Chapter 102 She Was Being Sentimental
Chapter 102 She Was Being Sentimental
At that moment, he seemed instantly softened by a gentle spring breeze, all his sharp edges smoothed away, even his straight posture becoming tender.
He swiped to answer and put the phone to his ear.
"Claire?"
Just that name, coming from his thin lips, carried a gentleness and affection Isabella had never heard before.
His voice was low and pleasant, like whispers between lovers, tender and deeply affectionate.
She never expected Terry to have this side. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed such a tone could come from Terry's mouth.
Isabella's heart felt like something had stabbed it hard, and a sour, aching pain quickly spread through her.
Since that day, Isabella had done a simple investigation into Claire.
Because she seemed hostile, for the sake of the children and herself, she had to be on guard.
She was the daughter of the Ramirez family, famously talented and beautiful, and supposedly had known Terry since childhood, with a very close relationship.
"Just finished work, at the hospital checking on Oliver." He explained to the person on the other end, his tone natural and open, without any concealment.
Whatever was said on the other end made Terry laugh softly, that laugh full of indulgence.
"Okay, stop working, I'll be right back."
"What do you want to eat? I can pick something up on the way?"
"No need, don't we still have the ingredients from last time at home? I'll cook when I get back." His voice grew even gentler, with a soothing quality, "Just wait for me, and don't go into the kitchen again and get yourself all flustered."
These words were like a sharp dagger, precisely piercing Isabella's heart, then twisting cruelly.
What kind of bone-deep intimacy would allow someone to speak such naturally affectionate words... So there was another woman at home waiting for him, waiting for him to come back and cook for her.
That tenderness unknown to others had never been meant for her.
It didn't belong to her five years ago, and didn't belong to her now.
Good thing she didn't need it anymore. The surge of emotion and attraction she'd just felt now seemed so ridiculous and ironic.
Isabella felt like a complete joke.
She had thought she meant something different to him.
She had been moved by his quiet devotion, had even wanted to go out and say some words of thanks to him.
Now thinking back, how presumptuous of her.
Everything he did for her was perhaps really just out of duty, out of compensation, and guilt toward the two children.
That's all.
Compared to Claire on his phone, what was she?
Overwhelming disappointment and embarrassment rushed in like cold tides from all directions, drowning her completely. Her body, which had been burning hot from emotion just moments ago, cooled down inch by inch until even her fingertips felt cold.
She slowly turned around, preparing to return to the ward, as if nothing had happened.
Like a shameful thief who had spied on someone else's happiness, she retreated step by step into the shadows in panic and awkwardness, then turned and went back into the room.
She gently closed the door, shutting out the sounds from outside.
In the room, Oliver was still sleeping sweetly, his little face wearing a satisfied smile.
Isabella walked to the bedside and sat down weakly.
She took a deep breath, pushing all her vulnerability and resentment back to the deepest part of her heart.
When she looked up again, the moisture in her eyes had faded, leaving only indifference.
Just then, there were two light knocks on the door, and Terry pushed it open, leaning half his body in.
He had finished his call, his face returning to that distant, detached expression, though a trace of lingering tenderness remained in his brows.
"I still have some things at the company, so I'll head out first." He looked at Isabella sitting by the bed, assuming she'd been here with Oliver the whole time, completely unaware of anything unusual. "If there's any change with Oliver, call me anytime."
Isabella didn't turn around, just responded flatly, her voice revealing no emotion.
Terry seemed used to her coldness and didn't think much of it. He nodded and turned to leave.
The sound of his steady footsteps gradually faded down the corridor.
Only after the footsteps completely disappeared did Isabella slowly turn her head, looking toward the empty doorway with complicated eyes.
In the following days, Isabella poured all her energy into Oliver and Amelia.
Oliver's health improved visibly. The special medicine was remarkably effective; his pale little face gradually became rosy, his thin body gained weight, and the light in his eyes grew brighter day by day.
On this day, after the doctor's rounds, he smiled and said to Isabella, "Oliver's recovery is excellent. All his vital signs are returning to normal. After a few more days of observation, if his condition remains stable, he can be discharged. As long as he takes care of himself afterward, he'll be just like any normal child."
This news was the first thing in a long time that made Isabella genuinely happy.
"Mommy, I want to go to Disneyland!" Oliver, hearing he was getting better, immediately made his request excitedly. "I want to ride roller coasters and the carousel!"
Looking at Oliver's big eyes full of anticipation, Isabella's heart melted completely.
Oliver had been in the hospital too long. It was time to take him out.
"Okay, when you get a bit better, I will take you. But no roller coasters, okay? You can ride the carousel as much as you want!"
Roller coasters were too intense and exciting; Luna didn't dare let Oliver take that risk.
He could ride them later when his condition was more stable.
"I'm better now!" Oliver tugged at her sleeve, acting cute.
Just as Isabella was hesitating, the door opened, and a cool, clear voice interrupted.
"Want to go to Disneyland? Well, let's go today."
Glenn walked in, followed by a little boy who resembled him but looked particularly quiet and delicate, Vincent.
"Glenn! Vincent!" Oliver immediately called out happily.
He jumped down from the bed, no different from any normal child. Oliver was very enthusiastic, immediately hugging Vincent.
Vincent hid shyly behind Glenn, softly calling out, "Oliver."
Glenn glanced at the lively Oliver, his eyes showing affection. "Looks like Oliver's recovered well these past few days."
"What brings you here?" Isabella was somewhat surprised.
"Vincent missed Oliver, so I brought him to visit." Glenn's gaze fell on Oliver with a touch of warmth. "Just happened to hear your plans. Vincent has never been to Disneyland either. How about we all go together today?"