Chapter 59 The Accident
After Isabella threw Nathan out of the hospital room, his expression grew even more furious—identical to William's when he was angry.
"Since you're kicking us out, we'll never come back again!"
His little face was puffed up with rage. After letting out a cold snort, he grabbed Laura's hand and stormed off, their footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Isabella watched their retreating figures with narrowed eyes, not saying a single word to make them stay.
She stood in the hospital room doorway for a full thirty seconds before finally turning back inside.
Immediately, she met Olivia's worried gaze.
Olivia had witnessed Nathan's entire attitude toward Isabella, and her face was written with heartbreak.
"Mom, has Nathan always treated you like this?" Olivia's voice was tender, but she spoke like a little adult.
Isabella's heart sank heavily, not knowing how to answer her daughter.
"It's all in the past," Isabella said simply. She wasn't someone who liked dwelling on old grievances.
Olivia shook her head, tears that had been pooling in her eyes now spilling over from the motion. She sniffled and grabbed Isabella's hand.
"Mom, Nathan treated you like that before, and I never noticed. It's all my fault," Olivia said in a low voice, leaning into Isabella's embrace.
Isabella gently patted Olivia's back, her face full of tender smiles. "How could it be Olivia's fault? The person who did wrong should be the one reflecting. Olivia, you should never punish yourself for other people's mistakes."
Olivia was wonderful in every way, except that she was too empathetic. Isabella felt somewhat helpless about this trait.
Olivia's flu had struck hard and fast, but thankfully, they'd gotten medical attention quickly, and the doctor's treatment had been quite effective. By the third day of hospitalization, Olivia's fever had mostly broken.
After the doctor's examination, Olivia's temperature had returned to normal, and the inflammation had subsided. Finally, she could be discharged.
Even though Julia had come to keep her company often, the lively and active Olivia had grown restless being cooped up in the hospital.
While Isabella packed their things, Olivia helped beside her. Even the nurse responsible for their ward couldn't help but praise her.
"Olivia is truly the most well-behaved and clever child I've encountered in all my years of work. She's also so adorable. I'd be lucky to have such a sweet daughter someday!"
After being complimented, Olivia shyly ducked closer to Isabella's side.
Isabella felt immensely proud and gently ruffled Olivia's hair.
Her original plan was to take a taxi home with Olivia, but after chatting with the nurse, Isabella saw Richard standing in the doorway.
She had already told Richard last night that Olivia was being discharged today, and he didn't need to come anymore.
"Mr. Spencer, why are you here again?" Isabella asked.
"Olivia's being discharged, and you'll have things to carry home. I came to help—it'll be faster this way." Richard picked up the small bag Isabella had already packed, testing its weight and finding it quite heavy.
Isabella opened her mouth to refuse.
But Richard had already proactively picked up Isabella's packed belongings. "The car's waiting downstairs. I can just drop you both off—it's no trouble at all."
With Richard's help, Isabella quickly finished packing and completed the discharge procedures.
Sitting in Richard's car, Isabella felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Richard was an incredibly thoughtful man—he'd even had a child safety seat installed in the back seat. This made Isabella feel even more unable to accept Richard's kindness without offering something in return.
"Mr. Spencer, you've helped me so much while Olivia was hospitalized. Please let me cook you dinner," she said naturally.
Otherwise, Isabella would feel too guilty.
Richard was playing with Olivia when he heard Isabella's suggestion. He tilted his head and considered it seriously for a moment.
"Let's go to your place. I'd love to try your cooking. That's what we talked about last time—today, we finally have the chance." Richard smiled as he spoke.
Isabella nodded, already planning the evening's menu in her mind.
The Cayenne stopped at a supermarket near Isabella's home. Getting out of the car, Isabella casually asked, "Mr. Spencer, do you have any food allergies or things you particularly dislike?"
"I don't eat carrots, bell peppers, or cilantro."
Olivia, holding Richard's hand, looked up when she heard this. "Mr. Spencer doesn't like the same things I don't like!"
Isabella was genuinely surprised that Richard and Olivia had identical tastes.
Richard laughed again, pleasant crinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes. "When I was little, my family was always pushing nutritional balance, forcing me to eat lots of healthy foods that I hated. So I developed quite an aversion to them as an adult."
Olivia made a sympathetic sound, looking at Richard with newfound compassion.
The foods she disliked, Mom never bought.
Isabella pushed a shopping cart, chatting naturally with Richard. "That's understandable—having food preferences is perfectly normal. There's no need to force yourself to eat things you hate. You can always take vitamins to make up for it."
"If only I could have met you when I was little—it would have saved me a lot of suffering," Richard joked.
"So tonight we'll have Clam Chowder, and I'll make Garlic Butter Shrimp, Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest, and BBQ Baby Back Ribs?" Isabella suggested.
"Isn't that a bit much?" Richard seemed surprised.
Could the three of them really eat that many dishes?
"Since I'm hosting such a distinguished guest, I need to show proper hospitality. I can't very well serve you fast food, can I?"
Isabella said jokingly, and Richard laughed along with her.
As soon as Olivia entered the supermarket, she made a beeline for the snack aisle. Richard looked somewhat concerned and wanted to follow her, but Isabella shook her head to indicate it wasn't necessary.
"We shop at this store regularly—the staff all know us, and there are security cameras everywhere. No need to worry about Olivia getting lost."
The two of them shopped for groceries while Olivia focused on her snack selection in the candy aisle.
Before long, Isabella saw Olivia approaching with an armful of snacks.
"Olivia, little girls can't eat too much candy—you'll get cavities, and your teeth will hurt at night!" Isabella said with a glance.
Olivia nodded earnestly. "I'll brush my teeth really well before bed tonight, so I won't get cavities!"
With that, she turned to go back and select more snacks, walking right up to the display.
A decorative pyramid of soda cans had been bumped by another customer's shopping cart and was beginning to wobble precariously.
Olivia had her back to the soda display, completely unaware of the commotion behind her.
Richard glanced in that direction, initially just wanting to confirm Olivia was still there safely, but instead saw the soda pyramid about to collapse.
His heart leaped to his throat, and he immediately broke into a run toward Olivia.
"Olivia, get out of the way!" Richard shouted.
Olivia looked up curiously in Richard's direction, then turned around to see what was happening.
In that instant, the tower of soda cans came crashing down. Richard quickly grabbed Olivia and shielded her with his own body.
The cans crashed against his back and shoulders with dull, heavy thuds.