Third Person's POV
"Your dream just came true. Our relationship has indeed been exposed." Cedrick's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Ah..." Jessica's face froze in shock. "When did this happen? Have I been asleep for a long time?"
"It just broke out," Cedrick said, placing his phone in front of her.
"I knew it!" Jessica closed her eyes in annoyance. "I really should carry a mask with me at all times."
"You seem unhappy about it," Cedrick observed, his expression stiffening at her obvious regret.
"Of course I'm not happy. If they write more nonsense, won't that drag you into it too?" Jessica replied, her head downcast.
"I don't mind being implicated," Cedrick sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze locked on hers. "Jess, since we've been exposed, let's just get married!"
"Really?" Jessica's eyes widened in disbelief. She blinked hard. "Cedrick, am I dreaming? Are you really... proposing to me?"
Seeing her exaggerated reaction, Cedrick's lips twitched into a smile. "I know it's not the most romantic setting for a proposal, but that's what I'm thinking. We don't need to hide anymore; it's unfair to you."
"I don't feel wronged at all!" Jessica's eyes welled up. Was he showing concern for her?
"But I do. We're together, and I want everyone to know it. Since we've been exposed, let's take this chance to go public," Cedrick gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "What do you think?"
Jessica was overwhelmed by his tender gaze and heartfelt words. Her eyes glistened as she nodded fervently. "That sounds wonderful. To be honest, I don't care what others say about me. I'm just afraid of dragging you and your company into trouble. After all, I... still don't think I'm good enough for you."
Hearing her say she wasn't good enough, Cedrick's eyes darkened.
In the next moment, he pulled her into a gentle embrace. "Don't ever say that again. It's I who don't deserve you."
Jessica's heart swelled with joy.
Had she finally waited long enough?
She knew this man wouldn't make her wait much longer. So happy and fortunate.
The door to the hospital room opened, and a doctor entered with two nurses, only to freeze in embarrassment at the sight of the couple's embrace and quickly retreat.
Cedrick loosened his hold, stood up, and opened the door. "Please come in," he said to the doctor.
The doctor inquired about Jessica's condition, removed her IV, and left after giving some instructions.
The two nurses who followed were visibly excited. After glancing at Jessica and the dashing Cedrick in his suit, they blushed and looked away.
Once Jessica's IV was done, she was cleared for discharge, with a follow-up visit scheduled for the next day.
"Are we just leaving like this? There can't be many people downstairs, right?" Jessica stretched her arms after getting out of bed.
"I've had the driver bring the car to the entrance. We should be fine," Cedrick said softly.
"Wait a second, I need to use the restroom. Could you get me a mask from the nurse's station?" Jessica asked with a wry smile.
Cedrick nodded and left.
When he returned, Jessica had already come out of the bathroom.
She put on the mask and pulled her hair back, covering her face. "I dare not show my bare face!" she said.
Even though Jessica believed she was quite pretty, she was still wary of being photographed unflatteringly. With the mask on, she felt more confident.
Cedrick let out a soft chuckle, his eyes filled with affection.
No matter what Jessica did, she shone in his eyes.
The two exited the room and took the elevator downstairs.
As they entered the lobby, a dozen reporters swarmed them, making both of them stiffen in surprise.
"So many people!" Jessica couldn't believe it. She had expected at most two or three reporters.
When had she become so newsworthy? The sudden influx of reporters puzzled her.
"Jessica, are you and Cedrick dating? What were you at the hospital for?"
"Is it a prenatal checkup? Are you pregnant?"
"When did you two start dating, and how long has it been?"
Sharp questions came flying in, catching them off guard.
Instinctively, Cedrick shielded Jessica with his body. Despite the barrage of questions, he remained composed.
"This is our private matter, and we're not at liberty to discuss it," Cedrick responded coolly before ushering Jessica out instantly.
Thanks to Cedrick's strong presence, the reporters, though eager to probe further, didn't dare to block their path and could only watch as the couple left swiftly.
Once inside the car, Jessica let out a relieved breath.