floundering with an unsettling calm. Despite her frantic efforts, she had yet to sink.
Loretta’s tearful pleas for help from the butler and Oliver echoed through the air.
As Oliver rushed down, Lucas restrained him.
“Nathan, have you lost your mind? $ally can’t swim. You need to get
her out of there!” Oliver’s voice thundered with rage, the neck bulging. “Are you trying to kill her?”
Equally distraught and furious, Loretta begged, “Nate, please Sally. She’s in trouble. She can’t swim!”
Nathan remained unmoved, his demeanor icy and resolute, his fixed on Sally as she struggled. He seemed unaffected by the cacophony of pleas and shouts around him.
Soon after, the butler arrived. But he was held back by Cole, who prevented any further intervention.
on his
As Loretta sobbed uncontrollably, Oliver’s voice resounded with rage. Are you sacrificing Sally for Suzanne? She’s your beloved, your
childhood sweetheart. How could you become so heartless?”
Nathan spoke calmly, addressing Lucas. “How long has it been?”
“15 minutes, General Morrison,” Lucas replied.
As a doctor, Oliver seethed with frustration at Sally’s plight.
Was she irrationally afraid of death or simply out of her mind? She could just hold her breath and sink. Didn’t she trust that Nathan
would save her?
Fool, just sink!
Oliver raged inwardly, on the brink of losing his sanity. He was unable to fathom Sally’s inability to feign drowning.
Another five minutes passed. Nathan finally issued his command with calm authority, “Get her out.”
“Yes, General Morrison.”
Cole and Lucas immediately grabbed lifebuoys and threw them over. Sally caught hold of one and paddled toward the edge.
Once on dry land, Loretta rushed over and hugged Sally, cryi uncontrollably. With trembling hands, she cupped Sally’s face voice choked with tears. “Oh dear, my poor child, you’ve suff
much.”
Loretta glared at Nathan, clenching her jaw. “Get out of here! We do want you here!” she yelled.
Sally hurriedly grabbed Loretta’s hand. “Grandma, no. You can’t chase Nate away. He must have misunderstood me because of Suzanne. I
don’t blame him.”
Oliver was utterly speechless at Sally’s reaction, his face darkening with anger. She had forgotten what he had instructed her.
Sally’s aquaphobia was severe. When submerged in water, her entire body would tremble. She would feel completely powerless,
overwhelmed by intense fear.
Once on land, she would be so weak that she couldn’t even stand, trembling with cold sweat and at risk of fainting.
Loretta gritted her teeth.
It was always Suzanne. That woman was truly despicable. Not only did she steal Sally’s lover, but she also kept causing trouble for her.
Loretta promised herself that Suzanne would pay the price.
Nathan approached Sally, his pupils slightly trembling. Beneath his calm exterior, he was shocked. Suppressing the turmoil within him, he softly asked, “Are you hurt?”
Oliver was about to speak out of fear, but Cole quickly covered his
mouth.
Chapter 180
Chapter 180
Oliver seethed with rage, but his voice was stifled, unable to break free from the force that dragged him away.
Sally, pretending to be weak, stumbled and leaned on Loretta. “Nate, I nearly drowned. Why would you do this to me? You knew I couldn’t swim. Did you want to harm me?”
Despite her claim of being unable to swim, Sally managed to stay afloat for 20 minutes. After finally getting out, she appeared
remarkably composed. The most perplexing part was her complete lack of symptoms related to aquaphobia.
Noticing something was unusual, Loretta tightly grasped Sally’s hand, scrutinizing her with astonishment. “Sally, have you overcome your fear of water? Are you no longer afraid?”
Sally hesitated for a moment before bursting into tears. “Grandma, I’m terrified. I’m shaking all over, and I’m scared to death.”
Nathan’s expression darkened. Without a word, he turne away, with Cole and Lucas trailing behind.
“Nate!” Sally cried out from behind them, sobbing uncontroll Nate, please don’t leave! Why are you treating me like this?”
Loretta held Sally close in distress, sharing in her tears.
walked
As the car left the Hoffis Manor and headed toward the hospital, Nathan reclined in the backseat, closing his eyes to rest. A foreboding sense of conspiracy enveloped him.
His thoughts drifted back to a year ago. When Sally first returned, she ran to him, embracing him tightly with tears of joy. “Nate, I missed you so so much.”
Initially, Nathan attributed her change in demeanor to her education abroad.
Suddenly, Nathan’s voice broke the silence. “Cole, you have two days. I want detailed information on Sally for the past ten years.”
Cole was taken aback. “Investigate Ms. Hoffis?”
Nathan nodded curtly. “Yes.”
Cole and Lucas exchanged puzzled glances. They wondered why Nathan would want to investigate Sally. She came from a respectable background and had grown up with Nathan. He should know her better than anyone.
Though bewildered, Cole respectfully accepted the order. “Noted, General Morrison.”
When the vehicle reached the hospital, the ward was silent and vacant, void of any presence. Nathan scoured the area, then hurried/ to the nurse’s station, his voice brimming with fury. “Where is Suzanne from the VIP ward?”
Flustered, the nurse replied, “She was discharged an hour ago.”
“Why wasn’t I notified of her discharge?” Nathan’s rage intensifi
The nurse nervously explained, “She left a note and left quietly.”
Clenching his fists tightly, Nathan stormed out of the hospital. In the car, he repeatedly dialed Suzanne’s phone number, only to be met with the unyielding response of it being unreachable.
He returned home to the Morrison Residence, where only the butler had seen Suzanne return an hour earlier. Less than ten minutes later, she left with a bag, leaving no trace of her destination.
Alone in the master bedroom, Nathan sat in a daze on the edge of the bed. He gazed at the pile of books in the corner, feeling a heavy
weight in his heart.
The last time Suzanne left, she had at least left a letter. This time,
there was no letter at all.
He felt a sharp ache in his chest, making even breathing difficult as he collapsed backward. His upper body lay limp on the bed, his eyes tightly shut with bitterness. Slowly, he retrieved his phone and pressed the speed dial.
He had set the speed dial to Suzanne’s number, but all he received was the automated message. “The number you have dialed is unreachable at the moment.”
He wondered if Suzanne was determined to leave him this time. His
heart throbbed with a dull ache.