Chapter 374
Serena’s POV
I coughed for a long time before finally regaining my composure. Her question had caught me completely off guard.
"I'm so sorry," Hattie rushed to explain, her eyes wide with concern. "It's just that, because of my health condition, I don't really have many other friends. I'm just curious about how couples interact with each other. I've always felt like what Mateo and I have is... different from normal relationships."
Seeing how nervous she looked, I quickly reassured her. "It's fine, I just choked a little. Don't worry about it."
"So... may I ask about how things are between you and your boyfriend?" Hattie asked, her voice gentle but persistent.
I hesitated, unsure of what she was fishing for, but replied anyway. "What would you like to know?"
"Well... have you two slept together?" Hattie asked, her cheeks flushing pink even as her eyes remained determined.
The question was incredibly personal, and I felt heat rising to my own face. Still, I answered, "We... haven't yet."
"Why not?" Hattie's surprise was evident in her voice. "I thought Mateo and I were the only ones. I looked it up online, and everything said that once you're officially dating, couples usually become intimate. But Mateo has never shown any interest in sleeping with me. I thought there was something wrong with our relationship, but it seems you're the same."
I needed to come up with an excuse, something that wouldn't reveal anything suspicious. "I... I've had some unpleasant experiences in the past. And besides, we've only recently made things official, so it's not the right time yet."
"Do you think that after dating Mateo for two years, we should have been intimate by now?" Hattie asked with such earnestness that it was almost painful to witness.
I contemplated her question silently. Logically, yes, that would be the natural progression. We live in an open-minded society, and physical intimacy is a normal part of a deep relationship. Especially for Mateo and Hattie, who grew up in more liberal environments overseas—it seemed strange that they would still maintain such physical distance.
Unless... Mateo had some issue?
The thought struck me suddenly, and I realized it might actually be possible. I'd had physical contact with Mateo several times for various reasons, and he had never shown any sign of—
No. I suddenly remembered that morning. The feeling...
"Are you blushing, Serena?" Hattie asked, studying my face intently.
Her observation only made me more aware of the heat in my cheeks. "No, it's probably just the fever that hasn't fully subsided," I explained awkwardly.
"Your cold seems worse than Mateo's. His fever went down considerably after getting IV fluids," Hattie remarked, then pressed again, "What do you think could be wrong between Mateo and me?"
After some thought, I offered what seemed like the most reasonable explanation: "Perhaps he's worried about your health. Maybe he's afraid of hurting you, so he's been holding back."
After all, Hattie had a heart condition. That kind of activity, especially the first time, could impact her heart. To prevent any risk to Hattie, Mateo might have been restraining himself—that had to be the most logical explanation.
"Really?" Hattie's face instantly brightened with joy. "I was afraid Mateo didn't love me enough."
Seeing her innocent reaction, I continued, "Don't overthink it. When a man truly loves a woman, he won't let her suffer even the slightest harm."
"That makes me feel so much better," Hattie said with relief. "We're getting married soon anyway, so after the wedding... he won't hold back anymore, right? Besides, my doctor said my heart is almost like a normal person's now. As long as we're not excessive, there shouldn't be any issues."
I nodded slightly, agreeing with her assessment.
"You're so kind, Serena. Thank you for helping me understand. Otherwise, I would have kept obsessing over this," Hattie said with genuine gratitude.
"I'm not giving advice, just sharing what I see as the facts," I replied softly.
"Mmhmm," Hattie nodded obediently. "Well, I should go keep Mateo company now. If you need anything, just call me, and I'll come right over to be with you."
"Alright," I answered briefly.
As I watched her innocent figure leave the room with a happy bounce in her step, my eyes grew dark with suspicion.
If initially I had merely wondered whether Hattie was testing me, now I was certain of it. Hattie was definitely probing to see if there was something between Mateo and me.
She deliberately mentioned that she and Mateo hadn't been intimate to gauge my reaction, to see if I would show any hint of delight at this news. And by getting me to suggest that Mateo hadn't been intimate with her because of her health condition, she was indirectly emphasizing how strong their relationship was, how much Mateo cared for her—essentially warning me not to harbor any inappropriate feelings.
Indeed, Hattie was far more cunning than she appeared.