Chapter 550 The Report is Real

If it were any other time, Olivia would have left without a second thought.

But seeing Daniel lying in that hospital bed, she felt a sudden pang of guilt.

If he hadn't been protecting her, Daniel wouldn't be so badly hurt.

Leaving now would seem ungrateful.

Olivia resolutely sat by Daniel's bedside. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll leave when you're mostly healed."

Olivia hated owing anyone. Staying a few days would be her way of repaying him.

Daniel hadn't expected her to stay and was momentarily stunned.

"Thanks for sticking around."

Olivia awkwardly brushed her hair back. "Don't read too much into it. I'm staying to thank you for saving me."

The atmosphere between them was a bit awkward. Daniel seemed to ignore her explanation, his expression softening with relief.

"Your staying is enough. I wouldn't ask for more."

Daniel's humble demeanor left Olivia at a loss for words. Sensing the private nature of the moment, Wesley tactfully excused himself and stepped out of the hospital room.

Now alone, Olivia lowered her head slightly. "The nurse just brought some medication. Should I help you apply it?"

Before she could finish, the door abruptly swung open.

Maggie, dressed in a crisp military uniform, strode in. "Time to change your bandages, Daniel. I'll help you."

Maggie was completely at ease, showing no embarrassment.

Olivia knew there was nothing between Maggie and Daniel, but hearing this still made her heart ache a little.

So, there was someone else who cared for Daniel this much?

Were they close enough to tend to each other's wounds?

Olivia remained silent, but Daniel's face darkened unusually. "Maggie, we're just comrades. My wife can handle this. No need to trouble you."

Maggie's face turned to disappointment at Daniel's words. "I've always done it before. Ms. Smith hasn't, so she won't be as skilled."

Maggie elevated herself while belittling Olivia.

Normally, Olivia wouldn't bother to explain, but her competitive spirit was ignited. She looked at Maggie, her voice calm.

"I studied medicine, Ms. Jade. Do you think your expertise surpasses mine?"

There was a hint of challenge in her words, but Olivia's expression remained serene, making it hard to tell if she was angry.

Maggie's confidence wavered. "But you don't know Daniel like I do..."

Daniel, lying on the bed, finally interrupted. "We've been married for years. She knows every inch of my skin better than you."

Maggie's face turned pale. "But Daniel, you know I..."

Daniel didn't listen, his gaze softening as he looked at Olivia. "Honey, please help me with the bandages."

Daniel rarely called her honey, even after they got married. Olivia felt a bit uncomfortable but nodded slowly. "Okay."

Seeing the two of them so close, Maggie stomped her foot in frustration and stormed out of the room.

Once she was gone, Daniel spoke. "I know her feelings. If I didn't say that, she'd still think she had a chance."

Maggie's intentions were clear; she obviously had feelings for Daniel.

Olivia didn't care about their relationship, smirking slightly. "You've always had many admirers. Being pursued by so many beautiful women is something most men would envy."

Daniel understood her sarcastic tone and patiently explained. "She did help me once, but only that one time. It was just a wound on my arm. There was nothing between us."

That single interaction had been misinterpreted by Maggie as Daniel's indulgence.

If Daniel had known Maggie would hold onto it, he wouldn't have allowed even that one time.

Olivia lifted his shirt. "Stop talking. Let me change your bandages."

"I know you don't believe me, but I've only ever been with you."

Olivia smirked. If Ava heard, she'd be furious!

Just as Olivia was about to retort, she saw the wounds on Daniel's back.

The numerous cuts covered his back. Before the glass was removed, the wounds didn't look so bad, but after surgery, the cleaned and treated areas looked gruesome.

Daniel had a great physique, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and his back muscles were well-defined.

Now, the wounds resembled grotesque blooming roses across his back, somehow both disturbing and hauntingly beautiful in their way.

Most people would be unable to speak through such pain, yet Daniel had endured it all without complaint.

Seeing the wounds, Olivia stopped criticizing him.

"I don't want to talk about the past."

But Daniel didn't give up. "I want to explain about Ava. The truth isn't what you think."

Olivia didn't understand his intentions, but she felt a sense of dread.

Everything related to Ava brought painful memories. Over time, Olivia had grown to fear hearing her name.

"What does your relationship with her have to do with me?"

Despite the heavy shadow, Olivia tried to act indifferent.

She thought she was hiding it well, but her distracted expression betrayed her.

Even if they were no longer together, she still cared about Daniel and Ava's past.

After all, it meant betrayal.

Daniel didn't delay this time, revealing the truth. "The paternity test I showed you was real."

Olivia instinctively wanted to refute. "How is that possible?"

She remembered clearly what happened after the accident.

When she woke up, she was told her child had died, while Ava had given birth to fraternal twins.

This was a shadow that Olivia couldn't shake.

"If I had a reason to lie before, why would I lie now?"

Daniel smiled as he spoke, his eyes gentle and firm.