Chapter 30 Wiping Tears and Snot on Him
Frederick went to settle the bill.
Xandra watched his tall frame walk away, feeling a familiar warmth spread through her heart.
Margaret, who was feverish and a bit disoriented, lay in her arms.
Seeing Frederick leave, she panicked.
"Mommy, is Daddy leaving?"
"No, sweetie, he's just paying the bill. He'll be right back," Xandra reassured her.
Margaret relaxed.
Snuggling into Xandra's arms, she murmured softly, "I like the new Daddy."
Xandra stroked her soft hair, a smile forming at the corner of her lips.
Kids have a keen sense of who genuinely cares for them.
They like Frederick because they can feel his sincere affection.
Soon, Frederick returned.
"Let me hold her."
Xandra was about to say it wasn't necessary, but Margaret had already reached out her arms to him.
Frederick took Margaret and sat down.
Soon, the medical staff came to give Margaret an IV.
Margaret, scared, shrank into his arms.
"Daddy, I don't want a shot."
Frederick gently pressed her head into his chest, shielding her from the sight.
"Don't worry, close your eyes. It'll be over before you know it."
His voice was gentle, and his handsome face caught the nurse's attention.
Noticing her gaze, Frederick's expression turned cold, "Do your job properly. Don't hurt my daughter!"
His sharp look carried the authority of someone in charge.
The nurse felt a chill down her spine, like facing a superior.
She held her breath, not daring to be careless.
The cold needle pierced the small vein on Margaret's hand.
Feeling the pain, Margaret's mouth turned down, and she started to cry.
Frederick quickly soothed her, "It's okay, it'll be over soon."
Xandra chimed in, "Maggie, don't cry. Our Maggie is a brave little princess."
Margaret, hiding in Frederick's arms, gradually quieted down.
After the nurse finished and left, she asked with a bit of grievance, "Am I like Princess Sofia?"
Xandra knew the Sofia her daughter mentioned was a character from a popular Disney series.
The show was about an ordinary girl who became a true princess through a series of magical adventures.
Both her daughters loved watching it.
She nodded, "Yes, Maggie is as brave as Sofia."
Margaret blinked her big eyes.
With tears in them, she unconsciously rubbed her face against Frederick's shirt, smearing it with snot and tears.
In a sweet, childish voice, she said, "I wish Sofia could sleep with me tonight."
Xandra noticed her daughter's actions and felt a bit anxious, glancing at Frederick.
She knew her husband from their quick marriage was very particular.
Men like him often had a bit of a cleanliness obsession.
Now, her daughter had wiped her snot and tears on him!
He must be disgusted!
Frederick did glance at the stain on his shirt but only briefly.
His expression remained calm as he asked, "Who's Sofia?"
Seeing he didn't show any disgust or blame her daughter, Xandra felt a slight stir in her heart.
She quickly replied, "Sofia isn't a person; she's a doll."
Frederick adjusted Margaret in his arms and started chatting to pass the time.
"You like dolls?"
"Yes, Sofia is so pretty! But Mommy says we can't buy her!"
Margaret looked disappointed.
Frederick glanced at Xandra, "You can't buy dolls?"
"Yes, those Disney dolls are super popular. I've tried to get one a few times, but no luck," Xandra explained.
"Really?"
Frederick noted Margaret's disappointed look and kept it in mind.
Xandra pulled up a chair and sat, watching the IV drip.
Margaret, still feverish, wasn't very energetic.
After a few words, she fell asleep in Frederick's arms.
Frederick held her, occasionally checking the IV drip.
Fortunately, after a few bottles, Margaret's fever went down.
"The fever's gone," Frederick said, touching Margaret's forehead.
Xandra checked her daughter's forehead and responded, "Yeah, let's go home."
Frederick carefully picked up the sleeping Margaret and spoke softly.
Xandra looked up, noticing the red in his eyes. His handsome face showed exhaustion.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Xandra asked, "Did you stay up all night?"
She didn't ask how Frederick noticed Margaret's fever. But she knew he had taken a cold shower before bed because of that soup, so he probably didn't sleep well.
Frederick responded lightly, carrying Margaret out.
Xandra opened her mouth to thank him but said nothing. A simple thank you felt too inadequate. She would show her gratitude by treating him well in the future.
The three left the hospital and headed to the outdoor parking lot.
Just then, Vivian stepped out of a taxi, holding a thermos.
She glanced around and spotted Xandra and Frederick. Seeing Frederick's face clearly, she was stunned.
Who was he? Why was he with Xandra? Was he Xandra's quick marriage husband?
"Xandy," Vivian called out, walking over gracefully.
Xandra hadn't expected to see her here. They were no longer friends, and she wasn't planning to engage. But Vivian, shameless as ever, acted like a concerned friend.
"What are you doing at the hospital at this hour? Is your child unwell?"
"Yes, my daughter had a fever. My husband came with us to see the doctor," Xandra said, linking her arm with Frederick's. Vivian was clearly fishing for information about Frederick. So, Xandra decided to give her what she wanted.
"Is he your new husband?"
Her guess confirmed, Vivian felt uneasy. She had heard from Lucius that Xandra's quick marriage husband was very handsome. But she hadn't expected him to be this handsome! Lucius said he was gay, but Xandra didn't agree. So, was he gay or not?
"Yes," Xandra smiled slightly and introduced, "Ray, this is my not-so-close friend, Vivian Cooper."
Frederick glanced at Vivian, his voice cold and mocking. "She and Lucius are a perfect match. One's trash, the other's cheap. Perfect!"
Xandra couldn't help but laugh out loud. What a sharp tongue. But she liked it!
"Let's go, honey. Let's go home."
It was her third time calling him "honey." Frederick liked the sound of it more and more, smiling slightly as they walked past Vivian.
Vivian's face twisted with anger at their insults. Watching Frederick open the car door for Xandra, his every move exuding flawless charm, she nearly ground her teeth.
How did Xandra get so lucky? She was supposed to be down and out, yet she suddenly married such a handsome man! If he were gay, she'd feel a bit better. But if he wasn't…